Crossbow Lock Mechanism Reducing Moving Parts and Dry Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crossbow mechanisms have a high number of moving parts, which can lead to dry firing and increased complexity, necessitating a more efficient and simpler lock mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A crossbow lock mechanism with a reduced number of moving parts, incorporating a trigger housing, seer lever, seer lock lever, latch, and auto safety, which prevents dry firing by using a seer notch, latch projection, and anti-dryfiring projection to securely engage and release the bow string, along with an auto safety system to enhance safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional crossbow lock mechanism is used, then the mechanism can securely hold the bow string, but it has a high number of moving parts which increases complexity and can lead to dry firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The seer lever integrates the seer notch, latch projection, and anti-dryfiring projection into a single lever assembly that performs multiple functions: securing the bow string, preventing dry firing, and enabling controlled release. This merging reduces the total number of separate moving parts while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seer lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a latch mechanism to hold the bow string, incorporates an anti-dryfiring projection to prevent unauthorized discharge, and includes a seer notch for proper string engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall complexity.
2Device complexity
If a simplified lock mechanism with fewer moving parts is used, then the complexity is reduced, but the mechanism must still securely engage and release the bow string
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements within the seer lever assembly: the seer notch for string engagement, the latch projection for securing, and the anti-dryfiring projection for safety. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while being part of an integrated overall structure that reduces total component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The seer lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the trigger and the bow string. It receives input from the trigger and translates it into controlled movement that securely engages or releases the bow string through its integrated latch projection and seer notch, providing reliable control with minimal parts.
3Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism allows easy release of the bow string, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security of the locked position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seer lever is designed to be dynamically controllable through trigger input. In the locked position, the latch projection securely engages the bow string. When the trigger is actuated, the seer lever dynamically shifts position, allowing the latch projection to disengage and release the bow string. This dynamic design provides both secure locking and easy controlled release.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved crossbow lock mechanism includes the trigger housing, the seer lever, the seer lock lever, the latch, the trigger and an auto safety. The auto safety preferably includes a safety block, a safety lever arm and a safety lever arm lock. The safety lever arm lock is pivotally retained on one end of the safety lever arm with a safety arm lock pin. A finger engagement portion extends from one end of the safety lever arm lock and a stop portion extends from an opposing end thereof. A hand grip extends from the housing. The safety lever arm is pivotally retained in the hand grip with a safety lever arm pivot pin. A safety block actuator pocket is formed in a bottom of the safety block to receive the other end of the safety lever arm. A safety block spring biases the safety block away from the trigger lever.