COMPOSITE-TAPE PLACEMENT HEAD

• US 3,775,219 A
• Filed: 04/05/1971
• Issued: 11/27/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ethridge E. Hardesty, Harald E. Karlson
• Original Assignee: Ethridge E. Hardesty, Harald E. Karlson
• Inventors: Karlson, Harald E., Hardesty, Ethridge E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Torchin, Norman G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kimlin, Edward C.
• Application Number:
  US05/131,191
• Time in Patent Office: 967 Days
• Field of Search: 156/353,355,523,526,527,363,522
• US Class Current: 156/363
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/388 Tape placement heads, e.g. component parts, details or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/545 Perforating, cutting or machining during or after moulding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1361 Cutting after bonding

Abstract

An integrally complete composite-tape placement head for direct attachment to a host gantry type of machine, which tape placement head is designed to precisely apply preimpregnated fiber reinforced tape to a work piece. The tape is initially supplied in the form of a roll with a suitable backing. The tape is automatically peeled from the backing by a separator mechanism and thereafter applied to the work piece. A powered cut-off device is actuated by a photoelectric mechanism to sever the tape at a proper location and at a preestablished angle. The determination of the pre-established angle is accomplished by a photoelectric edge sensing mechanism.

Claims

2. The tape applicator of claim 1 further characterized in that means are provided for rotating said support means so that said tape is applied to said receiving surface in a direction opposite the direction of relative movement during application of a previous tape to said receiving surface.

3. The tape applicator of claim 1 further characterized in that drive means are provided for causing relative movement between said tape applicator and said receiving surface, deceleration means operatively associated with said drive means for decreasing the speed of said relative movement upon detection of said predetermined position and in advance of said predetermined position.

4. The tape applicator of claim 1 further characterized in that said tape supply means comprises a supply spool of said tape, and means are operatively associated with said tape supply means for positively driving said tape supply means to dispense tape from said supply spool.

5. A tape applicator for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands to a work surface, and which strands are preimpregnated with a curable resin-type matrix, said tape dispensing applicator comprising support means, tape supply means operatively retained by said support means for dispensing said filament containing tape, application means located in proximity to said work surface for receiving said dispensed tape and applying same directly to said work surface, radiation type pre-heating means located intermediate said tape supply means and said application means for passing radiation into said pre-impregnated tape after dispensing of said tape from said supply means and during movement of said tape past said pre-heating means, and motive means for automatically shifting said pre-heating means to a position where substantial radiation is not directed toward said tape when said tape is not moving with respect to said pre-heating means, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the work surface.

6. The tape applicator of claim 5 further characterized in that the tape dispensable frOm the tape supply means is initially provided with and lies in contact with a removable backing member, means for removing said backing member from said tape prior to introduction into a location where it receives said radiation, and further means for reintroducing said tape into contact with said backing member after subjection to said radiation.

7. In an applicator for applying reinforcing strands comprised of a plurality of substantially parallel textile filaments to a work piece while relative movement exists between said applicator and work piece;

means carried by said tape applicator for applying radiant energy directly to said work piece, means selectively locatable on said work piece to generate a differential reflected radiant energy response at a predetermined end position on said work piece, sensing means for detecting a predetermined end position on said work piece representing a desired terminal end location for the piece of strand being applied to said work piece, said sensing means including a radiation active element carried by said tape applicator and being located to scan the radiant energy reflected from said receiving surface, said sensing means being operable to generate an electrical signal responsive to receipt of the differential reflected radiant energy response upon sensing of said predetermined end position, means operatively associated with said sensing means for establishing a predetermined angle with respect to the predetermined end position on said work piece, and cutting means operatively connected to said sensing means for automatically cutting said strands to terminate at said desired predetermined end position and conformable to said predetermined angle, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands when removed from said work piece.

8. In the applicator of claim 7, said sensing means comprising a first radiation active sensing element initially detecting said predetermined end position, and a second radiation active sensing element capable of being shifted into a position where said first and second elements are aligned with said predetermined end position to thereby establish said predetermined angle.

9. In the applicator of claim 7, further characterized in that said sensing means comprises a first radiation active sensing element initially detecting said predetermined end position, and a second radiation active sensing element capable of being shifted into a position where said first and second elements are aligned with said predetermined end position, and stepping motor means for intermittently shifting said second sensing element until said alignment is achieved to thereby establish said predetermined angle.

10. In the applicator of claim 8, further characterized in that said sensing means comprises a third radiation active sensing element, and deceleration means operatively connected to said third sensing element for slowing down a relative movement between said work piece and applicator upon detecting of said predetermined end position on said work piece.

