Archery Bow Limb Core Member Sandwich Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional archery bow limbs made of synthetic composite materials like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and fiberglass are expensive, difficult to manufacture, and prone to inconsistencies, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A bow limb design featuring an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member, where the core member is sandwiched between the outer and inner members, allowing for relative movement and using materials like high-strength steel for the outer and inner members and elastomeric materials for the core, facilitating easier manufacturing and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic composite materials like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic are used for bow limbs, then strength and performance are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bow limb is divided into multiple discrete components: an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member. These segments can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled together, reducing the manufacturing complexity of individual parts while maintaining the overall structural integrity and strength of the composite limb.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining different materials - the outer and inner elongate members are made of stiff material while the core member is made of elastomeric material. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its optimal properties (strength from stiff materials, flexibility from elastomeric material) while being manufactured through relatively simple processes compared to traditional carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.
2Reliability
If synthetic composite materials are used for bow limbs, then performance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bow limb into separate manufacturable components (outer member, inner member, core member), each part can be produced using straightforward manufacturing processes with consistent quality control. The standardized assembly process ensures performance consistency across production batches without requiring complex manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from difficult-to-manufacture carbon-fiber composites to more manufacturable materials (stiff materials for outer/inner members, elastomeric material for core). This parameter change maintains structural performance while dramatically improving ease of manufacture through conventional fabrication methods.
3Strength
If conventional synthetic composite materials are used, then strength is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive carbon-fiber reinforced plastic with more cost-effective materials for the outer and inner elongate members, while using elastomeric material for the core. This substitution maintains the necessary strength and performance characteristics while reducing material costs and manufacturing expenses associated with traditional composite materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines affordable stiff materials with elastomeric material to achieve the required mechanical properties. This approach provides cost-effective alternat
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 design reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while providing predictable performance, eliminating the need for tuning and matching of bow limbs, and offers a durable and efficient alternative to traditional materials.
Implementation Method 1
The core member is formed of a third material and is sandwiched between the outer elongate member and the inner elongate member. The outer elongate member and the inner elongate member are configured to move relative to each other when the limb is bent.
Implementation Method 2
The interior surface of the outer elongate member includes first textured portions. The interior surface of the inner elongate member includes second textured portions. Each of the first and second textured portions interface with the core member to facilitate mechanical coupling and resistance of shear between the core member and the outer and inner elongate members.
Data Source
AI summary
A limb for an archery bow is provided. The limb includes an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member. The outer elongate member is formed of a first material and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner elongate member is formed of a second material and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The core member is formed of a third material and is sandwiched between the outer elongate member and the inner elongate member. The core member is coupled with at least a portion of each of the interior surfaces of the outer elongate member and the inner elongate member. The outer elongate member and the inner elongate member are configured to move relative to each other when the limb is bent. The first material and the second material are each stiffer than the third material.