Adjustable Archery Bow Axle with Tool-Free Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing archery bow axles have fixed lengths and require multiple components and tools for assembly and adjustment, leading to fit issues and noise due to manufacturing variances and the need for tool-assisted servicing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable archery bow axle comprising a shaft and end cap with a cavity, allowing for adjustable length by moving the shaft within the cap, and a retainer for tool-free assembly and disassembly, using a snap-fit mechanism and barb serrations for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length axle with single groove and E-clip is used, then the axle can be manufactured simply, but it cannot accommodate manufacturing variances in limb width and requires multiple axle lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The axle transitions from a fixed-length design to an adjustable-length design. The shaft can be positioned at multiple locations along the adjustable portion of the axle, allowing the effective length to be dynamically changed to accommodate different limb widths and manufacturing variances.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle is divided into a fixed portion and an adjustable portion. This segmentation allows the axle to be manufactured as a single component with built-in adjustment capability, eliminating the need for multiple axle length variants while maintaining simplicity.
2Reliability
If E-clips are used to lock the axle, then lateral movement is prevented, but special tools are required for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be installed and removed by hand without requiring special tools. The compression mechanism allows the retainer to be easily compressed to disengage from the groove and spring away, enabling user-friendly assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary between the shaft and the limb. It provides the locking function by engaging the groove while allowing easy installation and removal through hand-compression, replacing the E-clip system that requires tools.
3Reliability
If spring tension clips are used, then the axle can be locked to the limb, but buzzing noises occur due to loose radial fit and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. It provides reliable locking without the vibration and noise problems of spring tension clips, offering a more durable and quieter solution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple axle lengths and spacer components are used, then fit for different limb widths is achieved, but part inventory complexity and unpredictability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable axle design makes the axle itself multi-functional. A single axle model can accommodate multiple limb widths through adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple axle length variants and reducing part inventory complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an archery bow axle comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is configured for fixed attachment to said first portion in one of a plurality of positions. The axle will have a different length in each of the positions. In some embodiments, an axle comprises a shaft and an end cap having a cavity, wherein a portion of the shaft is received in the cavity.