Crossbow Bullpup Stock and Extended Sight Bridge for Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 beyond the trigger box, utilizing the forward direction dimension to create additional mounting space. This allows multiple accessories to be mounted along the extended sight bridge while maintaining proper sighting alignment and not interfering with the trigger mechanism operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight bridge is segmented into distinct mounting zones: a rearward portion for the sighting device and a forward portion for additional accessories such as lights or cameras. This segmentation allows different types of accessories to be mounted at different locations without interfering with each other's function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on the lower surface forward of the finger-pull mechanism, then additional accessories can be mounted, but the space is limited and only specific accessories fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the length dimension of the lower surface by extending the sight bridge forward, which creates additional longitudinal space for accessory mounting. This allows accessories to be positioned further forward without compromising the functionality of the finger-pull mechanism or other rearward components.
3Area of stationary object
If accessories are mounted on the forward upper area, then more mounting areas are provided, but the accessories would impede crossbow operation by affecting bolt path, bowstring movement, limb movement, or power cable movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the extended sight bridge with mounting capabilities in zones that do not interfere with critical operational paths. The forward mounting area is positioned high enough to clear the bolt path and power cable movement, while the extended length provides additional space that doesn't interfere with bowstring movement or limb operation.
4Ease of operation
If the crossbow is designed with traditional weight distribution, then the structure is simple, but the forward weight makes it difficult to aim and hold steady for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight principles by strategically positioning heavier components (such as the extended sight bridge with mounted accessories) toward the rear of the crossbow, near the trigger box and sight assembly. This rearward weight distribution creates a more balanced center of gravity that reduces the forward weight burden, making the crossbow easier to aim and hold steady during extended periods without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbow is provided which, in a first preferred embodiment, has a frame having a rear end, and a firing assembly and a butt member, each of which are associated with the frame. The firing assembly also has a finger-pull mechanism. The butt member has a rear end which is configured to abut a front of a shoulder of a user, and the butt member is positioned between the finger-pull mechanism and the rear end of the frame. In a second preferred embodiment, the crossbow has a frame having a rear end 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. The rear end of the frame is configured to be positioned rearward of a front of a shoulder of a user.