Off-Axis Arrow Light Emitter for Rearward Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrow-mounted light emitting devices positioned on the nock or embedded within it lose light due to the shape of the nock, which disperses the emitted light and is incompatible with maintaining balance for archery functions.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting element is positioned off the center axis of the arrow or bolt, utilizing symmetry to maintain balance and focus light rearward without interference with the bowstring, ensuring more efficient light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light emitting element is positioned on the nock or embedded within it, then the device size is minimized and balance is maintained, but the light is dispersed and lost due to the nock shape
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is extracted from the nock structure and positioned off the center axis in a location that allows unobstructed rearward light emission. This separation eliminates the light dispersion caused by the nock shape while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element is positioned in three-dimensional space off the center axis of the arrow shaft, creating a spatial arrangement that enables rearward-focused light emission without interference from the nock structure. This dimensional repositioning resolves the conflict between compact integration and effective light emission.
2Illumination intensity
If the light emitting element is positioned off the center axis, then rearward focused light emission is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is deliberately positioned asymmetrically off the center axis of the arrow shaft. This asymmetric positioning is essential for achieving rearward-focused light emission while the patent provides guidance for maintaining balance through counterweights or symmetric distribution of other components.
Solution Approach 2:
To compensate for the imbalance caused by off-center positioning of the light emitting element, counterweights or symmetrically distributed components are added to the arrow assembly. This ensures that the arrow maintains proper balance and flight characteristics despite the asymmetric light emission configuration.
3Device complexity
If the light emitting element is positioned on the central axis, then the size of the light emitting device is minimized and balance is preserved, but light emission is dispersed and not focused rearward
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is extracted from the central axis position and relocated to an off-center position where it can emit light rearward without obstruction. This extraction resolves the conflict between compact central positioning and effective rearward light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element is repositioned in three-dimensional space from the central axis to an off-center location, creating the necessary spatial relationship for rearward-focused light emission while maintaining overall device compactness through careful positioning.
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 superior rearward-focused light emission, improving visibility for the archer without compromising the arrow's functionality, as demonstrated by experimental testing showing increased light visibility at greater distances compared to conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element is positioned off the center axis of an arrow or bolt to emit light that identifies to a user at least one of the path of the arrow or bolt or a location of the arrow or bolt
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect is an illumination assembly including: a first light emitting element; a first counterweight; and at least one of a nock or a connector configured to attach the illumination assembly to a nock, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are positioned symmetrically from each other relative to the nock on opposite sides of the nock. Preferably the first light emitting element is substantially the same mass as the first counterweight. The illumination assembly can include a shaft of an arrow or bolt and/or include an adapter configured to attach to a shaft of an arrow or bolt, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are collinear on a virtual line substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the arrow or bolt, and such that the first light emitting element is positioned off of the central axis of the arrow or bolt and configured to emit light in a rearward direction offset from the central axis of the arrow or bolt.