Archery Bow Axle Bearing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing archery bow designs, particularly compound bows with rotating members, face inefficiencies and reduced longevity due to high tension forces and uneven wear on bearings, leading to deflections and mechanical losses.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a plurality of bearings, including a first and second dynamic bearing with differing inner and outer race lengths and shapes, supported by a non-contacting portion of the axle, minimizing the non-contacting length to less than 15% of the axle length, which enhances rotational stability and reduces wear by distributing forces more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bearing arrangements are used with high tension forces, then the bow can function with rotating members, but the bearings experience uneven wear and deflections reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement is segmented into a first dynamic bearing and a second dynamic bearing positioned at different locations along the axle. Each bearing is independently configured with specific inner and outer race lengths to distribute the high tension forces (hundreds of pounds) more evenly, preventing uneven wear and deflections that would reduce bearing longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dynamic bearing is given different local qualities through varying inner race and outer race lengths. The first dynamic bearing has different dimensional proportions than the second dynamic bearing, optimizing each bearing's performance for its specific position and load characteristics, thereby improving overall reliability under high tension forces.
2Reliability
If bearing lengths are increased to reduce wear, then bearing longevity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing configuration employs asymmetry by making the first dynamic bearing different from the second dynamic bearing in terms of inner race and outer race lengths. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes wear distribution and durability without requiring all bearings to be uniformly large, thus managing device complexity while improving bearing durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters (inner race length, outer race length) of the dynamic bearings to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters differently for each bearing, the system achieves improved durability and wear distribution while maintaining reasonable device complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than fundamental design changes.
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
This configuration increases the efficiency and longevity of archery bows by minimizing deflections and wear, reinforcing the axle against bending, and optimizing the distribution of forces across the bearings, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of the bow.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of bearings are supported by the axle, which comprise a first dynamic bearing and a second dynamic bearing
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a limb supported by a riser and an axle supported by the limb. A plurality of bearings are supported by the axle, which comprise a first dynamic bearing and a second dynamic bearing. A rotatable member is supported by the plurality of bearings. The first dynamic bearing is shaped differently from the second dynamic bearing. In some embodiments, the axle comprises a non-contacting length portion comprising less than 15% of the axle length.