Broadhead Pivotable Blade Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadheads for archery and crossbow arrows lack the ability to independently pivot and lock in variable positions, which affects their deployment and cutting efficiency upon impact.
Innovation Solution
A broadhead design featuring a ferrule with pivotally connected blades that can be locked in non-deployed and deployed positions using a spring mechanism and locking shoulders, allowing for adjustable cutting diameter and angle upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blades are fixed in a deployed position, then cutting efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic drag during flight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broadhead incorporates pivotable blades that can dynamically change position between a deployed state (for cutting) and a retracted state (for flight). The blades are connected to the ferrule via pivot pins, allowing them to rotate about a pivot axis. This dynamic configuration enables the broadhead to optimize its performance characteristics based on operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadhead divides the blade structure into multiple independent pivotable blades rather than a single fixed structure. Each blade can be independently positioned and locked, allowing selective deployment of cutting surfaces while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during flight.
2Productivity
If blades are made pivotable for deployment, then cutting efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into unified components. The locking shoulders on the deployment arms work in conjunction with the reciprocating blade and spring mechanism to simultaneously achieve blade deployment, positioning, and locking. This merged approach reduces the number of separate components needed compared to independent locking mechanisms for each blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically provides the force needed to reciprocate the blade and engage the locking shoulders during deployment. The system uses its own operational forces (impact force during deployment, spring tension for locking) rather than requiring external actuation mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If locking mechanism is added for variable positions, then blade positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating blade serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the spring mechanism and the pivotable blades. It translates the reciprocating motion generated by spring tension into the rotational deployment of the blades and engages with the locking shoulders to secure the blades in their deployed position, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex direct locking mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If blades are retracted to non-deployed position, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but cutting capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The broadhead operates in periodic cycles between two distinct states: a retracted non-deployed position optimized for aerodynamic performance during flight, and a deployed position optimized for cutting capability upon impact. The transition between these states occurs periodically - blades are retracted during flight and deployed upon target impact, with the locking mechanism ensuring stable maintenance of each state throughout its respective operational phase.
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 ensures efficient deployment and locking of blades upon impact, enhancing cutting efficiency and wound channel creation, while allowing for easy retraction to a non-deployed position for streamlined flight.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing force upon the non-pivoting blade to reciprocate the non-pivoting blade against the first and second pivoting blades
Implementation Method 2
the first and second pivoting blades are placed in the deployed position upon impact of the broadhead with the target and are locked in the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A broadhead containing independent pivotable and retractable cutting blades configured for selective locking in a non-deployed and deployed position. The broadhead further contains a non-rotating blade configured for reciprocating movement in order to selectively lock the pivoting blades in their non-deployed and deployed positions. Impact of the broadhead with a target will cause the pivoting blades to transition from the non-deployed position to the deployed position and thereby create a larger cutting diameter.