Polygonal Bowfishing Arrow Slide Reducing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowfishing arrow slides interfere with the arrow's trajectory and are prone to premature failure due to wear and torque issues, and challenges in attaching the string or line without compromising the arrow's flight path.
Innovation Solution
A polygonal arrow slide with a passageway and string mount design that reduces torque and friction, featuring sloped sidewalls and corner portions to minimize contact area and allow for pivotal movement, and a radiused line mounting passageway to distribute forces over a broader area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical slide is used to attach the bowfishing line to the arrow, then the line can be positioned away from the bow string and arrow rest, but the slide engages the arrow along a significant length creating friction and torque that interfere with the arrow's trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is segmented into a polygonal cross-section (triangle, square, or rectangle) rather than cylindrical, creating discrete contact points along the arrow shaft. This segmentation reduces the continuous friction and torque of cylindrical designs while maintaining secure line attachment through the polygonal geometry that engages with corresponding grooves in the arrow shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a cylindrical (round) cross-section to a polygonal cross-section with flat sides and corners. This dimensional change creates specific geometric engagement points rather than continuous contact, reducing friction and torque while maintaining attachment reliability through the polygonal-groove interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the slide is grooved to allow contaminant flow through, then contaminants can pass through the slide, but unimpeded travel through the groove is not ensured creating a risk that a slide will react to a contaminant in ways that exert unintended torque or other forces on the arrow
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal slide design creates localized contact points at the corners and along the flat sides, rather than continuous contact. Contaminants can pass through the spaces between these localized contact points without creating the unintended torque that would occur if a contaminant became wedged in a continuous cylindrical groove. Each corner portion independently engages the arrow, allowing local adaptation to contaminants while maintaining overall stability.
3Reliability
If a stop with dampening material is used to prevent the slide from sliding off the arrow, then the slide is retained on the arrow shaft, but the dampening material creates additional friction and contact that can interfere with arrow flight
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal slide design allows dynamic adjustment of contact points as the arrow flexes during flight. The corners and flat sides can pivot slightly relative to the arrow shaft, distributing forces more evenly and reducing peak friction points compared to a rigid cylindrical design with a stop. This dynamic adaptation minimizes interference with arrow flight while maintaining retention.
4Strength
If the line is tied to the slide on opposite sides of the arrow, then stress is distributed over a larger area, but the attachment method creates complexity in line routing and potential interference with arrow flight path
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal slide serves multiple functions: it provides line attachment points, maintains line spacing away from the bow string, and engages with the arrow shaft through its geometric shape. The universal polygonal design can accommodate various line routing configurations (single side or opposite sides) while maintaining attachment strength, reducing the need for complex routing specific to cylindrical designs.
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of the invention, an arrow slide is provided with a body having a first opening with a plurality of first edges arranged in a generally triangular configuration within which a first diameter can be received, a second opening with a plurality of second edges arranged in the generally triangular configuration within which the first diameter can be received; sidewalk linking corresponding ones of the first plurality of edges to the plurality of second edges to create a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening through which an arrow can slide; and a string mount to which a bowfishing line can be joined.