GPS Tracking Unit Detachment Mechanism for Arrow Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Specialized arrow-tracking systems do not provide for reusable tracking devices that can remain inside an animal if the arrow falls out, limiting the ability to track the animal effectively after it has been shot.
Innovation Solution
A GPS arrow system with an arrowhead, a GPS tracking unit, and an attaching ring that can be securely fastened to the arrowhead, allowing the GPS unit to break away and remain inside the animal, utilizing a battery-powered GPS unit that can transmit signals to a handheld device for location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized arrow-tracking system is used, then tracking capability is improved, but the device cannot remain inside the animal if the arrow falls out
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent components: the arrow assembly (arrow + arrowhead) and the GPS tracking device. The GPS device is attached to the arrowhead but is designed to separate from it under certain conditions (when the arrow passes through the animal), allowing the GPS device to remain inside the animal while the arrow is retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the arrowhead and GPS device. This mechanism includes a retention structure on the arrowhead and a corresponding engagement structure on the GPS device that can be released when the arrow penetrates the animal, allowing automatic separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the GPS tracking unit is made small to fit through the entry opening, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking unit is designed with specific dimensional parameters that are optimized to pass through the entry opening created by the arrowhead blades. The device dimensions are carefully controlled to be slightly smaller than the opening size, ensuring passage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic arrowhead and blades are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses plastic for the arrowhead and blades, leveraging modern polymer materials that provide sufficient strength for hunting applications while offering manufacturing advantages such as ease of molding, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to integrate the GPS device attachment structures directly into the plastic components.
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
Enables accurate tracking of animals even if the arrow passes through, reducing waste and improving hunting efficiency by allowing hunters to locate and retrieve the animal in low-visibility environments.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS tracking unit (30) attached to the arrowhead (42)
Implementation Method 2
The GPS tracking unit (30) may comprise a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio signal to a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS arrow system to track a moving object. The GPS arrow system to track a moving object generally includes an arrowhead comprising a blade and an opening in the blade, a GPS tracking unit comprising a GPS attachment opening, and an attaching ring for attaching the GPS tracking unit to the arrowhead. The attaching ring comprises a gap that is expandable so that an end of the attaching ring can be passed through the opening in the arrowhead and the GPS attachment opening, for connecting the GPS tracking unit to the arrowhead. The arrowhead may be attached to the shaft of an arrow. The GPS tracking unit can transmit position signals that can be received by a handheld unit being carried by a user, such as a hunter, and used to track a moving object.