Hydraulic Load Balancing Limb Support for Archery Bows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Archery bows with parallel limb assemblies face issues of uneven force distribution, leading to cam lean and twisting forces, which affect efficiency and longevity, necessitating a novel limb support structure that balances loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing limb support assembly featuring a fluid reservoir with interconnected fluid chambers and piston structures, allowing for equalization of forces across the limb portions, supported by a riser and limb cups, with adjustable fluid pressure to optimize support and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional parallel limb assemblies are used, then the bow structure is simple, but uneven force distribution causes cam lean and twisting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic fluid reservoir with interconnected fluid chambers and piston structures to provide load balancing support. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to equalize forces between parallel limb portions, with the fluid communicating between chambers to automatically balance unequal loads through pressure equalization, thereby eliminating cam lean and twisting forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes adjustable fluid pressure within the hydraulic system to optimize the balance between limb portions. By changing the pressure parameter of the hydraulic fluid, the system can adapt to different draw weights and limb configurations, providing precise force distribution control and eliminating the harmful effects of unbalanced loads.
2Reliability
If load balancing support is implemented, then force distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid reservoir serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the limb portions, acts as a load balancing mechanism through fluid pressure equalization, and offers adjustability for different operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving reliable force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system operates on self-service principles where the fluid automatically equalizes pressure between chambers based on the load conditions. The interconnected fluid chambers and pistons create a self-regulating mechanism that automatically balances forces without requiring external control systems, minimizing the complexity increase associated with load balancing functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid limb support is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different draw weights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static rigid support structure to a dynamic hydraulic support system. The fluid pressure within the hydraulic chambers can be adjusted to accommodate different draw weights and limb configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability during operation. The hydraulic system allows the support characteristics to change dynamically based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the fluid pressure parameter in the hydraulic system, the invention enables the same structural support to adapt to different draw weights and operational requirements. This parameter change capability allows the system to maintain optimal stability across varying conditions without requiring multiple rigid support structures.
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 provides balanced support to both limb portions, reducing cam lean and twisting forces, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of archery bows by ensuring equal force distribution and allowing for adjustable draw weight and limb deflection.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber. The support portions each comprise a piston structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser and a load balancing limb support assembly supported by the riser. The load balancing limb support assembly comprises a body comprising a first support portion and a second support portion. A limb assembly comprises a first limb portion and a second limb portion. The first limb portion is supported by the first support portion and the second limb portion is supported by the second support portion.