Filament winding apparatus and method

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneously winding at least two filament reinforced thermoplastic strips onto a mandrel or similar form, comprising: a rotatable mandrel for receiving the strips; a winding assembly for rotating the mandrel and winding the strips onto the mandrel; a strip feeder, for feeding the strips to the mandrel as the mandrel rotates; and a joining assembly, located between the feeder and the mandrel, for ceaselessly urging the strips into generally parallel, contiguous juxtaposition. The joining assembly comprises an arcuate member having an inside radius positioned to deflectingly contact the strips between the strip feeder and the mandrel. Preferably, the joining assembly is connected to the exit of the strip feeder.