Archery Bow Axle Fastener and Threaded Shaft Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing archery bow axle arrangements are not secure enough, leading to fatigue during assembly and disassembly, and can be inadvertently deformed by impact loads, causing the retaining clips to release. There is a need for more precise location and positioning of axles and rotating members relative to the limb members.
Innovation Solution
An archery bow axle assembly featuring a shaft with threaded portions and fasteners that engage each other, supported by bushings and pillow blocks, allowing for precise alignment and secure attachment of rotating members without direct contact, and using reinforced limb structures to distribute loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If E-clips or resiliently deformable snap-on clips are used to secure the axle, then the axle can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the clips experience fatigue during repeated assembly and disassembly and can be inadvertently deformed by impact loads, potentially causing release
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the retaining function from the deformable E-clip and relocates it to the axle shaft itself through grooves and ledges that mechanically interlock with the limb. This removes the weak resilient clip from the critical retention path while maintaining ease of assembly through simple snap-in behavior of the rigid shaft features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a deformable clip to hold the axle, the invention inverts the approach by having the rigid axle shaft contain features (grooves and ledges) that actively engage and lock onto the limb structure. The retention mechanism is built into the axle itself rather than being a separate resilient element.
2Ease of manufacture
If the axle has a predetermined length greater than the limb width allowing grooved end portions to protrude, then E-clips can be installed, but precision in locating the axle and rotating member with respect to limb members is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces bearing members as intermediary elements between the axle shaft and the limb. These bearing members provide precise locating surfaces and positioning features that define the exact location and orientation of the rotating member relative to the limb, eliminating the need for the axle shaft itself to provide precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the axle assembly into distinct functional components: the shaft provides structural support and retention engagement, while separate bearing members provide precise positioning and rotation support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
3Device complexity
If a single groove at each end of the axle accepts a retaining clip, then the structure is simple, but the arrangement is not secure enough against impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple retention features (grooves and ledges) directly into the axle shaft structure, creating an integrated retention system that combines the simplicity of a single-piece shaft with the security of multiple engagement points. The grooves and ledges work together to prevent both axial and radial movement under impact loads.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, an archery bow comprises a limb and an axle assembly supported by the limb. The axle assembly comprises a shaft having a threaded portion and a fastener arranged to engage the threaded portion.