Composite Crossbow Barrel Resolving Weight-Strength Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crossbow barrels made of metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, contribute to the overall weight of the crossbow, which is a disadvantage in terms of efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A crossbow barrel composed of a composite material comprising 90% to 100% resin and at least one fiber of carbon and glass fibers, with the option of layering these fibers over metal components, using processes like casting, machining, or molding, to reduce weight while maintaining or enhancing strength and shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal (aluminum or aluminum alloy) is used for the crossbow barrel, then the barrel has sufficient strength and durability, but the overall weight of the crossbow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon fibers, glass fibers, and resin to create a barrel that achieves the required strength without the weight penalty of metal. The composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, directly resolving the contradiction between barrel strength and crossbow weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from metal to composite materials, altering the fundamental composition of the barrel. This parameter change enables the barrel to maintain structural integrity while significantly reducing weight, thereby resolving the strength-weight contradiction.
2Reliability
If metal is used for the crossbow barrel, then the barrel provides adequate shock resistance, but the weight of the crossbow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material composition (carbon fibers, glass fibers, and resin) provides excellent shock resistance by distributing impact forces throughout the structure. The fibrous reinforcement absorbs and dissipates shock energy effectively, maintaining reliability while reducing weight.
3Strength
If metal is used for the crossbow barrel, then the barrel has sufficient structural integrity, but the friction between the barrel and bowstring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the barrel through the use of composite materials, creating a surface with different friction characteristics. The composite material surface reduces friction between the barrel and bowstring, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining structural integrity through proper material composition and fiber orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbow may include a crossbow barrel having reduced weight and increased strength and shock resistance to the crossbow. This invention may also aid in improving torsional resistance, improving specific stiffness, and increasing compresses strength. The invention may also reduce friction between a barrel and a bow string to increase bow string life. The invention may also reduce the friction between a barrel and a bow to allow added arrow distance. Additionally, the crossbow may decrease both vibration and sound.