Fletching Jig Alignment Device for Precision Arrow Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fletching jigs lack precision and repeatability in aligning fletching components on archery arrows, and are often limited to single arrow applications, making them time-consuming and inefficient for producing multiple arrows.

Innovation Solution

A fletching jig alignment device with a base assembly, adjustment assembly, and fletching assembly, which includes first and second jig support base members, first and second adjustable members, and a plurality of fletching assemblies, allowing for precise alignment of fletching components on multiple arrow shafts simultaneously with an accuracy of 0.01 inch or less.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fletching jigs are used for aligning fletching components, then the alignment process can be performed, but the alignment precision and repeatability are insufficient (greater than 0.01 inch variation)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing adjustable members that can be precisely positioned and locked at specific locations. The adjustment mechanism allows for fine-tuning the position of fletching assemblies relative to arrow shafts, enabling alignment precision within 0.01 inch. The repeatability is achieved through可重复的 adjustment steps and positioning features that allow the same alignment to be reproduced consistently across multiple arrows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the simple mechanical alignment system of conventional jigs with a more sophisticated adjustment mechanism. This includes adjustable members with positioning features, locking mechanisms, and reference surfaces that provide precise mechanical control over alignment. The substitution of basic mechanical support with controlled adjustment systems enables the required precision and repeatability.

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

2Productivity

If a single fletching jig is used for multiple arrows, then the device can be reused, but the process becomes time-consuming and limits production efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidtime per arrow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fletching jig into multiple independent fletching assemblies that can simultaneously accommodate multiple arrow shafts. Each assembly can be independently adjusted and used for fletching one or more arrows at the same time. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple arrows, dramatically increasing production efficiency without requiring sequential processing of each arrow through a single jig.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional fletching device that can handle multiple arrow shafts simultaneously through its plurality of fletching assemblies. The device serves multiple functions: it can align and attach fletching to several arrows at once, maintain consistent alignment across all arrows, and be adjusted for different fletching configurations. This universality eliminates the need for repeated setup and adjustment for each individual arrow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional fletching jigs are used without precise alignment mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but alignment accuracy cannot achieve 0.01 inch or less

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefletching alignment accuracyVSAvoidjig structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the fletching jig, allowing the structure to be modified during use to achieve precise alignment. The adjustable members can be moved, positioned, and locked at various locations to accommodate different alignment requirements. This dynamic capability enables high precision (0.01 inch or less) without requiring a completely different complex device for each alignment scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components such as adjustment mechanisms, reference surfaces, and positioning features that mediate between the simple jig structure and the requirement for high alignment precision. These intermediary elements provide the necessary control and measurement capabilities to achieve 0.01 inch accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be understood and used by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12203721B1Fletching jig alignment device
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 ROSENTHAL KEITH BRIAN
  • US12203721B1 patent drawing
  • US12203721B1 patent drawing
  • US12203721B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An inventive fletching jig alignment device suitable for aligning a fletching jig assembly, and thus a fletching component to a shaft component of an arrow, comprises a base assembly, an adjustment assembly and a fletching assembly. Preferably, the alignment is accurate to within 0.01 inch or less. In some embodiments, the inventive fletching jig alignment device comprises a plurality of fletching assemblies, wherein the alignment configuration of each fletching assembly can be adjusted simultaneously. Accordingly, in such embodiments, a fletching component can be aligned to a plurality of arrow shaft components simultaneously. The invention also provides a method for aligning a fletching jig assembly.