Crossbow Power Cable Support for Even Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crossbows experience uneven force distribution when cocked and fired, which affects their performance and component wear.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main beam with a bow assembly, bowstring wheels, and power cable wheels that distribute forces evenly by defining specific planes for the bowstring and power cables, allowing them to rotate about distinct axes and receive the cables on equidistant surfaces, preventing unwanted forces and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power cables are supported on the crossbow without defined planes and equidistant reception surfaces, then the crossbow can be constructed with simpler structure, but uneven force distribution occurs during cocking and firing
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable support structure is segmented into distinct functional planes: a bowstring plane for the bowstring and power cables, and separate power cable planes for receiving power cables. Each plane is equipped with dedicated reception surfaces positioned at specific equidistant locations. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed evenly across defined pathways, resolving the uneven force distribution problem while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dimensional organization by defining specific planes (bowstring plane and power cable planes) and equidistant reception surfaces in three-dimensional space. Power cables are routed through designated planes rather than arbitrarily, creating a structured spatial arrangement. This dimensional approach ensures even force distribution by constraining cable positions and force vectors, transforming an unstructured support system into a geometrically organized one.
2Reliability
If power cables are allowed to move freely without defined reception surfaces, then the crossbow structure remains simple, but excessive wear occurs on components during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable reception structure is segmented into specific reception surfaces located on the bowstring wheel and power cable wheels. Each wheel has designated surfaces positioned at equidistant locations where cables make contact. This segmentation concentrates wear at specific hardened or reinforced contact points rather than distributing it across the entire wheel surface, extending component life while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception surfaces are pre-positioned at equidistant locations on the wheels before operation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that cables engage the wheels at optimal, predetermined points that minimize lateral forces and maximize even wear distribution. By preparing the geometric arrangement in advance, the system prevents excessive wear without requiring complex active adjustment mechanisms during operation.
3Productivity
If power cables are routed without defined planes, then the crossbow can be manufactured more simply, but uneven force distribution affects performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention defines specific planes (bowstring plane and power cable planes) in three-dimensional space to organize cable routing. These planes provide clear geometric guidance for manufacturing, ensuring that power cables are routed through designated spatial pathways. The equidistant reception surfaces on the wheels further define precise contact points. This dimensional organization improves performance by ensuring even force distribution while providing manufacturable geometric constraints that simplify the cable routing process during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbow in some embodiments may include two power cables and two power cable wheels. Each power cable may extend from a bowstring wheel, to a power cable wheel and then back to the bowstring wheel. A crossbow in some other embodiments may include four power cables and two power cable wheels. Each power cable may extend from a bowstring wheel, to a power cable wheel and then to a portion of the crossbow that does not move relative to the main beam.