Perpendicular Launch Projectile System for Compact Archery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional archery systems have limitations such as long arrow lengths leading to instability, high pull weights, bulkiness, and slow reloading due to arrows being carried separately, which affect accuracy and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A projectile launching system that launches arrows perpendicularly and rotates them to a parallel position for flight, using an arm support and launching mechanism with elastic cords to achieve lower pull weights and compact size, allowing for shorter arrows and faster reloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional archery bows use long arrows (28-33 inches) to match draw lengths, then the arrow can be stabilized during drawing, but the arrow becomes unstable and inconsistent in accuracy due to flexing and bending in flight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrow stability during drawingVSAvoidarrow accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch orientation parameter from parallel to perpendicular, enabling the use of shorter arrows (6-18 inches) while maintaining stability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing short arrows to be launched effectively without the flexing and bending issues that plague long arrows in conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If conventional bows have long arms to provide sufficient recoil, then the arrow can be propelled effectively, but the bow becomes very tall and bulky, making it hard to carry or maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecoil forceVSAvoidbow size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dimensional change by launching the arrow perpendicular to the bow arm rather than parallel. This allows the bow to generate sufficient recoil force in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for long arms and reducing the overall volume and maneuverability issues of conventional bows.

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

3Volume of moving object

If arrows are carried in a separate pouch away from the bow, then the bow can be compact, but the shooter cannot reload and shoot multiple rounds quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebow compactnessVSAvoidreloading speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the arrow storage function with the bow structure by integrating an arrow holder directly onto the bow. This allows arrows to be stored close to the launch point, enabling quick access and rapid reloading while maintaining a compact overall design, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and reloading speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Force

If conventional bows have high pull weights, then sufficient force is available to propel the arrow, but it becomes difficult to draw the arrow and make an accurate shot

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoiddraw difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the launch parameter to perpendicular orientation, which allows for reduced pull weights while maintaining adequate propulsion force. This parameter change makes the bow easier to draw and aim accurately while still achieving effective arrow propulsion, resolving the contradiction between force availability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This system provides more accurate and powerful shots with shorter arrows, reduced recoil, and improved maneuverability, enabling quicker reloading and increased accuracy over longer distances with lower pulling force.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of launching cords (106) attached to the base member (104c) and an arrow holder (112) positioned above the base member (104c)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11898818B2Projectile launching system
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 FIELDS RICHARD T
  • US11898818B2 patent drawing
  • US11898818B2 patent drawing
  • US11898818B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for launching a projectile along an intended flight trajectory includes a launching mechanism with a handle. A projectile having a longitudinal axis is disposed in the launching cord in a launch position prior to launch such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to a plane in which the launching cord is disposed. As the projectile is launched by the launching mechanism, the projectile rotates such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is parallel to the plane in which the launching cord was disposed.