Crossbow Cable Positioning for Balanced Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crossbow systems lack a balanced cabling arrangement, leading to uneven force distribution and potential instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A crossbow design featuring a stock with first and second rotatable members, where a bowstring and two cables extend between these members, with the cables positioned offset from the shooting axis to create a balanced system, utilizing cable positioners to maintain the cables' positions above and below the axis, thereby distributing forces laterally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple cables are held away from the shooting axis by a portion of the stock, then the crossbow system achieves force distribution, but the force balance becomes uneven leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning cables at different lateral distances from the shooting axis. Specifically, the first cable is positioned at a first lateral distance and the second cable at a second lateral distance, creating an asymmetric cable arrangement that balances forces on the rotatable member while maintaining stability. This asymmetric positioning allows differential force distribution that compensates for rotational imbalances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements counterweight principles by using multiple cables positioned at different lateral distances to create balancing forces. The cables are arranged to provide counteracting forces that prevent the rotatable member from leaning during operation, effectively using the cable tension distribution as a counterbalancing mechanism against gravitational and operational forces.
2Device complexity
If cables are positioned closer to the shooting axis, then system simplicity is maintained, but force balance and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than symmetric positioning that would maintain simplicity, the patent deliberately introduces asymmetric cable positioning with different lateral distances. This asymmetric arrangement, while slightly increasing complexity, achieves superior force balance and stability by allowing differential force distribution across the rotatable member.
3Force
If cables are positioned further from the shooting axis, then force leverage is improved, but clearance for arrow or bolt is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning cables at specific optimized lateral distances from the shooting axis. The first cable is positioned at a first lateral distance and the second cable at a second lateral distance, creating locally optimized force application points. This allows maximum force leverage at the cable positions while maintaining adequate clearance in the central region for arrow or bolt passage.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring and a first cable extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The crossbow defines a shooting axis and comprises a cable positioner comprising a roller.