Disposable Crossbow Cocking Sled with Segmented Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crossbow string releases are large and can become dangerous projectiles if they break or malfunction during cocking, posing a safety risk to the shooter.
Innovation Solution
A moveable cocking sled that latches to the crossbow string and couples with a stationary arrow release, ensuring the string is held securely behind the shooter's face during cocking and shooting, with features like string latches and a compression spring for enhanced safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moveable string release is used during cocking, then the string can be drawn back effectively, but the release becomes a dangerous projectile if it breaks or malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a stationary arrow release that remains fixed to the crossbow, and a moveable cocking sled that is temporary and disposable. The cocking sled is segmented into a body with string latches and a separate trigger mechanism, allowing it to be discarded after use. This segmentation eliminates the safety hazard of a large moveable release while maintaining cocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cocking sled is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. It includes a trigger mechanism that, when pulled, releases the string latches from the crossbow string and causes the sled to separate from the stationary release. This disposable approach eliminates the need for a durable moveable release, solving the safety problem while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If a large string release is used to hold the string, then the string can be secured reliably, but the release poses a projectile hazard if it breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The string holding function is segmented between the stationary arrow release (which remains on the crossbow) and the temporary cocking sled. The stationary release provides reliable string holding during shooting, while the sled provides temporary holding during cocking. This segmentation allows the stationary release to be optimized for reliability without the projectile hazard of being moveable during cocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The cocking sled acts as an intermediary component during the cocking process. It temporarily engages the string and works with the stationary release to hold the string during drawing, then cleanly separates when the trigger is pulled. This intermediary approach maintains reliability during both cocking and shooting phases while eliminating the projectile hazard.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the string release is permanently attached to the crossbow, then it is always available for shooting, but it contacts the shooter's face during aiming and shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the string release function into a stationary release that remains attached to the crossbow for shooting, and a temporary sled that is used only during cocking. The stationary release is positioned to not contact the shooter's face during aiming and shooting, while the sled handles the cocking operation. This segmentation resolves the conflict between availability and face contact hazard.
4Ease of operation
If a moveable release is used during cocking, then cocking can be performed, but the release becomes unsafe if the cocking rope breaks or crank malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary arrow release is positioned and designed to securely hold the string in the cocked position before shooting. The cocking sled is designed to work with this stationary release, ensuring that even if the cocking rope breaks or crank malfunctions, the string is securely held by the stationary release and the sled-trigger assembly, preventing dangerous unintended release.
Solution Approach 2:
The cocking sled serves as an intermediary that works in conjunction with the stationary release during cocking. The sled's string latches engage the string while the stationary release provides backup holding. This dual-mechanism approach, mediated by the sled, ensures reliability under malfunction conditions while maintaining cocking capability.
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
The solution provides a safer and more reliable mechanism for cocking crossbows by preventing the string from contacting the shooter's face and reducing the risk of injury from broken or malfunctioning components.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring for enhanced safety and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An improved moveable cocking sled (5) and arrow release (7) for crossbows is described in the disclosure and illustrated in the embodiments in the drawings, where the cocking sled (5) may be latched to the crossbow string (1) and will couple to and be securely held by the arrow release (7) when the cocking sled (5) is drawn to cock the string (1). The cocking sled (5) includes two string latches (2), two latch release sears (4), two pulleys (3) for engaging corresponding ends of a cocking rope (30), and a rectangular hole (6) with a reverse-angle side tilted toward the crossbow string (1) at approximately a five degree angle. The string latches (2) each have a respective axle on which they rotate “open” and “closed”. The string latches (2) rotate “open” in response to a downward motion of their respective latch release sears (4) and rotate “closed” when moved forward by a shooter and pushed against the crossbow string (1). The illustrated crossbows include cheek guard covers (28) that rotate on the respective hinges (41) from the “open” position up to the “closed” position where they cover the cocked crossbow string (1) to prevent injury to the user's face should the crossbow string (1) malfunction or break. When a shooter's face is resting against one of the cheek guard covers (28) to aim or shoot the crossbow, the cocked string (1) latched by the cocking sled (5) is behind the front side of the shooter's face.