Arrow Tip Canister Electronics for Weight Distribution and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrow construction systems face challenges in tracking the movement and destination of arrows due to battery drainage, weight distribution issues, and reliability problems with manual switching and impact damage, leading to lost arrows during archery and hunting.
Innovation Solution
An arrow construction system featuring a tip canister that houses a power source and electronics, moving the weight to the front of the arrow, with integrated electrical connections through the shaft, and incorporating light-emitting fletching or nocks, solar cells, and wireless tracking capabilities, allowing for automatic activation and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery is located in the tail of the arrow, then the power source is easily accessible, but the weight distribution affects arrow flight and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional battery placement from the tail end to the front tip canister of the arrow. This inversion moves the weight forward, improving arrow flight characteristics and reliability while the electrical connections through the shaft maintain power source accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If manual switching is used to control the light, then the archer can control when the light is on, but the battery is continuously drained and lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by making the light flash or blink at intervals rather than remaining continuously on. This periodic illumination reduces battery drainage while still providing sufficient visibility for tracking the arrow, thus extending battery lifespan while maintaining operational control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the battery and connections are located in the tail, then assembly is simplified, but the battery or connections often break on impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arrow into distinct functional modules: the tip canister containing the battery and electronics, the shaft with integrated electrical connections, and the nock with light-emitting components. This segmentation isolates the battery in a protective front canister that can withstand impact, while the shaft's integrated connections eliminate vulnerable external wiring.
4Loss of information
If simple lights are added to the tail end, then arrow tracking becomes possible, but the design is limited and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic flashing or blinking light patterns instead of continuous illumination. This periodic action provides sufficient visual information for arrow tracking while significantly reducing power consumption, thus extending battery lifespan while maintaining effective tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from continuous to periodic/flashing mode. This parameter change maintains the tracking function by providing periodic visual cues while reducing overall energy consumption and extending battery operation duration.
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
Improves arrow flight reliability, extends battery life, and enables easy tracking of arrows and game, reducing maintenance and environmental impact while being cost-effective and portable.
Implementation Method 1
Current may be generated in a coil by passing the arrow through a magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The power circuit may be a battery, a storage capacitor, a coil and a rectifier, and/or a solar cell.
Implementation Method 3
The nock may contain a light, such as an LED.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrow construction system comprising a tip canister configured to receive an arrow tip and to attach to an arrow shaft. The tip canister contains a power source and sensitive electronics. The power circuit may be a battery, a primary storage capacitor, a coil and a rectifier, and/or a solar cell. The tip canister may be electrically connected to the nock via the shaft electrical conduction system. The electrical conductors may be integrated into the shaft. The wires may form a cable with standard connectors. The nock may contain a light. Alternatively, the fletching may comprise light emitting film or fibers. The circuits may include a flash circuit, an audio circuit, a radio beacon, a wireless transmitter, environmental sensors, a camera, a switch, and/or a GPS device. The switch may be activated by a current detected in a coil or by an accelerometer.