Illuminated Arrow Nock with Bowstring-Activated Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighted arrow nocks and crossbow bolt ends face issues with insufficient brightness, weight, and complexity in activation, often requiring pre-activation or additional components, which can alert animals and lead to missed shots or unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, reliable illuminated nock assembly with a built-in power source and switch that activates upon bowstring release, eliminating the need for extra parts or preparation, and allowing for easy on/off functionality without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If chemical light sources or luminescence material are used in arrow nocks, then the nock can emit light to help see the arrow in flight and impact point, but the brightness is insufficient and the device cannot be turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the nock movable relative to the arrow shaft. The nock can be positioned in different locations along the shaft, and when moved to a specific position, it activates the light source. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the light to be turned on and off without complex electrical switches, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient light and enabling easy on/off control.
2Illumination intensity
If chemical light sources are activated before the shot, then the light can illuminate the arrow, but the animal may see the light and spot the hunter, or the vial may be wasted if not used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the nock on the arrow shaft in an inactive state. The nock contains the light source and is prepared in advance, but the light remains off until the nock is moved to the activation position during or after the shot. This allows the hunter to be fully prepared with the device already installed, eliminating the need to break vials beforehand, while avoiding premature light activation that would alert animals.
3Ease of operation
If battery powered LEDs are used with a switch, then the light can be turned on and off, but the switch adds complexity and may become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical switch mechanism with a mechanical positioning system. Instead of using an electrical switch to control the LED, the nock itself is moved to a specific physical position where it completes an electrical circuit or activates the light source through its position. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex switch mechanisms while maintaining reliable on/off control through the nock's location on the arrow shaft.
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 archers to see the arrow in flight and its impact, and recover it more effectively, while reducing weight and cost, with a dependable and user-friendly design suitable for various bow types.
Implementation Method 1
a light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source (such as an LED)
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed. A lighted nock has a nock body that includes an arrow attachment portion and a proximate end having a portion adapted to receive a bowstring in a drawn position. A light source assembly is at least partially disposed within the nock body. The light source assembly includes a slide switch operably connected to a light source and a power source. The light source is activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position, thereby causing the slide switch to move away from the proximate end and close an electrical circuit formed by the light source and the power source.