11. In the applicator of claim 8, further characterized in that said sensing means comprises a first radiation active sensing element initially detecting said predetermined end position, a second radiation active sensing element capable of being shifted into a position where said first and second radiation active sensing elements are aligned with said predetermined end position, stepping motor means for intermittently shifting said second sensing element until said alignment is achieved to thereby establish said predetermined angle, and means operatively connected to said stepping motor means for shifting said cutting means to conform to said predetermined angle.

12. A tape applicator for applying a tape formed of longitudinally extending filament containing reinforcing strands which are pre-impregnated with a curable resin-type matrix to a work piece while relative movement exists between said work piece and applicator;

said applicatoR comprising support means, tape supply means carried by said support means to dispense said tape, cutting means operatively carried by said support means for cutting said strands in advance of a preselected location on said work piece to create terminal ends of said tape coextensive with said preselected location, means for separating said backing member from said tape prior to cutting said strands, means for applying said tape to said work piece, and means for reintroducing the severed portion of the tape into contact with the backing member at least prior to the application of the severed strands to the work piece, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the work piece.

13. The tape application of claim 12, further characterized in that said applicator comprises photoelectric sensing means including a radiation active sensory element for detecting said pre-selected location, and deceleration means operatively connected to said sensory element and being operable to slowdown the speed of said relative movement prior to said preselected location.

14. The tape applicator of claim 12, further characterized in that said photoelectric sensing means includes a radiation active sensory mechanism for detecting a preselected angle on said work piece at said preselected location, and means operatively connecting said sensory element and said cutting means to enable said strands to be cut at said preselected angle.

15. The tape applicator of claim 14, further characterized in that said sensory mechanism includes a first radiation active sensing element initially detecting said preselected angle, and a second radiation active sensing element capable of being shifted into a position where said first and second radiation active sensing elements are aligned with said preselected angle.

16. The tape applicator of claim 14, further characterized in that said photoelectric sensing means includes a first radiation active sensing element initially detecting said preselected angle, and a second radiation active sensing element capable of being shifted into a position where said first and second radiation active sensing elements are aligned with said preselected angle, and stepping motor means for intermittently shifting said second sensing element until said alignment is achieved.

17. A reinforced composite tape applicator for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands on a removable backing member to a work piece, and which strands are pre-impregnated with a curable resin-type matrix, said applicator comprising support means, tape supply means operatively retained by said support means for dispensing said filament containing tape which has been pre-impregnated with said curable matrix, pre-heating means for passing radiation into said pre-impregnated tape during movement of tape past said pre-heating means to initiate a heating of the resin-type matrix impregnated in said strands, means for separating said backing member from said tape prior to passing radiation thereinto, means for applying said tape to a work piece, and means for momentarily causing contact between said tape and backing member just prior to placing said tape on said work piece, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the work piece.

18. The reinforced composite tape applicator of claim 17, further characterized in that means is provided for shifting said pre-heating means to a position where substantial radiation is not directed toward said tape when said tape is not moving with respect to and past said pre-heating means.

19. A tape applicator for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands to a receiving surface during relative movement between said receiving surface and said applicator, and which strands are pre-impreGnated with a resin-type matrix curable material and located on a removable backing member;

said applicator comprising;

a. support means, b. tape supply means operatively retained by said support means for dispensing said filament containing tape therefrom, c. radiation type pre-heating means located to receive the tape dispensed from said tape supply means and passing radiation into said pre-impregnated tape for initiating a heating of the matrix curable material, d. motive means for automatically shifting said pre-heating means to a position where substantial radiation is not directed toward said tape when the tape is not moving with respect to said pre-heating means, e. application means carried by said support means for receiving said tape and applying same directly to said receiving surface during relative movement between said tape applicator and said receiving surface, f. means carried by said tape applicator for applying radiant energy directly to said receiving surface, g. means selectively locatable on said receiving surface to generate a differential radiant energy response at a predetermined end position on said receiving surface, h. sensing means for sensing said predetermined end position with respect to the application of the tape to the receiving surface, i. said sensing means including a radiation active element located to scan the radiant energy reflected from said receiving surface and being capable of generating an electrical signal responsive to receipt of the differential reflected radiant energy response upon sensing of said predetermined end position, j. cutting means operable upon receipt of said electrical signal for automatically severing said tape in advance of said predetermined position to form a terminal edge which will coincide with the predetermined end position, k. said cutting means also including means to form said terminal edge with a proper angle established by and conformable to said predetermined end position, l. means for temporarily separating said tape from said backing member while said tape is being severed by said cutting means so that said backing member is not severed therewith, m. and means for bringing said backing member into contact with said tape momentarily at said application means and separating same therefrom after said tape has been applied to said receiving surface, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the receiving surface.

