Crossbow Beam Mounting and Weight Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional crossbows have limited mounting areas for accessories, leading to a forward-heavy design that is difficult to aim and hold steady, and they struggle to balance the weight distribution, which affects usability, especially for elderly, disabled, or young users.
Innovation Solution
A crossbow design featuring a beam mounted forward of the bowstring rest position, a bullpup stock with a distance greater than six inches, and an elongated rearward member to redistribute weight and increase mounting areas, allowing for improved balance and accessory placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on the sight bridge of prior art crossbows, then sighting functionality is provided, but no other accessories can be mounted due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the sight bridge forward of the trigger box into the forward upper area of the crossbow, utilizing previously unused spatial dimension. This extension creates additional mounting surface area while maintaining compatibility with the existing trigger box positioning, allowing multiple accessories to be mounted along the extended length.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight bridge is divided into distinct mounting zones: a rearward portion near the trigger box for primary accessories and a forward extension for additional accessories. This segmentation allows different accessories to be positioned at optimal locations along the extended sight bridge, maximizing space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted in the forward upper area of prior art crossbows, then more accessory mounting areas are provided, but the accessories would impede crossbow operation by affecting bolt path, bowstring movement, limb movement, power cable movement, or blocking the view
Solution Approach 1:
The extended sight bridge is positioned at a specific height and location in the forward upper area that is locally optimized to avoid interference with operational components. The extension extends forward of the trigger box but is positioned high enough to clear the bolt path and power cable routing, while still providing adequate mounting surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended sight bridge acts as an intermediary structure that provides accessory mounting capability without directly interfering with the operational components. By positioning accessories on the extended portion rather than directly over the trigger box or bolt path, the design mediates between the need for accessory mounting and the need to maintain clear operational pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the forward weight of the crossbow is increased to provide more mounting areas, then accessory capacity is improved, but the crossbow becomes harder to hold steady and aim
Solution Approach 1:
The sight bridge extends in the forward direction (longitudinal dimension) rather than adding downward weight. This dimensional approach to expanding mounting area avoids increasing the vertical weight that would affect crossbow stability and aiming, while still providing additional surface area for accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbow is provided which has a frame and first and second limbs secured to the frame. A bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. A beam is secured to the frame forward of the forward rest position of the bowstring and is configured to extend over the forward rest position of the bowstring. The beam is configured to allow one or more accessories to be mounted thereon.