Angled Crossbow Bumpers for Stable Cocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crossbows have unsightly and bulky stirrups with a small contact patch, which lack stability during cocking operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates forwardmost bumpers on opposite sides of the shooting axis, with angled contacting surfaces ranging from 10 to 30 degrees, providing a stable base and improved friction for engagement with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stirrup is used as the forward-most structure for ground engagement, then the crossbow can be secured on the ground during cocking, but the contact patch is small and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper extends forward beyond the stirrup in the longitudinal dimension and widens in the lateral dimension, transforming a point-contact stirrup into a surface-contact bumper. This dimensional expansion creates a larger contact patch area while maintaining the ground engagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper is divided into multiple contacting surfaces (first contacting surface and second contacting surface) oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each surface to engage the ground at optimal angles, distributing the load and improving overall stability during cocking operations.
2Reliability
If a stirrup is used for ground engagement, then the crossbow can be secured during cocking, but the structure appears unsightly and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper serves multiple functions: it provides ground engagement during cocking, acts as the forward-most structure defining the crossbow's profile, and contributes to the overall aesthetic appearance. By integrating these functions into a single component rather than using a separate stirrup, the design achieves both functionality and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper merges the ground engagement function previously performed by the stirrup with the forward-most structural element of the crossbow. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate, potentially bulky stirrup while maintaining ground engagement capability and improving appearance.
3Reliability
If the contacting surfaces are oriented at non-zero angles (10-30 degrees), then friction and engagement with the ground are improved, but the geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contacting surfaces are oriented at specific angle parameters (10-30 degrees) relative to the shooting axis. This parameter optimization maximizes friction and ground engagement while keeping the geometric complexity manageable through standardized angular ranges.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the stability and usability of crossbows by distributing the weight more effectively and providing a larger contact area for secure cocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
providing a stable base and improved friction for engagement with the ground
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a bow portion comprising a prod and a stock attached to the prod. A bumper comprises the forwardmost surface of the crossbow. The bumper comprises first contacting surface and a second contacting surface. The first contacting surface is oriented at a non-zero angle to the second contacting surface.