20. A tape applicator for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands to a receiving surface during relative movement between said receiving surface and said applicator, and which strands are preimpregnated with a resin-type matrix curable material and located on a removable backing member;

said applicator comprising;

a. support means, b. drive means for causing relative movement between said receiving surface and said tape applicator, c. tape supply means including a supply spool containing said tape operatively retained by said support means for dispensing said filament containing tape therefrom, d. means for positively driving said tape supply means to dispense tape from said supply spool, e. radiation type pre-heating means located to receive the tape dispensed from said tape supply means and passing radiation into said pre-impregnated tape for initiating a heating of the matrix curable material during movement of said tape past said pre-heating means, f. separation means for removing said backing member from said tape prior to introduction into a location where said tape receives the radiation, g. motive means for automatically shifting said preheating means to a position where substantial radiation is not directed toward said tape when the tape is not moving with respect to said pre-heating means, h. application means carried by said support mEans for receiving said tape and applying same directly to said receiving surface during relative movement between said tape applicator and said receiving surface, i. sensing means for sensing a predetermined end position and a predetermined angle with respect to the application of the tape to the receiving surface, j. said sensing means including a first radiation active element capable of generating an electrical signal responsive to receipt of radiation, and initially detecting said predetermined angle, k. second radiation active sensing means also capable of generating an electrical signal upon receipt of radiation and being shifted into a position where said first and second radiation active sensing elements are aligned with said predetermined angle, l. stepping motor means for intermittently shifting said second sensing element until said alignment is achieved, m. third radiation active sensing means capable of generating an electrical signal upon receipt of radiation, n. deceleration means operatively associated with said third sensing element and with said drive means for decreasing the speed of relative movement upon detection of said predetermined end position and in advance of said predetermined end position, o. cutting means operable upon receipt of said electrical signals from said first and second radiation active elements for automatically severing said tape in advance of said predetermined position to form a terminal edge which will coincide with the predetermined end position, p. said cutting means also including means to form said terminal edge with a proper angle established by and conformable to said predetermined end position, q. said separation means also being located to temporarily separate said tape from said backing member while said tape is being severed by said cutting means so that said backing member is not severed therewith, r. means for bringing said backing member into contact with said tape momentarily at said application means and separating same therefrom after said tape has been applied to said receiving surface, and s. means for rotating said support means so that said tape is applied to said receiving surface in a direction opposite to the direction of relative movement during application of a previous tape to said receiving surface, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the receiving surface.

21. Apparatus for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands to a work receiving surface forming part of a work element, said apparatus comprising:

a. base means, means for retaining said work element on said base means, b. a gantry member movable on said base means, c. a tape applicator carried by said gantry member and movable therewith over and past said work element, d. said tape applicator including support means, e. tape supply means operatively retained by said support means for dispensing said filament containing tape therefrom, f. radiation type pre-heating means located to receive the tape dispensed from said tape supply means and passing radiation into said pre-impregnated tape for initiating a heating of the matrix curable material, g. application means carried by said support means for receiving said tape and applying same directly to said receiving surface during relative movement between said tape applicator and said receiving surface, h. means carried by said support means for applying radiant energy directly to said work receiving surface, i. means selectively locatable on said receiving surface to generate a differential reflected radiant energy response at a predetermined end position on said receiving surface, j. a radiation active sensing element operatively carried by said support means for scanning the radiant energy reflected from said receiving surface and generating an electRical signal responsive to determination of said differential reflected radiant energy response at said predetermined end position, k. cutting means operable upon receipt of said electrical signal for automatically severing said tape in advance of said predetermined end position to form a terminal edge which will coincide with the predetermined end position, l. and means operatively associated with said cutting means to form said terminal edge with a proper angle established by and conformable to said predetermined end position, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the strands of tape when the pre-impregnated tape is cured and removed from the receiving surface.

22. A tape applicator for applying a tape formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending filament containing strands to a receiving surface, said applicator comprising support means, drive means operatively associated with said support means for causing relative movement between said tape applicator and said receiving surface, tape supply means operatively retained by said support means, tape placement means on said support means for applying said tape to said receiving surface during relative movement between said applicator and said receiving surface, sensing means for sensing a predetermined end position with respect to the application of tape to said receiving surface, said sensing means including a first radiation active element capable of generating a first electrical signal responsive to receipt of radiation upon sensing of said predetermined end position, deceleration means operatively associated with said drive means and said first radiation active element and being operable on receipt of said first electrical signal for decreasing the speed of relative movement in advance of said predetermined end position, said sensing means including a second radiation active element capable of generating a second electrical response to receipt of radiation upon sensing of said predetermined end position, and cutting means operable upon receipt of said second electrical signal for automatically severing said tape in advance of said predetermined end position to form a terminal edge which will coincide with the predetermined end position, said cutting means also including means to form said terminal edge with a proper angle established by and conformable to said predetermined end position, to thereby form a final structural member comprised of the tape when the tape is removed from said receiving surface.