Bow Sight Illumination Control via Rotating Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recurve bow sights face issues with ambient light control, leading to a starburst effect in bright conditions and dimly lit fiber optic sight pins due to limited fiber length and fixed illumination, which affects accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The bow sight features a ring pin assembly with a longer optical fiber for improved light collection, an adjustable partial cover to control ambient light exposure, and interchangeable fiber diameter and color options, along with a reversible design for ambidexterity and a level assembly for enhanced aiming accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic sight pin length is increased to collect more ambient light, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases due to longer fiber management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is nested within the ring pin assembly structure, with the fiber embedded in a recessed area of the ring pin. This nesting approach allows the fiber to be protected and organized while extending its length to collect more ambient light, resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed illumination is used for the sight pin, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates in varying ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable cover assembly that can rotate to different positions, dynamically adjusting the amount of ambient light reaching the optical fiber. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the sight to adapt to varying ambient light conditions while maintaining consistent illumination through the fiber optic transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light exposure by introducing a cover assembly that can be rotated to different angular positions. This parameter change allows the system to control the amount of ambient light entering the fiber optic assembly, enabling adaptation to different lighting conditions while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Illumination intensity
If longer optical fiber is used to collect more light, then illumination intensity is improved, but the sight produces starburst effect in bright conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful starburst effect by introducing a cover assembly that can block excess ambient light from reaching the optical fiber. The cover assembly acts as an extraction mechanism that removes the excessive light input that causes the starburst effect, while still allowing sufficient light to pass through the fiber for proper illumination.
4Reliability
If fiber optic sight pin is made shorter to comply with FITA rules, then regulatory compliance is improved, but illumination intensity deteriorates in low light situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical fiber system that bridges the gap between the short fiber length required by FITA rules and the need for sufficient light collection. The optical fiber acts as a mediator that transmits ambient light over a longer effective path while complying with the physical length restrictions, enabling both regulatory compliance and adequate illumination.
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 provides improved accuracy by controlling light exposure, reducing the starburst effect, and accommodating different lighting conditions, while being suitable for both right and left-handed archers with enhanced visibility for target aiming.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber is mounted on the outer surface of the ring pin assembly and is connected with the sight pin to illuminate it with ambient light
Implementation Method 2
A lens is arranged within the other end of the housing and held in place by a lens retainer connected with the housing via the internal threads on the housing other end
Data Source
AI summary
A bow sight for recurve and compound bows includes a cylindrical housing, an exterior sight pin, and a rheostat cover to control the illumination of the sight pin. The sight pin is part of a ring pin assembly that mates with one end of the housing. An optical fiber is mounted on the external surface of the ring pin assembly and connected with the sight pin to illuminate the pin. The cover rotates about the housing and includes a portion that extends over the ring pin assembly to control the exposure of the optical fiber to ambient light to thereby control the intensity of illumination of the pin.