Apparatus and method for manufacture of braided preforms

Abstract

A braiding apparatus may comprise a braiding machine, a lower guide mechanism, and an upper guide mechanism. The lower guide mechanism may comprise a multiple-axis robot or a multiple axis-mechanism. The upper guide mechanism may comprise a multiple-axis robot or a multiple axis-mechanism.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A braiding apparatus comprising,
 a braiding machine   a lower guide mechanism comprising either
 a multiple-axis robot; or 
 a multiple axis-mechanism; and 
   an upper guide mechanism comprising either
 a multiple-axis robot; or 
 a multiple axis-mechanism. 
   
     
     
         2 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the braiding apparatus is adapted for operational engagement with an overbraid form assembly,
 said overbraid form assembly comprising
 an overbraid form having a leading form edge, 
 a lead guide tool affixed to the leading edge, and 
 a trailing guide tool; and 
   said operational engagement with the overbraid form assembly comprising
 the forming of a braid over the overbraid form by the braiding machine, and either
 engagement of the trailing guide tool by the lower guide mechanism, or 
 engagement of the lead guide tool by the upper guide mechanism. 
 
   
     
     
         3 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the braiding apparatus is adapted for operational engagement with a start assembly,
 said start assembly comprising
 an elongated mandrel; 
 a start guide tool having a leading start edge; and 
 a start interlocking tool; and 
   said operational engagement with the start assembly comprising
 the forming of a braid over the elongated mandrel by the braiding machine, and either
 engagement of the start interlocking tool by the lower guide mechanism, or 
 engagement of the start guide tool by the upper guide mechanism. 
 
   
     
     
         4 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said braiding machine is a maypole braider. 
     
     
         5 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said lead guide tool comprises
 a lead grasp feature adapted for being grasped by the upper guide mechanism; and   a lead interlocking feature.   
     
     
         6 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said trailing guide tool comprises
 a graspable feature adapted for being grasped by the lower guide mechanism; and   a trailing interlocking feature.   
     
     
         7 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said lead guide tool comprises a cutting facilitation feature. 
     
     
         8 . The braiding apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said trailing guide tool comprises a cutting facilitation feature.