Modular Adjustable Weight Arrow Tip for Flight Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Archers and bowhunters face challenges in adjusting the weight and aerodynamic properties of arrow tips to optimize flight characteristics and spine flex, requiring multiple purchases and re-sighting of bows, with existing adjustable weight systems being user-unfriendly and dangerous.

Innovation Solution

A modular weight system that allows easy adjustment of weights at the arrow tip and shaft junction by inserting or removing modular weights, enabling incremental weight changes without special tools, applicable to various arrow types and broadheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different weighted arrow tips are purchased to test and determine optimal performance, then the ability to optimize arrow flight characteristics is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to optimize arrow flight characteristicsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arrow tip is divided into two separate components: a reusable threaded insert that remains in the arrow shaft, and interchangeable tip portions that can be screwed onto the insert. This segmentation allows users to swap only the tip portion when changing weight or style, eliminating the need to purchase multiple complete arrow tips and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional threaded insert systems are used to change arrow tips, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of cross-threading and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of changing arrow tipsVSAvoidrisk of cross-threading and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded insert is designed with a specific thread configuration that is optimized for the arrow shaft material, while the tip portions are designed with matching threads. This localized optimization of thread design at the insertion point ensures reliable engagement without cross-threading, while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If arrow tips with different weights are used to adjust spine flex and flight characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but the time required for experimentation and re-sighting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to adjust spine flex and flight characteristicsVSAvoidtime for experimentation and re-sighting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tip portions with different weights and characteristics can be prepared in advance. The threaded insert remains permanently installed in the arrow shaft, so when experimentation is needed, users simply screw on different pre-prepared tip portions rather than assembling complete new arrow tips each time, reducing the time required for experimentation and re-sighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9494394B1Modular adjustable weight arrow tip

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 ADDLEMAN THOMAS ANDREW

AI summary

A modular, adjustable weight arrow tip is disclosed. The arrow tip has a body and one or more blades in various configurations. The arrow tip utilizes one more modular weights, preferably seated between the body rear end and the arrow shaft, to allow the user to be able to selectably adjust an incrementally stepped array of weights to achieve the desired flight and “front of center” for their application. The modular weights can be threaded or unthreaded, can utilize a modular weight seating collar, can have varying weights, and may be utilized with any type of archery tip.