Fall Away Arrow Rest Launcher Bounce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrow rests face issues such as the launcher bouncing back after reaching its lowered position, altering the arrow's trajectory, and noise generation due to the arrow shaft's contact with the launcher material, particularly problematic during hunting.
Innovation Solution
A fall away arrow rest with a housing, rotatable shaft, and launcher designed to prevent bouncing by using a locking component and indention mechanism, and a launcher constructed from multiple materials with a softer overlay to reduce noise, such as rubber, to minimize contact noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a spring loaded mechanism is used to rotate the launcher quickly out of the way, then the launcher rotation speed is improved, but the launcher bounces back up and contacts the arrow shaft and/or fletching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a damping element (viscoelastic material or dashpot mechanism) that counteracts the bouncing motion before it can affect the arrow. The damping element is positioned to engage with the launcher when it reaches its lowered position, preventing the rebound effect that would otherwise cause contact with the arrow shaft or fletching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by placing a viscoelastic damping material between the launcher and the housing at the lowered position. This cushioning element absorbs the impact energy when the launcher reaches its final position, preventing the bounce-back effect while maintaining the quick rotation capability provided by the spring mechanism.
2Strength
If a hard plastic or metallic launcher is used, then the launcher structural strength is improved, but noise is generated when the arrow shaft moves within the launcher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a hard structural material (plastic or metal) with a soft damping material (viscoelastic substance). The hard material provides the necessary structural strength to support the arrow and withstand firing forces, while the viscoelastic material is positioned at the contact interface to reduce noise during arrow movement and loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying the viscoelastic damping material only at specific locations where noise generation occurs (contact surfaces between arrow shaft and launcher), while maintaining hard structural materials in areas requiring strength and rigidity. This localized approach reduces noise without compromising overall launcher strength.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If adhesive materials like moleskin are attached to reduce noise, then the noise level is reduced, but the materials wear and become nuisance to keep attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using a viscoelastic damping material that is permanently integrated into the launcher structure, eliminating the need for periodic reattachment or maintenance. The material maintains its noise-reducing properties over time without wearing off or becoming detached, unlike adhesive-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials where the viscoelastic damping substance is permanently bonded or integrated into the launcher structure, providing durable noise reduction without the maintenance issues of removable adhesive materials. The permanent integration ensures consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle.
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 solution effectively prevents the launcher from bouncing back, ensuring a stable arrow trajectory and significantly reduces noise during arrow movement, enhancing hunting stealth and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The locking component may include a plunger and a spring element adapted to urge the plunger from a retracted position to an extended position
Implementation Method 2
The launcher may include a base and a pair of arms extending from the base forming a channel therebetween. The launcher is constructed of at least two different materials—a first material having a first hardness and second material having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a fall away arrow rest system for use with a bow. The arrow rest system includes a launcher that is adapted to support a shaft of an arrow prior to the firing of the arrow. Upon the firing of the arrow, the launcher rotates from an upright position to a lowered position in order to move out of the way by the time the tail region of the arrow passes by the launcher. The arrow rest includes a activator body with a locking component to releasably secure the launcher in a lowered position in order to substantially eliminate any bounce back of the launcher and possibility that it may contact the arrow after the arrow is fired.