Crossbow Stirrup with Arrow Protector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crossbows pose safety risks due to the interference between the arrow's trajectory and the user's foot when cocking or uncocking the string, especially in low visibility conditions, and existing stirrups do not provide adequate support or protection for the arrow, leading to potential injuries and instability.

Innovation Solution

A stirrup design that positions the user's foot away from the arrow's trajectory, incorporating a frame with a foot-receiving portion located down from the longitudinal axis of the crossbow, and an arrow protector that contacts the ground to stabilize the crossbow, while also using vibration-absorbing materials to reduce noise and improve ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the stirrup is positioned at the longitudinal distal end of the crossbow to accommodate the user's foot, then the crossbow can be stabilized to the ground, but the foot interferes with the arrow's trajectory and causes safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrossbow stabilityVSAvoidfoot interference with arrow
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrup is repositioned from the longitudinal distal end to the lateral side of the crossbow, changing its spatial dimension. This lateral displacement removes the foot from the arrow's trajectory path while maintaining the crossbow's stability on the ground, effectively resolving the safety hazard without compromising stabilization function

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

2Ease of operation

If the stirrup is narrow to fit a single foot, then the crossbow can be held stable, but the angular support is insufficient and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot accommodationVSAvoidangular support
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrup is divided into multiple foot-receiving portions, allowing multiple feet to be accommodated separately. This segmentation increases the total support area and provides better angular support for stabilizing the crossbow, while still maintaining ease of operation for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the arrow is left unprotected in the armed position, then the crossbow structure is simple, but foreign objects can contact the arrow and move it from its optimal position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrossbow structureVSAvoidarrow position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An arrow protector is introduced as an intermediary component between the arrow and the external environment. This protector shields the arrow from foreign objects and debris that could displace it, ensuring the arrow remains in its optimal position without significantly complicating the overall crossbow structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively prevents foot interference with the arrow, enhances crossbow stability, reduces noise, and improves ergonomics by positioning the foot away from the arrow's trajectory and using vibration-absorbing materials, thereby enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The stirrup is made of a vibration-absorbing material or includes vibration-absorbing elements therein to reduce the operating noise of the crossbow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10139187B2Crossbow with attachment for protecting broadhead of arrow
Publication Date: 2018.11.27 PLACEMENTS GASTON HOULE
  • US10139187B2 patent drawing
  • US10139187B2 patent drawing
  • US10139187B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A crossbow with a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including an arrow protector disposed along the arrow trajectory, on the first end of the body, to generally circumvent the arrow, when the crossbow is used in conjunction with the arrow. An arrow protector adapted to be retrofitted on a crossbow is encompassed by the present application. An arrow protector improving stability of the crossbow when axially resting on the ground is also presented herein.