Compact Projectile Launcher Power Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile launchers, such as crossbows, face a challenge in increasing firing speed without making the device cumbersome to handle, fire, and transport.
Innovation Solution
The projectile launcher incorporates a drawstring, a frame, a limb, and a power cable, with a pulley system and a string hub that allows for a longer power stroke while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power stroke is increased and/or the size of the limbs is increased to increase firing speed, then the firing speed is improved, but the size of the crossbow increases making it cumbersome to handle, fire, and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable is routed through the limb structure itself, nesting the cable path within the existing limb geometry. This allows the cable to contribute to limb loading while occupying minimal additional space, enabling increased power stroke without proportionally increasing overall crossbow dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The power cable is routed in a three-dimensional path that utilizes vertical and lateral spaces within the crossbow structure. By routing the cable from the drawstring through the limb and anchoring it at strategic points, the design creates an efficient spatial arrangement that maximizes power stroke length while minimizing the crossbow's external footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile launcher includes a drawstring, a frame, a limb, and a power cable. The frame includes a vertical grip. The limb includes a fixed end coupled to the frame rearward of the vertical grip and a free end positioned forward of the vertical grip. The power cable is coupled to the frame and operatively coupled with the limb. During operation of the projectile launcher, the limb flexes toward the frame as the drawstring moves to a drawn position.