Split-Limb Bow Stand With Rotating Clamp Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional archery bow stands are inadequate for supporting split-limb bows due to their inability to accommodate varying limb thicknesses and wide limbs, often causing damage and failing to provide adequate protection, while exposed springs pose risks to users and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A bow stand with pivotally connected legs and rotatable clamp portions that can be oriented to fit within the elongate slot of split-limb bows, providing secure support and protection through a double truss configuration and resilient materials to accommodate different limb thicknesses and widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scissor-type bow stands are used, then the stand can support the bow and free the archer's hands, but the stand cannot accommodate split-limb bows with wide limbs separated by an elongate slot
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion is divided into two separate clamp sections (first clamp section and second clamp section) that can independently engage with the first and second limb segments of the split-limb bow. This segmentation allows the stand to accommodate the wide separation between limbs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portions are configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bow, rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the clamp sections to reach across the elongate slot and engage the separated limb segments, enabling compatibility with split-limb bows without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scissor-type bow stands with inwardly facing clamping portions are used, then the bow limb can be captured, but the stand cannot accommodate wide split-limb bows where clamping portions cannot reach around the outside edges
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having clamping portions that face inwardly toward each other (as in conventional scissor-type stands), the clamp sections are configured to face outwardly or laterally, allowing them to engage the outer surfaces of the limb segments. This inversion of the clamping orientation enables accommodation of wide limb separation while simplifying the positioning operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If low-cost scissor-type bow stands are used, then the stand can be manufactured economically, but the bow limb surfaces are not protected from damage
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient cover made of elastomeric material is provided that extends over the clamp portions and limb-contacting surfaces. This thin flexible protective layer prevents direct contact between hard metal surfaces and the bow limb, protecting against scratches and damage while adding minimal manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bow stand combines metal components (for structural strength and clamping force) with elastomeric material (for protection and cushioning). This composite construction maintains manufacturing economy while eliminating the harmful effect of metal-on-wood contact that could damage the bow limb surfaces.
4Reliability
If exposed springs are used in scissor-type bow stands, then the stand can maintain clamping force, but the springs pose risks to users and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The exposed spring mechanism is removed from the user-accessible areas by enclosing it within the resilient cover. The spring remains functional for maintaining clamping force, but its potentially harmful exposed surfaces are eliminated, preventing pinching and scratching hazards to users and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the user/equipment and the exposed spring components. It allows the spring to perform its clamping function while preventing direct contact that could cause pinching or scratching, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An archery bow stand is provided supporting generally wide split-limb archery bows that include first and second limb segments separated by an elongated slot. The bow stand includes identical first and second legs t pivotally connected together such that the inner surface of one leg faces the inner surface of the other leg. First and second upper clamp portions associated with the first and second legs, respectively, extend in opposite directions. The clamp portions are received in the elongate slot between the limb segments so that the clamp portions extend generally parallel therewith. The bow stand is then rotated about a longitudinal axis so that the clamp portions extend perpendicular to the limb segments with an open gap of each clamp portion receiving one of the limb segments to hold the split-limb archery bow in an upright position when not in use.