Programmable Archery Nock Microprocessor Controls LED Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated archery arrow nocks face challenges in low light conditions, including added complexity, potential system failures, and difficult battery replacement, as they often require magnetic or acceleration switches that lead to automatic de-powering and inadequate battery retention.
Innovation Solution
An archery arrow nock featuring an accelerometer, a power source, and a microprocessor that controls light illumination, allowing for customizable illumination cycles, battery retention, and user input recognition, which addresses blind spotting, battery life, and ease of battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional magnetic or acceleration switches are used to activate the light, then the light can be activated automatically when the arrow is shot, but the system becomes more complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex magnetic switch or acceleration switch components from the nock assembly, retaining only the essential elements (accelerometer, microprocessor, light, and battery holder). This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall system while maintaining automatic activation functionality through the microprocessor's control of the accelerometer data.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it processes accelerometer data to detect arrow launch, controls the light activation timing, manages battery power consumption, and provides user interface functionality. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the light automatically de-powers after a predetermined amount of time, then battery life is extended, but the archer must search for the arrow under pressure knowing the light may soon de-power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light control where the illumination duration is not fixed but responds to detected arrow impact events. The microprocessor monitors the accelerometer continuously and extends light activation whenever arrow impact is detected, allowing the light to remain on as long as needed for arrow retrieval while still conserving battery power during non-impact periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the accelerometer to dynamically adjust light operation. The microprocessor continuously monitors acceleration data, detects arrow impact events, and uses this feedback to extend light activation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the light remains available when needed while managing battery consumption.
3Reliability
If the nock includes a holder for the battery, then the battery can be retained, but the holder may not adequately retain the battery and may render battery replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery holder is designed as a separate, removable component from the main nock body, allowing the battery to be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation enables simple battery replacement by removing the holder assembly without affecting the rest of the nock structure, while still providing secure retention through spring-loaded contacts and retaining clips.
4Illumination intensity
If the light illuminates immediately upon release of the arrow, then the arrow is visible in low light conditions, but the archer experiences blind spotting temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor is programmed to introduce a deliberate delay between arrow release detection and light activation. This preliminary action of waiting for a predetermined time interval after detecting the release event allows the archer's eye to adjust to the sudden illumination, preventing blind spotting while still ensuring the arrow is illuminated for visibility in low light conditions.
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 reliable and customizable illumination in low light conditions, extends battery life through pulse width modulation, and simplifies battery replacement, enhancing the archer's experience by minimizing system failures and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The accelerometer can be actuated by accelerating the arrow, for example, when the arrow is shot from the archery bow. The accelerometer can generate or provide a signal or accelerometer output indicative of the acceleration of the arrow or arrow nock
Implementation Method 2
the light can be a light emitting diode (LED), filament light, or other light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place.