Crossbow Plate Structure for Dynamic Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile launchers face design constraints due to heightened dynamic forces during operation, limiting the achievable projectile speed and force without adversely affecting accuracy or dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A crossbow design featuring parallel plates with distinct mounting locations for flexible limbs, pulleys, and a cocking mechanism that reduces dynamic forces by distributing energy more efficiently across the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the degree of rotation of the cam is increased to store more potential energy in the limbs, then the projectile speed and force are improved, but the dynamic forces experienced by the components are heightened which limits further performance improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbow is divided into separate functional modules: the riser, limbs, cam assembly, and plate structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the plate structure specifically designed to manage and distribute dynamic forces away from the limbs and cam, enabling higher energy storage without proportionally increasing forces on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plate structure that adds a new dimensional framework to the traditional crossbow design. This plate provides additional structural support and force distribution pathways that are not present in conventional designs, allowing the system to handle higher dynamic forces through a different structural dimension rather than simply strengthening existing components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the degree of rotation of the cam is increased to allow limbs to flex to a greater degree, then more potential energy is stored in the limbs, but the design constraints limit the maximum force and speed achievable while maintaining accuracy and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the cam assembly from the traditional rigid stock structure allows the energy storage function (limbs and cam rotation) to be decoupled from the accuracy-critical components. The plate structure serves as an independent foundation that maintains dimensional stability and accuracy while permitting greater cam rotation and energy storage in the limbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure acts as an intermediary between the high-force cam/limb system and the accuracy-critical rail and trigger assembly. It absorbs and distributes the dynamic forces generated by greater limb flexion, preventing these forces from directly affecting the dimensional stability and accuracy of the shooting components.
3Power
If traditional crossbow structures are used with high cam rotation, then more energy is stored in the limbs, but the dynamic forces adversely affect other performance characteristics such as accuracy and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful dynamic forces into a beneficial force distribution system. The plate structure is specifically designed to channel and distribute the dynamic forces generated by high-energy limb flexion away from the accuracy-critical components. What would traditionally be harmful vibrations and stress concentrations are redirected through the plate's structural geometry to the riser and beyond, protecting the dimensional stability of the trigger and rail assembly.
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
Enhances projectile speed and force while maintaining accuracy and reducing dynamic forces, allowing for improved performance without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
limbs to flex so that energy is stored in the limbs until the draw string is released to launch the projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbow includes a first plate and a second plate. The second plate is coupled to the first plate, extends substantially parallel to the first plate, and is spaced apart from the first plate. The crossbow includes an upper flexible limb coupled with the first plate at a first mounting location of the first plate and a lower flexible limb coupled with the second plate at the first mounting location of the second plate. The crossbow includes a pulley coupled with the upper flexible limb and the lower flexible limb. A draw string is operatively engaged with the pulley and is configured to move from a released position to a drawn position. A cocking mechanism is coupled with the first plate and the second plate at the respective second mounting locations. The cocking mechanism is configured to move the draw string from the released position the drawn position.