Segmented Archery Bow Limb with Stiff Outer and Inner Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional archery bow limbs made of synthetic composite materials like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and fiberglass are expensive, difficult to manufacture, and prone to inconsistencies, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A bow limb design comprising an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member, where the outer and inner members are stiffer than the core, allowing them to move relative to each other when bent, and are made from materials like high-strength steel and elastomeric materials, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic composite materials like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic are used for bow limbs, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bow limb is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member. Each segment serves a specific function - the outer and inner members provide structural strength and flexibility, while the core member provides structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining overall limb performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The outer and inner elongate members are made from materials providing flexibility and strength, while the core member is made from a different material providing structural support. This composite approach achieves the strength of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic but with simpler manufacturing processes for each individual component.
2Reliability
If synthetic composite materials are used for bow limbs, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the bow limb into separate manufacturable components (outer member, inner member, core member) allows each to be produced using cost-effective processes while ensuring durability through their combined functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bow limb are assigned different materials and structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer and inner members have properties optimized for flexibility and strength, while the core member has properties optimized for structural support, achieving overall durability without uniform complex material usage throughout.
3Strength
If conventional synthetic composite materials are used, then structural strength is improved, but performance consistency deteriorates due to manufacturing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bow limb into separate components that can be manufactured independently using precise, repeatable processes, the invention eliminates the performance inconsistencies that arise from manufacturing variations in monolithic composite structures. Each component can be quality-controlled separately, ensuring consistent assembly and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-material composite structure with clearly defined interfaces between components allows for standardized manufacturing processes for each material type, improving repeatability and reducing the performance variability associated with conventional composite fabrication.
4Ease of manufacture
If a multi-member structure with core member is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple components does increase structural complexity, it enables each component to be manufactured using simpler processes. The modular nature of the segmented structure allows for easier assembly and quality control, offsetting the increased structural complexity with manufacturing advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The core member is nested within the inner and outer elongate members, creating a compact hierarchical structure. This nesting arrangement maximizes structural efficiency while minimizing the overall footprint and simplifying the assembly process, as components are integrated in a space-efficient manner.
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 design provides a cost-effective, durable, and predictable performance, reducing the need for tuning and matching performance characteristics, and offering a lightweight design with efficient energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
The outer elongate member and the inner elongate member are configured to move relative to each other when the limb is bent
Implementation Method 2
offering a lightweight design with efficient energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
A limb for an archery bow is provided. The limb includes an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a core member. The outer elongate member is formed of a first material. The inner elongate member is formed of a second material. The core member is formed of a third material and is sandwiched between the outer elongate member and the inner elongate member. The core member is coupled with at least a portion of the outer elongate member and the inner elongate member. The outer elongate member and the inner elongate member are configured to move relative to each other when the limb is bent. The first material and the second material are each stiffer than the third material.