Pivotal Crossbow Bow Assembly for Compact Storage and Transport

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crossbows require large packaging and transportation volumes due to their assembled configuration, necessitating inefficient use of space and requiring cumbersome disassembly methods for smaller storage.

Innovation Solution

A crossbow design that allows the bow assembly to be selectively moved between a ready-to-use horizontal position and a storage vertical position relative to the crossbow frame, using a coupling mechanism to maintain alignment and facilitate easy conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the crossbow is assembled in a ready-to-use configuration, then the crossbow is functional and ready to shoot, but the packaging volume and transportation space required are excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness to useVSAvoidpackaging volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The crossbow is divided into two main segments: the frame assembly and the bow assembly. The bow assembly can be detached from the frame assembly, allowing the crossbow to be transported in a disassembled state that requires significantly less packaging volume. The coupling mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment of these segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism between the bow assembly and frame assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable. It allows the bow assembly to be quickly attached to or detached from the frame assembly without tools, enabling the crossbow to transition between assembled and disassembled configurations for different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the bow assembly is made completely removable from the crossbow frame, then packaging volume is reduced, but tools and excessive time and effort are required for disassembly and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoidtime for disassembly and reassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing the user to attach or detach the bow assembly from the frame assembly without requiring external tools. The mechanism includes features such as quick-release latches or bayonet-style couplings that can be operated by hand, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism provides dynamic connectivity, allowing the bow assembly to be quickly attached to or detached from the frame assembly. The design incorporates movable coupling elements that can be engaged or disengaged with a simple motion, significantly reducing the time and effort required for assembly and disassembly compared to traditional fixed or tool-removable designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If the bow assembly is made completely removable from the crossbow frame, then packaging volume is reduced, but the disassembly and reassembly process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoiddisassembly and reassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing the user to attach or detach the bow assembly from the frame assembly without requiring external tools. The mechanism includes features such as quick-release latches or bayonet-style couplings that can be operated by hand, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The crossbow is divided into two main segments: the frame assembly and the bow assembly. The bow assembly can be detached from the frame assembly, allowing the crossbow to be transported in a disassembled state that requires significantly less packaging volume. The coupling mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment of these segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12535287B2Crossbow having a pivotal bow assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 BARNETT DAVID A MR

AI summary

A crossbow having a crossbow frame and a bow assembly. The bow riser of the bow assembly having a launch deck surface and a bore below the launch deck surface. The crossbow frame having a launch deck surface and a coupling rod below the launch deck surface. The coupling rod is sized to cooperate with the bore, and the coupling rod is axial to and concentric with the bore. The bow riser is axially coupled to the crossbow frame by the coupling rod, the bow assembly has a first position for shooting a projectile and a second position for storage or transportation. Any suitable device may be used to lock the angular orientation between the bow assembly and the crossbow frame, such as pins, plungers, springs, detents and the like in the first and second positions.