Bow Hunting Broadhead With O-Ring Actuated Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadheads for bow hunting have complex mechanisms with multiple moving parts, which complicate the expansion process during target penetration, leading to a need for a simplified geometry with minimal moving parts while maintaining the ability to expand outwardly.

Innovation Solution

A broadhead assembly with a ferrule and two blades that rotate and slide relative to each other, actuated by an O-ring, allowing for a simplified structure and expansion during penetration, featuring a sliding and rotating mechanism that adjusts from a first position to a second position upon contact with the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanisms with multiple moving parts are used for segment expansion, then the broadhead can effectively expand outwardly during target penetration, but the device complexity and risk of mechanical failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple separate moving parts into a single integrated blade assembly. The blade is designed as one piece with integrated features for expansion, cutting surfaces, and structural support, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components that would require assembly and coordination during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes complex mechanical mechanisms such as springs, latches, and separate moving segments from the broadhead design. By extracting these elements, the invention achieves expansion through the geometric properties and material behavior of a simplified blade structure rather than through complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple moving parts and complex mechanisms are used for segment expansion, then the broadhead can increase cutting surfaces during expansion, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single blade component that can be manufactured as one piece. The blade includes integrated features for expansion, cutting surfaces, and structural support, which can be produced through conventional manufacturing processes without requiring assembly of multiple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves expansion by utilizing changes in the physical state and geometric configuration of the blade material during impact. The blade transitions from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration through controlled deformation and elastic recovery, eliminating the need for complex mechanical expansion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a simplified structure with minimal components is used, then the ease of manufacture and reliability improve, but the ability to expand outwardly during penetration may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidshape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the blade to be dynamically configurable, transitioning from a compact shape during flight to an expanded shape during target penetration. The blade's geometry and material properties enable it to automatically assume different configurations based on the forces applied during operation, achieving both simplicity and functional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical and geometric parameters of the blade material to achieve expansion. Through controlled deformation, elastic recovery, and phase changes in the material, the blade transitions from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration with increased cutting surfaces, all while maintaining a simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

The broadhead assembly achieves effective expansion with minimal components, maximizing damage to the target and preventing unwanted arrow removal by exposing fresh cutting surfaces, while maintaining a streamlined design and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.

Implementation Method 1

An O-ring extends around the first blade and the second blade when the broadhead assembly is in the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11137235B2Broadhead for bow hunting
Publication Date: 2021.10.05 FISCHER DEAN
  • US11137235B2 patent drawing
  • US11137235B2 patent drawing
  • US11137235B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A broadhead assembly includes a ferrule having a first shaft and a second shaft extending across an opening formed through the ferrule. A first blade having a first slot and a second slot is disposed in the opening of the ferrule with the first shaft disposed through the first slot of the first blade and the second shaft disposed through the second slot of the first blade. A second blade having a first slot and a second slot is also disposed in the opening of the ferrule with the first shaft disposed through the first slot of the second blade and the second shaft disposed through the second slot of the second blade. An O-ring extends around the first blade and the second blade and is configured to fail when the broadhead assembly is actuated from a first position to a second position.