Archery Bow Limb Reinforcement via Parallel Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Archery bows face a trade-off between weight and longevity, with heavier bows being stronger but more durable, while lighter bows are fragile and have shorter service life.
Innovation Solution
The archery bow limb design incorporates a reinforcing member oriented parallel to the axle, with brackets engaging the member at equal-but-opposite angles to apply compressive forces, and a secondary reinforcing mechanism to enhance structural integrity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bow is made heavier with stronger materials, then strength and longevity are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bow limb is segmented into multiple functional components: a limb body, a reinforcing member, and brackets. The reinforcing member is a separate component that can be integrated into the limb body to provide additional strength without requiring the entire bow to be made of heavier materials. This segmentation allows selective reinforcement only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bow limb combines different materials with complementary properties: the limb body material provides baseline strength and flexibility, while the reinforcing member material provides enhanced compressive strength. This composite structure achieves superior overall strength without the weight penalty of making the entire bow from the strongest material.
2Weight of moving object
If the bow is made lighter, then weight is reduced, but strength and longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bow is divided into components with differentiated functions: the lightweight limb body for portability and the reinforcing member for durability. This allows the bow to achieve low overall weight while maintaining reliability through targeted reinforcement in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member is positioned specifically in regions of the limb where compressive forces are highest during the drawing and release cycles. This local reinforcement ensures that the critical stress-bearing areas have enhanced strength and fatigue resistance, extending service life without adding weight throughout the entire bow.
3Strength
If reinforcing members are added to the bow limb, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is integrated with the limb body and brackets to form a unified structural assembly. The brackets serve dual purposes: they attach the reinforcing member to the limb body and also provide mounting points for other limb components. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets perform multiple functions: they secure the reinforcing member to the limb body, provide structural support, and serve as attachment points for other limb components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized parts, simplifying the overall device while maintaining enhanced strength.
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 design achieves a lightweight archery bow with improved strength and longevity by distributing compressive forces effectively across the limb, enhancing its structural integrity and service life.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcing member applies a compressive force to the body
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an archery bow limb comprises a body comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is arranged to be supported by a riser. The second end is arranged to support an axle and a rotatable member. A reinforcing member extends through the body. The reinforcing member is oriented parallel to the axle.