Scope of project:
- Modify parent design from thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:200976
- Re-design thingiverse model to eliminate post processing on the ratchet mechanism
- Optimize body strength/weight ratio using FEA
- Replace the existing two-part bow with a one-part bow system
Ratchet Mechanism Redesign
The goal of the ratchet re-design is to remove post process machining by eliminating the set screw mounting the handle to the pin of the ratchet system.
Fig 1
Fig. 2
Optimize Body Strength/Weight Ratio
The thingiverse crossbow body was much larger than it needed to be. We aim to redesign the body by removing material in locations of no stress. Fig. 3 highlights the region of the body that is to be redesigned.
Fig. 3
This is accomplished by cutting out the center body and utilizing modular meshes that were indicated by FEA. These meshes will slide into the highlighted area in Fig. 3 to support loading stresses.
Bow System Redesign
The thingiverse design utilized a split bow system that seemed overly complex. This isn’t the focus of the optimization of the crossbow and we decided to simplify it to a single part bow system.
Fig. 4