Filament Winding Carousel for Continuous Fiber Reel Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filament winding machines require machine shutdowns for fiber reel changes, significantly reducing production rates.
Innovation Solution
A filament winding machine with a rotating carousel supporting multiple winding systems, allowing one system to operate actively while another undergoes maintenance, such as fiber reel changes, by rotating between active and inactive positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single winding system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to machine shutdowns for reel changes
Solution Approach 1:
The winding system is segmented into multiple independent winding systems (at least two) mounted on the rotating support. Each winding system can operate independently, allowing one system to produce while another undergoes maintenance or reel changes, thereby eliminating production interruptions and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating support structure serves multiple functions: it mounts multiple winding systems, provides rotation capability for positioning, and enables maintenance access. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to improve productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If fiber reels are changed on a single winding system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to machine shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating support enables dynamic repositioning of winding systems between operational and maintenance positions. During operation, winding systems are in the active position; during reel changes, the support rotates to bring maintenance-accessible positions into view, allowing continuous operation while maintaining ease of access for maintenance tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple winding systems are pre-configured on the rotating support, so when one system requires maintenance or reel changes, another system is already in position and ready to take over production immediately, eliminating downtime without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If multiple winding systems are mounted on a rotating support, then the productivity increases through continuous operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple winding systems are merged onto a single rotating support structure, sharing common mounting, rotation mechanism, and control systems. This consolidation allows multiple productive units to operate while using a unified structural platform, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine (1) for winding filaments, in particular onto a liner for manufacturing tanks, comprising a displacement system (3) able to rotate a body (9) about its longitudinal axis (A) and move the body relative to the winding means. The winding means (2) comprise a rotating support (23) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (B), on which at least two winding systems (20a, 20b) are mounted, each winding system comprising a winding head (21a, 21b) associated with storage means (22a, 22b) such that, by rotating said rotating support about its axis of rotation (B), each winding system can be moved into an active position for winding the fibre by means of its winding head, and an inactive position in which an operator can perform maintenance operations.