Crossbow Magazine Locking Lever and Magnetic Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crossbow designs require multiple steps and complex mechanisms for attaching and detaching magazines, which can lead to accidental ejection or misfiring, especially in stressful situations, and are difficult for individuals with limited fine motor skills.

Innovation Solution

A crossbow design featuring a locking lever with a pivotable actuating plate and magnetic engagement for quick and reliable magazine attachment and detachment, along with a safety device to prevent accidental firing, allowing single-handed operation even with gloves or cold hands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with multiple steps is used to secure the magazine, then the magazine attachment is more secure, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagazine attachment securityVSAvoidmagazine attachment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-step mechanical locking mechanisms with a simple lever-based release system. The lever (302) connects to the magazine retention member (301) and can be actuated by the shooter to quickly release the magazine without requiring multiple manual steps or fine motor skills, thus maintaining security while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a small lever is used for magazine release, then the mechanism is compact, but it is difficult to operate with cold hands or while wearing gloves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism compactnessVSAvoidoperability in cold conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the lever (302) beyond the confines of the receiver (303) to protrude outward. This dimensional extension allows the shooter to access and actuate the lever with their fingers even when wearing gloves or having cold hands, while the lever remains connected to the compact retention mechanism inside the receiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the magazine is easily removable, then magazine exchange is quick, but accidental ejection may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagazine exchange speedVSAvoidaccidental ejection prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lever (302) and retention member (301) system so that the magazine remains securely held during normal operation without requiring active engagement. The retention member automatically maintains holding force, and only deliberate actuation of the lever releases the magazine, preventing accidental ejection while allowing quick intentional removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4602320B1Crossbow and combination of a crossbow and a magazine
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 STEAMBOW GMBH
  • EP4602320B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4602320B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4602320B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a crossbow (1) having a main body (2) and a magazine receptacle (3), said main body (2) having limbs (4), a bowstring (5) connected thereto, a guide channel (6) for receiving a projectile (7) and a trigger device (8), said magazine receptacle (3) being placed on an upper side (9) of the main body (2) and having side walls (10) which delimit a receiving space (11) for a magazine (12), the magazine receptacle (3) having a locking lever (14) which is supported on a pivot axis (13) and has a first lever arm (15) on one side of the pivot axis (13) and a second lever arm (16), connected thereto, on the other side of the pivot axis (13), wherein the locking lever (14) can be pivoted between a locking position (PI), in which the first lever arm (15) is effectively connected to the receiving space (11), and a release position (P2), in which the first lever arm (15) is without effect in relation to the receiving space (11), and the second lever arm (16) has an actuation plate (17).