Archery Bow Limb Assembly With Mid-Limb Support Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Archery bows face a challenge in achieving a balance between lightweight design and robustness, as existing limbs are often heavy and may not withstand the forces required over the bow's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a limb assembly that includes a support member, such as a roller or axle, supported by a limb cup, which applies a supporting force to the limb member between its locations, enhancing structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If limb members are made lighter to reduce overall bow weight, then the bow becomes more portable and easier to handle, but the limbs may not withstand the forces required over the bow's lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A support member (roller or axle) is introduced as an intermediary element between the limb cup and the limb member. This support member provides additional structural reinforcement at a critical location on the limb, allowing the limb to withstand higher forces without requiring the entire limb structure to be heavier. The support member acts as a localized mediator that transfers and distributes forces, enabling the use of lighter limb materials while maintaining durability.
2Reliability
If support members are added to enhance structural integrity, then the bow's longevity and strength improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limb assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the limb cup, the support member (roller or axle), and the limb member itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function. The support member is a simple, discrete element that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, minimizing the complexity increase while maximizing the reliability benefit.
3Strength
If support members are positioned between the limb cup and axle locations, then force distribution is improved and limb strength is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member provides localized reinforcement at a specific critical section of the limb where forces are most concentrated. Rather than requiring uniform high precision throughout the entire limb assembly, the design focuses manufacturing precision only at the support member installation location. The support member's geometry and positioning are designed to be tolerant of reasonable manufacturing variations, reducing the overall precision requirements while still achieving the desired force distribution and strength enhancement.
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 improves the bow's longevity and strength by distributing forces more effectively, allowing for a lighter and more durable archery bow.
Implementation Method 1
The support member comprises a low friction material, which contacts the limb member
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a limb member and a support member. The limb member is supported by the riser at a first location. The limb member supports an axle at a second location. The support member is supported by the riser and arranged to support the limb member. The support member contacts the limb member at a contact location. The contact location is oriented between the first location and the second location along the length of the limb member.