External Retainer Mechanism for Mechanical Broadhead Blade Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical broadheads with movable blades often experience failure due to rotting or cracking of retention mechanisms, leading to unintended deployment during flight, and existing solutions are complex and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical broadhead design featuring a durable, external retainer element that securely holds blades in a retracted mode using projections and recesses, with resilient tabs that disengage upon impact to allow deployment, ensuring reliable and efficient blade deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings, wraps or bands are used to hold blades in-flight, then the blades are retained in retracted mode, but the retention device is prone to rotting or cracking leading to failure and unintended deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the retention mechanism from the interior of the ferrule and places it on the exterior surface. The retainer element with tabs is positioned outside the ferrule, engaging blades externally rather than using internal O-rings, wraps, or bands that are susceptible to rotting and cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer element is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily replaced if damaged. Rather than using durable but complex internal mechanisms, the external retainer provides a simple solution that prioritizes ease of replacement over long service life.
2Reliability
If blade detents or plunger system are used internally within the ferrule, then the pivoting blades are secured in in-flight position, but the mechanism becomes complicated and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention mechanism from the interior of the ferrule and positions it externally. The retainer element with tabs engages blades from the outside, eliminating the need for complex internal blade detents or plunger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is divided into separate, simple tab elements rather than a single complex internal mechanism. Each tab independently engages with corresponding features on the blades, providing a modular and simpler retention system.
3Reliability
If resilient tabs are used to urge blade engagement with ferrule, then the blade is held in retracted mode, but the tabs must disengage upon impact to allow deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer element incorporates resilient tabs that can dynamically change their engagement state. The tabs are flexible enough to allow blade movement upon impact while maintaining secure retention during flight, automatically transitioning between retention and deployment states.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs are pre-configured to exert a retaining force on the blades during flight. Upon impact, the force reverses as the tabs flex and disengage, automatically preventing unintended deployment while enabling intentional deployment when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical broadhead having blades movable from a retracted mode to a deployed mode is provided including a generally external retainer element which holds the blades in the retracted mode, but also selectively releases the blades so that they can transition to the deployed mode. The retainer element can include a collar and one or more tabs. A blade can include a projection and/or a recess that is engaged by one or more tabs to secure the blade in the retracted position. The tabs can be paired and can define a retainer slot therebetween. The blade can be at least partially disposed in the retainer slot in the retracted mode and/or in the deployed mode.