Abstract:
A three dimensional braid includes a plurality of first plaits adjacent one another oriented in a first direction and a plurality of second plaits adjacent one another oriented in a transverse second direction intertwined forming a braid with each first plait intersecting each of the plurality of second plaits in succession. Each first plait includes a first group of tows and a second group of tows, each of the tows in the first group of tows corresponding to one of the tows in the second group of tows in pairs of first plait tows. Each second plait includes a plurality of tows. For each first plait, one of the first plait pairs crosses over a subset of second plait tows at each intersection of the first plait and successive second plaits forming a series of braid points along the first plait.
Abstract:
Electrically conductive braided structures having resistivity are disclosed. In an embodiment a structure comprises a plurality of nonconductive bias tows formed of fibers of a nonconductive material and at least one conductive tow formed of fibers including at least one conductive material. The plurality of nonconductive bias tows and the at least one conductive tow are arranged to form a braided structure.
Abstract:
Various methods (1000, 1100) can be employed to apply a braided product to an irregular core. Application can occur while preserving the integrity of the braided structure. A system (200) can be designed in turn to apply a braided product to an irregular core (212). The system can include a mandrel (206) that prevents distortion of the braid during application. System (200) can additionally include a pinch clamp (210) and cam track assembly (214) that are designed based at least in part on the irregular core (212). Further, a mandrel (100) can be designed to prevent distortion of braiding of a braided structure by maintaining constant length in all directions.
Abstract:
A braiding system having a plurality of mobile carrier devices movable under its own power, each mobile carrier including a plurality of wheels, a motor driving the wheels, a power source, a controller, and a pick-up unit having a receiver. Each of the plurality of mobile carriers has a tow carrier positioned in the receiver, and each mobile carrier is simultaneously movable along a virtual track-less path predetermined for each individual carrier, such that the simultaneous movement of the mobile carrier devices along their predetermined paths form a braid.