Rotational Braiding Machine with Dynamic Guides for Pattern Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary braiding machines are limited in producing braids with consistent crossing patterns and lack the ability to produce braids with more stable mechanical properties under stress, as well as flexibility in crossing patterns.
Innovation Solution
A rotary braiding machine with adjustable laying elements controlled by a cam ring and drive system, allowing for varying movement patterns and speeds of braiding material carriers to create diverse crossing patterns and enhance mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotary braiding machines use fixed guides and consistent carrier movement, then the machine structure is simple and easy to operate, but the crossing pattern is limited to consistent patterns only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guides movable instead of fixed. The guides are designed to change their position dynamically during the braiding process, allowing them to move between different radial positions relative to the braiding center. This dynamic movement enables the same machine structure to produce both consistent and variable crossing patterns, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing guides that can perform multiple functions. The same guide structure can produce consistent crossing patterns when positioned in a first radial position and variable crossing patterns when positioned in a second radial position. This multi-functionality allows a single machine configuration to achieve multiple braiding patterns without requiring separate dedicated guides for each pattern type.
2Strength
If braiding material carriers rotate at constant speeds in opposite directions, then the machine operation is simple and stable, but the mechanical stability of the braid under stress is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling variable speed control of the braiding material carriers. Instead of rotating at constant speeds, the carriers can adjust their rotational speeds dynamically during operation. This allows optimization of the braiding process to achieve superior mechanical stability in the resulting braid, while the control system manages the complexity of variable speed operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine produces braids with consistent crossing patterns only, then the machine structure is simple, but the product versatility and application range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide system dynamic by allowing guides to change their radial positions. When guides are positioned in the first radial position, they produce consistent crossing patterns suitable for applications requiring uniformity. When positioned in the second radial position, they produce variable crossing patterns for applications requiring pattern diversity. This dynamic repositioning capability provides product versatility without permanently complicating the machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the radial position parameter of the guides. By changing this spatial parameter, the machine can transition between producing consistent and variable crossing patterns. This parameter-based control allows flexible adaptation to different product requirements while maintaining a relatively simple underlying machine structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotational braiding machine (100) and to an associated method for operating a rotational braiding machine (100). The rotational braiding machine (100) has a plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a), a plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b), a movement unit, a drive and a controller. The movement unit is arranged and designed in order to move relocating elements (300) associated with the first braiding material carriers (200a) in each case between a first position and a second position. The drive is designed: to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a first rotation direction; and to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a second rotation direction which is different from the first rotation direction. The controller is additionally designed to control the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the relocating elements (300) can be adjusted.