Semi-Automatic Crossbow Bolt Feeder and Draw Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crossbow designs are inefficient for rapid and accurate multiple-shot firing due to manual reloading requirements, inaccuracy caused by flight grooves, and bulkiness, especially when firing smaller bolts.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic crossbow with a revolving bolt feeder, barrel with rifling, and an automatic draw assembly powered by an electric motor, allowing for rapid reloading and increased accuracy by automatically moving the drawstring and aligning bolts for precise firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manual loading and firing mechanism is used, then the crossbow structure remains simple, but the productivity is low due to inability to fire multiple bolts rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt feeder magazine pre-loads multiple bolts in advance, so when firing is needed, bolts are already ready to be delivered to the firing position without manual intervention for each shot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical loading operations with an automated drive mechanism that uses a drive shaft, drive gear, and gear on the bolt feeder to automatically deliver bolts, reducing the need for manual dexterity and increasing firing rate
2Manufacturing precision
If a flight groove is used instead of a barrel, then the crossbow structure is simpler, but the manufacturing precision and accuracy are reduced due to improper bolt seating and premature bolt departure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bolt guiding function from the flight groove and relocates it to a dedicated barrel structure with a groove that receives the bolt shaft, separating the guiding function from the firing mechanism to improve accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel groove acts as an intermediary element between the bolt feeder and the firing position, providing a precise pathway that ensures proper bolt alignment and prevents premature departure while maintaining structural efficiency
3Productivity
If a battery-powered semi-automatic mechanism is used, then the productivity increases, but the device becomes bulky and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from a bulky battery-powered system and replaces it with a hand-cranked mechanical pump that draws power from the user's manual input, eliminating the need for large battery compartments and electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic motor-driven mechanisms with a purely mechanical pump system that uses a piston, valve, and spring assembly, reducing the overall device volume and eliminating electronic noise while maintaining automatic reloading capability
4Ease of operation
If a manual drawstring cocking is required, then the device remains simple, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need to remove the target from sights for subsequent shots
Solution Approach 1:
The draw assembly pre-positions the drawstring in a cocked state automatically, so when the trigger is pulled, the bolt is already ready to fire without requiring the user to manually cock the drawstring or remove the target from sights
Solution Approach 2:
The draw assembly is designed to automatically cock itself using the pump mechanism and spring system, eliminating the need for manual drawstring manipulation and allowing the user to simply pull the trigger for each shot
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
Enables efficient and accurate rapid firing of multiple bolts without manual reloading, improving shooting accuracy and versatility by using a revolving bolt feeder and rifled barrel for stable bolt flight.
Implementation Method 1
The bow-like assembly typically comprises one or more limbs that can be bent to create and store elastic energy until the user is ready to fire the crossbow
Implementation Method 2
The barrel of the semi-automatic crossbow can include rifling that can cause the bolt to spin as the bolt is fired from the automatic crossbow
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a semi-automatic crossbow having a stock, a plurality of limbs, a drawstring, a bolt feeder, a barrel, a draw assembly, and a release. The draw assembly can be configured to automatically move the drawstring to a cocked position and the release can include a trigger and be configured to release the drawstring when the trigger is actuated. The disclosed technology can further include a truck configured to engage the drawstring and a bolt such that the bolt can be propelled forward by the truck when the drawstring is released by the release.