Archery Bow Cam Bearings With Continuous Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing archery bow components face challenges in reliably and repeatably handling various loads during the draw cycle, leading to potential misalignment and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A cam assembly for archery bows featuring a bearing system with multiple raceways and sets of balls that distribute loads across discrete sets of balls, forming a continuous load path to enhance axial and radial load thresholds, mitigating moments and preventing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single bearing is used in the cam assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radial load threshold and thrust resistance are insufficient to handle varying loads reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into multiple bearings (first bearing with first and second raceways, second bearing with third and fourth raceways) instead of using a single bearing. Each bearing handles specific portions of the radial and axial loads, distributing the load across multiple ball sets. This segmentation increases reliability by ensuring that no single bearing is overloaded, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design incorporates multiple raceways (first, second, third, and fourth raceways) within the bearing structure, adding a dimensional aspect to load distribution. By creating multiple load paths through different raceways and ball sets, the system handles radial and axial loads more effectively without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Strength
If multiple bearings with multiple raceways are used to increase load threshold, then the radial load threshold and thrust resistance improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is divided into multiple raceways (first, second, third, fourth raceways) with corresponding ball sets. Each raceway-ball combination handles specific load components, with the first and second balls handling radial loads and the third and fourth balls handling axial loads. This segmentation increases the radial load threshold by distributing radial forces across multiple ball contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports radial loads through the first and second balls, handles axial loads through the third and fourth balls, and provides rotational support for the cam. This multi-functionality increases the effective strength and load threshold without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple bearings are used to increase thrust resistance, then the axial load threshold improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented to include specific ball sets (third and fourth balls) dedicated to handling axial loads through the third and fourth raceways. This segmentation ensures that axial thrust forces are distributed across multiple ball contact points rather than concentrated on a single ball, increasing thrust resistance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bearing units are merged into a single integrated bearing assembly where the first bearing and second bearing work together as one functional unit. The inner races and outer races are positioned to create continuous load paths, combining the thrust resistance capabilities of multiple bearings into a unified structure that handles axial loads more effectively than individual bearings could alone.
4Manufacturing precision
If bearings are positioned to occupy the entirety of the cam width, then the load distribution is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is pre-configured with spacers positioned between the bearings to establish correct spacing and alignment before final installation. The spacers are pre-positioned to ensure that the inner races and outer races form continuous load paths, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly. This preliminary positioning action ensures optimal load distribution while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
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
The bearing system improves load distribution and reduces friction, ensuring consistent performance and durability of archery bow components by maintaining alignment under varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing system improves load distribution and reduces friction, ensuring consistent performance and durability of archery bow components by maintaining alignment under varying loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing for an archery bow having an inner race and an outer race. The inner and outer races can define two or more raceways at least partially retaining respective sets of balls. In some examples, the bearing can be disposed within a cam or eccentric of the archery bow. In some examples, two or more bearings can be disposed within the cam. Each respective inner race of the two or more bearings can contact one another to form a continuous load path in some examples.