Automatic spool package edge quality assessment and correction algorithm for winding applications

摘要

An algorithm has been designed and tested that permits the automatic and precise laying of optical fiber wire onto spools without buildup and rolloff problems. Winding applications attempt to wind material onto a spool as evenly as possible. To precisely wind optical fiber, a mechanism must distribute the material back and forth across the spool as the spool rotates. This is accomplished by either moving a material distribution mechanism across a fixed rotating spool or moving the spool across a fixed material feed. The turnaround positions of a winding application are the points along the spool rotation axis where the distribution mechanism, or spool in the case of a fixed material feed, reverses direction. Nominal turnaround positions are calculated from the predefined spool geometry and the current package diameter, which can be estimated from the number of material layers on the spool or directly measured as winding proceeds. A tension is applied to the material using a material accumulation mechanism such as a dancer arm. This accumulation mechanism precisely maintains the material tension in spite of minor winding disturbances. It also accumulates, or distributes, material when gross disturbances in the winding surface or at the spool flange edges are encountered.