High-Impact Lighted Nock Assembly for Bow Launch Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighted arrow nocks fail to withstand the high forces generated by modern bows and crossbows, leading to dry fire events and arrow shaft fractures, and often activate unintentionally, draining batteries.
Innovation Solution
A matched weight arrow set with a lighted nock assembly and a non-lighted nock assembly, both constructed from a transparent, high impact strength polymeric material, featuring a light assembly that activates only upon launch and deactivates without removal, and a bushing that isolates launch forces from the arrow shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing lighted nock systems are used in high-powered bows, then the arrow can be illuminated for better visibility and recovery, but the nock breaks during launch causing dry fire events and bow damage
Solution Approach 1:
The nock is divided into two separate components: a lightweight nock body containing the light assembly and a separate reinforcement element (such as a metal insert or external reinforcement ring) that attaches to the nock or arrow shaft. This segmentation allows the light assembly to remain lightweight while the reinforcement element provides the necessary strength to withstand high-powered bow launches without breaking.
2Reliability
If lighted nock components transfer forces to the arrow shaft, then the light assembly can be activated during launch, but the arrow shaft fractures
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer element or intermediary component is introduced between the nock and the arrow shaft. This buffer absorbs and distributes the launch forces, preventing direct force transmission to the arrow shaft that would cause fractures. The buffer element may be a compliant material or a structured component designed to deform elastically during launch, thereby protecting the arrow shaft while still allowing sufficient force to activate the light assembly.
3Strength
If the light assembly is made more durable for high-powered bows, then the nock can withstand launch forces, but the arrow weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nock assembly utilizes composite materials combining lightweight polymers for the nock body with high-strength materials (such as metal inserts, carbon fiber reinforcement, or glass fiber reinforced plastic) strategically placed only where needed to withstand launch forces. This composite approach provides the necessary strength while minimizing additional weight compared to using solid high-strength materials throughout the entire nock assembly.
4Ease of operation
If existing lighted nocks are used, then the arrow can be recovered easily, but unintended activation drains the battery during transport
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cap or cover is provided that encloses the light assembly during transport and storage. This preliminary protective action prevents unintended activation by physically blocking the light assembly from accidental compression or contact that would close the electrical circuit. The cap is designed to be easily removed before shooting, allowing normal light activation functionality during actual use while preventing battery drainage during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A matched arrow set including a first arrow and a second arrow. The first arrow including: a first shaft, a first bushing coupled to the first shaft, and a first nock received in the first bushing. The second arrow including: a second shaft, a second bushing coupled to the second shaft, and a second nock received in the second bushing. The first shaft and the first bushing define a first weight, the second shaft and the second bushing define a second weight greater than the first weight, and a first arrow weight is substantially the same as a second arrow weight.