Broadhead Blade Retention via Compressed Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical arrow broadheads with deployment systems using additional components like springs and rubber bands suffer from high failure rates due to exposure to elements and structural weaknesses, requiring more force to deploy blades, which reduces penetration and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A novel retention system at the bottom of the blades, utilizing a ferrule with slots, a screw pin, and a media hole, where a media such as nylon or polymer is compressed to maintain blades in a retracted position and deploys upon impact, reducing the force needed for blade deployment and minimizing exposure to elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention systems (springs, rubber bands, clips) are used to hold blades in retracted position, then blade deployment is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to elements causing brittleness, oxidation, and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional retention components (springs, rubber bands, clips) that are exposed to external elements. Instead, it uses a retention element embedded within the ferrule structure itself, extracting the vulnerable components from the environment and eliminating their susceptibility to weathering, oxidation, and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a media substance as an intermediary between the blade and ferrule structures. This media acts as a mediator that provides retention force without being directly exposed to environmental elements, transferring the retention function from vulnerable external components to a protected internal substance.
2Ease of operation
If retention systems with additional components (springs, rubber bands, gears) are used, then blade deployment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function with the existing ferrule structure by embedding the retention element and media within the ferrule body. This integration eliminates the need for separate retention components (springs, clips, gears) and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining deployment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule structure serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for the blade and simultaneously houses the retention mechanism. The ferrule itself becomes self-sufficient by containing both the retention element and media, eliminating the need for additional dedicated retention components.
3Reliability
If retention systems with components above or at pivot point are used, then blade retention is achieved, but force required for deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional retention system configuration by placing the retention element and media below the pivot point instead of above or at it. This inversion creates a more efficient mechanical advantage where the retention force acts closer to the blade's center of mass, reducing the moment arm and consequently the force required for deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the retention system by moving it from a horizontal or vertical configuration (above/at pivot) to a downward configuration (below pivot). This dimensional repositioning optimizes the force vector alignment and mechanical leverage, reducing deployment force requirements.
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 solution provides a more reliable and efficient blade deployment mechanism with reduced energy consumption, resulting in improved target penetration and decreased failure rates compared to conventional mechanical broadheads.
Implementation Method 1
a piece of media is compressed in the notch to create tension on the blades forcing the blades to remain in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
Upon impact of the intended target, the blades push down the media and compress the top edge allowing the blades to deploy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a mechanical arrow broadhead including a ferrule, wherein the ferrule includes a plurality of slots, a screw pin, a set screw, and a media hole. A first blade, a second blade, and a base. In some aspects, the first and second blades are held in a retracted position throughout an arrow time of flight. In other aspects, the first and second blades are deployed to an open position upon a target impact. The blades pivot from the retracted to the deployed position on an axis of the screw pin, the blades are extended through the plurality of slots, and the set screw may be positioned at a bottom of the ferrule below the screw pin.