Retractable Crossbow Cocking Assembly with Automatic Hook Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crossbows lack an efficient and safe mechanism for cocking and uncocking the bowstring, which can lead to user fatigue and increased risk of accidental discharge due to the manual handling of hooks during the cocking process.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cocking assembly with a hook member and a return mechanism, including a biasing member such as a spring, that automatically returns to a non-actuated position after firing, allowing for easy cocking and uncocking without interference with the bowstring when firing, and a return assist assembly for user assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of hooks during cocking is used, then the cocking mechanism is simple, but user fatigue increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is equipped with an automatic return mechanism that uses a biasing member (spring) to automatically return the hook to its non-actuated position after firing. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual handling of the hook during uncocking, reducing user fatigue and preventing accidental discharge by ensuring the hook is reliably positioned.
2Device complexity
If the hook member remains in position after firing, then the structure is simple, but the bowstring may be obstructed during discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is designed to be movable between an actuated position (adjacent to the catch) and a non-actuated position (forward of the bowstring). The biasing member provides continuous force to maintain the hook in the non-actuated position, ensuring the bowstring path remains clear during discharge while allowing the hook to be positioned adjacent to the catch when needed for cocking.
3Ease of operation
If automatic return mechanism is added, then safety and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic return function is extracted as a separate mechanism (biasing member) that is independently integrated into the hook member assembly. This modular approach allows the return mechanism to function autonomously without interfering with other cocking assembly components, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while providing the safety and ease of operation benefits.
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
The retractable cocking assembly simplifies the cocking process, reduces user fatigue, and enhances safety by automatically returning the hooks to a safe position after firing, ensuring the bowstring is not obstructed during discharge.
Implementation Method 1
The return mechanism may include a biasing member. The biasing member may be operatively connected to the hook member and configured to move the hook member from the actuated position to the non-actuated position.
Implementation Method 2
The spring may be a constant force spring. The spring may also be a clock spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable cocking assembly with hooks slidingly secured to a crossbow track. In a default or non-actuated position, the hooks are positioned forward of the uncocked bowstring. The hooks are drawn in a rearward direction to engage the bowstring and to pull the bowstring to its cocked position. When the bowstring is secured in a trigger catch in the cocked position, a user engages a release member that causes the hooks to return to the default position at the forward end of the crossbow track. A continuous force springs pull the hooks forward into the default position when the release member is engaged.