Radial Braiding Machine Non-Circular Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radial braiding machines struggle to produce uniform braids for non-circular cross-sections, leading to thread distortions and non-uniformity, especially in flat braids, due to the limitations of circular braiding rings and clapper mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A radial braiding machine with a braiding ring having a non-circular internal cross-section, such as oval or elliptical, and a thread deflection mechanism where the braiding ring's front side protrudes differently at various points, allowing for adjustable thread tension and placement, enabling precise control over thread intersections and core alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a circular braiding ring is used in a radial braiding machine, then the machine can produce round braided tubes with high uniformity and thread flow, but it cannot produce braids with non-circular cross-sections without thread distortion and irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce various cross-sectionsVSAvoidthread uniformity and regularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by changing the braiding ring's inner cross-section from circular to non-circular (oval, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal) to match the desired braid cross-section. This asymmetric design allows the braiding ring to accommodate cores with varying cross-sections without causing thread distortion, thereby enabling production of flat braids and other non-circular shapes while maintaining thread uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by making different parts of the braiding ring have different properties - specifically, the inner cross-section is shaped differently at different locations (oval, elliptical, or polygonal) to match the local requirements of the core being braided. This localized adaptation allows each region of the braiding ring to work optimally with the corresponding section of the core, preventing thread distortion at edges and maintaining uniformity throughout the braid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If a braiding ring with non-circular inner cross-section is used, then thread placement and tension can be optimized for various core shapes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread placement precision and tension uniformityVSAvoidbraiding ring design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the braiding ring's inner cross-section (shape, size, orientation) to match the core being braided. The braiding ring can be configured with oval, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sections, and can be rotated to different orientations. This parameter adaptation allows precise control over thread placement and tension without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the braiding ring front protrudes partially from the thread exit plane, then thread tension and placement position can be manipulated to improve braiding properties, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension control and placement accuracyVSAvoidbraiding ring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the braiding ring front protrusions beyond the thread exit plane in the axial direction. These protrusions create additional spatial zones where threads can be guided and tensioned. By manipulating the height, position, and shape of these protrusions, the patent achieves precise control over thread placement and tension without requiring separate control mechanisms for each thread.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3108049B1Radial braiding machine
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 SGL KUMPERS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3108049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3108049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3108049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a radial braiding machine comprising stationary thread and braiding thread feeds via a bobbin transmission (1), a braiding ring (5) through which the stationary threads (2) and braiding threads (3) are guided, and at least one transport device (10) for the transport of a core (6) around which to braid, characterized in that the braiding ring (5) has a non-circular inner cross-section when seen in projection onto a thread exit plane E1 spanned by the bobbin transmission (1).