Arrow Shaft Bend Locator Using Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating the first natural bend of an arrow shaft, such as the Ram Arrow Spine Tester, often stress the arrow shaft and provide inaccurate results due to the use of weights.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support base, arrow supports, a support tower, and a pressure roller unit, along with a vibration module, which allows the arrow shaft to be supported and rotated to identify the first natural bend through 'snapping' feedback without applying weight, reducing friction and stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight is applied to the arrow shaft to find the first natural bend, then the location can be determined, but the arrow shaft is stressed and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based system with a vibration-based system. Instead of hanging weights on the arrow shaft to induce bending, the invention uses a vibration motor to generate vibrations that travel through the arrow shaft, allowing detection of natural bends through vibration patterns without applying static stress or weight to the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies mechanical vibration to the arrow shaft using a vibration motor. The vibration motor generates oscillations that propagate through the arrow shaft, and the natural bends are detected by analyzing the vibration patterns and resonant frequencies, eliminating the need for weight application while maintaining measurement capability.
2Productivity
If traditional weight-based methods are used, then the first natural bend can be located, but the process is time-consuming and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor rapidly excites the arrow shaft at its natural frequencies, allowing quick identification of the first natural bend through resonant response. This vibration-based method is both faster and more accurate than gradual weight application, as it immediately reveals the natural bend locations through vibration patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the slow, manual weight-based system with an automated vibration-based system, the patent achieves both increased productivity (faster measurement) and improved precision (more accurate bend location detection through vibration analysis).
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
Enables quick and accurate location of the first natural bend of an arrow shaft, reducing stress and improving precision compared to prior methods.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration module is used to effectively float the arrow shaft relative to the bearing wheels and thus reduce friction between the same
Implementation Method 2
Each roller wheel is preferably crowned to provide tangential contact with the arrow shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A device for locating a first natural bend of an arrow shaft preferably includes a support base, two arrow supports, a support tower and a pressure roller unit. The support base includes first and second tracks. The two arrow supports are slidably retained in the first track. Each arrow support includes a pair of bearing wheels for retaining an arrow shaft. The support tower includes a tower base and a tower pedestal. The tower base is slidably retained in the first and second tracks. The pressure roller unit includes a pressure base and two bearing wheels. The pressure base is slidably retained vertically relative to the tower pedestal. The two bearing wheels are sized to receive the arrow shaft. The pressure roller unit is lowered on to the arrow shaft. The arrow shaft is rotated with a forefinger and a thumb to determine the location of a valley.