Crossbow Moving Latch Assembly Trigger Sear Interface

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crossbow cocking systems face issues with precision and reliability due to stacking tolerances that decouple the trigger and sear levers during cocking cycles, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

A crossbow with a built-in cocking mechanism featuring a moving latch assembly and an optional removable motor gearbox assembly, where the trigger arm is coupled to the moving assembly, ensuring consistent interaction between the trigger and sear lever, and incorporating a clutch assembly and micro-switches for controlled operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a moving latch assembly with decoupled trigger and sear lever is used, then the cocking mechanism is easier to manufacture, but the precision and reliability deteriorate due to stacking tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidprecision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trigger arm and sear lever into a single integrated moving latch assembly that moves together as one unit. This eliminates the decoupling issue between separate components and removes the accumulation of stacking tolerances that would occur with multiple separate parts, thereby maintaining precision while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The moving latch assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the trigger mechanism and the sear mechanism, while also providing the cocking function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precision through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a moving latch assembly with decoupled trigger and sear lever is used, then the cocking mechanism is easier to manufacture, but the reliability worsens due to tolerance issues during cocking cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trigger arm and sear lever into a single integrated moving latch assembly that moves together as one unit. This eliminates the decoupling issue between separate components and removes the accumulation of stacking tolerances that would occur with multiple separate parts, thereby maintaining precision while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a static-position trigger arm is used with a moving trigger assembly, then the structure is simpler, but the interface consistency between trigger and sear lever deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidinterface consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the trigger arm dynamic by coupling it to the moving latch assembly, allowing it to move with the assembly during cocking cycles. This dynamic configuration maintains a consistent interface between the trigger and sear lever throughout the entire range of motion, eliminating the precision issues that would arise from a static trigger arm attempting to interface with a moving assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11131524B1Crossbow with integral cocking and a moving latch

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 ARCHERY INNOVATORS LLC

AI summary

A crossbow having a moving trigger assembly, wherein the moving trigger assembly includes a housing and components capable of select-ably retaining and releasing a bowstring, wherein the trigger arm is movable with the assembly.