Deformable Speed Nock for Low-Force Bowstring Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of speed nocks on a bowstring requires high crimping pressure, leading to strain and potential stress injuries for operators, and there is a need to efficiently control the speed of the bowstring portions to enhance energy transfer to the arrow.
Innovation Solution
A deformable speed nock with reliefs and yielding regions that can be easily installed using a radially-applied force of less than 4 lbs/gr, allowing the inner wall to conform to the bowstring shape, reducing installation strain and enhancing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional rigid speed nocks are used to control bowstring speed, then energy transfer to the arrow is improved, but installation requires high crimping pressure causing operator strain and potential stress injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The speed nock transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic deformable structure. The yielding regions allow the speed nock to deform under radial compression force during installation, then maintain a constrained closed configuration to grip the bowstring. This dynamic behavior enables easy installation with low force while maintaining the rigid grip needed for energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed nock's mechanical properties change based on applied force. Under low radial compression (≤4 lbs/gr), the yielding regions deform to allow installation. Once installed, the speed nock maintains a constrained configuration that provides sufficient grip force on the bowstring for energy transfer. The parameter change occurs between installation state and operational state.
2Reliability
If high crimping pressure is applied to install speed nocks, then secure attachment to bowstring is achieved, but operator strain and stress injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The speed nock uses dynamic deformation during installation rather than static high-force crimping. The yielding regions allow controlled deformation under low radial compression force, enabling secure attachment without requiring high crimping pressure that would cause operator injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed nock incorporates yielding regions that act as flexible zones, allowing the structure to deform and conform to the bowstring under low compression force. This flexibility during installation enables secure attachment without high crimping pressure, improving operator safety.
3Ease of operation
If the speed nock structure is made deformable with yielding regions, then installation force is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speed nock is segmented into distinct functional regions: outer wall, inner wall, yielding regions, and reliefs. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function - the yielding regions deform during installation while the inner and outer walls maintain structural integrity. The segmented design achieves low installation force without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the speed nock have different mechanical properties. The yielding regions are designed to deform under low force, while the outer and inner walls maintain sufficient strength for gripping the bowstring. This local differentiation of properties enables easy installation without compromising the overall structural function.
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 deformable speed nock facilitates easy installation with reduced operator strain and improves energy transfer to the arrow by concentrating force on the bowstring portion in contact with the arrow.
Implementation Method 1
The speed nock is deformable between an open configuration where the bowstring may be received through the gap, and a closed configuration wherein the inner wall impinges on the bowstring... configured to deform from the open configuration to the closed configuration under a radially-applied force
Data Source
AI summary
An archery system includes a riser with a first end and a second end and configured to be gripped by a user, a first limb extending from the first end of the riser and a second limb extending from the second end of the riser, a bowstring extending between and operably coupled with a second end of the first limb and a second end of the second limb and one or more speed nocks coupled with the bowstring each including a first end, a second end, an outer wall, an inner wall opposite the outer wall, at least one relief extending into the outer wall and a longitudinally-extending gap extending between the first and second ends of the speed nock, where the speed nock is deformable between an open configuration and a closed configuration wherein the inner wall impinges on the bowstring.