Pin Nock Assembly for Crossbow String Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crossbow nocks designed for vertical bows are unsafe and prone to breaking when used in crossbow applications due to the higher firing energies and string diameters, as they are not configured to handle the increased strength and speed requirements of crossbow firing.
Innovation Solution
A pin nock assembly featuring a pin and pin nock with thicker nock ears and a large seat, designed to interface with the thicker string diameter of crossbows, providing a secure and accurate connection while protecting the arrow shaft from damage, using materials like aluminum or metal alloys for durability without adding weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vertical bow nocks are used in crossbow applications, then the nock structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nock breaks or shatters due to increased firing energy and string diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the nock by increasing wall thickness, nock ear thickness, and overall mass to withstand crossbow firing energies. The nock is designed with specific dimensional characteristics (thicker walls, larger seat area) that allow it to handle the higher forces and string diameters of crossbows while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fabrication processes.
2Strength
If insert nocks are used for crossbow applications, then the nock can handle higher firing energies, but the connection accuracy and shaft protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material thickness and structural reinforcement at critical locations: the nock seat area, nock ears, and insertion interface. The pin nock features localized thickening at the seat portion for precision fitting, while the nock ears maintain adequate thickness for string engagement. This targeted reinforcement achieves both connection accuracy and energy handling without unnecessary overall mass increase.
3Strength
If thicker nock walls and larger nock ears are used, then the nock can interface with thicker string diameters and handle high energies, but the nock weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin nock employs local quality by placing material thickness only where structurally necessary: at the nock seat for precision interface, at the nock ears for string engagement, and at the insertion interface for secure attachment. The body of the nock maintains reasonable thickness without excessive mass, achieving the required strength-to-weight ratio for crossbow applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin nock assembly comprises a pin and nock. The pin includes a pin base, a pin element positioned laterally away from the pin base, and a pin collar positioned between the pin base and pin element. The pin element protrudes laterally from the pin collar along a central axis. The central axis extends from a center of the pin base through a center of the pin element. The nock includes a nock base and a string interface positioned laterally away from the nock base. The nock base defines a pin cavity complementary to and configured to receive the pin element. A base portion of the nock base is positioned around the pin cavity and is configured to abut the pin collar when the pin element is inserted into the pin cavity. The string interface is configured to contact a string of a crossbow.