index

HYDE FINDER

The tracking system comprises a collar system that screws into any standard arrow. An arrow broad head is then screwed in front of the of the collar. The collar system incorporates a capsule that contains GPS capsule. The GPS capsule is released when the arrow strikes its target due to deceleration. A spring and pusher mechanism ejects the capsule that is held in place with small magnets. The collar may be reloaded with another GPS capsule once the original capsule is ejected, for reuse with another arrow.

A software application is used to track the GPS capsule. The capsules link to the application via QR code scanning. A charging case also serves as an intermediary device to communicate between the GPS capsule and the software application. The software application can link three additional GPS capsules, for a total of four GPS capsules at a time. The software application has a ecommerce feature and a sharing community feature. The software application will display location and tracking information of the GPS capsule to the user. There is also a temperature sensor display as the GPS capsule will track the animal target’s temperature. The GPS capsule will have. 1-1.5 mile range to locate in different terrains. Bluetooth will be used as a linking backup in terrains that have spotty signal. The GPS capsule upon release into the animal target will start to relay data to the charging/controller unit that will communicate with the software application showing all details to locate the struck target animal.

The tracking systemis an advanced hunting tracking solution designed to accurately locate and recover game after impact. It consists of two primary components: (1) the GPS Capsule and (2) the Communication and Charging Module. The tracking system works in conjunction with a specially designed arrow shaft and head assembly to ensure safe ejection and reliable operation upon impact.

1. System Overview

When an arrow equipped with a GPS Capsule strikes a target, the embedded G-switch or acceleration sensor triggers the capsule’s power-up sequence. The capsule, once ejected into the target, activates its onboard GPS module to acquire precise geolocation coordinates, which are then transmitted via a long range (“LoRa”) transmitter. These signals are received by the companion Communication Module, which relays the data to the user’s smartphone application via Bluetooth for real-time location tracking.

2. GPS Capsule Description

The GPS capsule is a self-contained micro-tracking device with dimensions approximately 6.5mm in diameter and 22mm in length. It is designed to fit between the arrowhead and shaft using a custom-machined ejection collar. The GPS capsule housing is made of lightweight, impact-resistant polymer. The internal components include:

  • A high-sensitivity GNSS module (MIA-M10) for GPS/GLONASS positioning.

  • A low-power LoRa transmitter for long-range data transmission.

  • An ultra-low-power microcontroller (e.g., ATtiny1616) managing wake, sleep, and transmission states.

  • An integrated G-switch or accelerometer (ADXL372 or MXC6655XA) that triggers activation upon impact.

  • A rechargeable Li-ion micro-battery providing up to 72 hours of operation.

  • External charging contacts are exposed on the outer casing for easy recharging when placed in the Communication Module.

Upon impact, the GPS capsule’s internal accelerometer detects a rapid deceleration event exceeding a set G-threshold. This triggers the wake circuit, enabling the power regulator and activating the GPS and LoRa modules. Once powered, the GPS capsule immediately begins transmitting position data to assist hunters in locating the animal.

3. Ejection and Mounting Mechanism

The GPS capsule is mounted in-line between the arrowhead and shaft using a polymer or aluminum ejection collar. Upon impact, the kinetic force of the impact dislodges the GPS capsule cleanly from the arrow and embeds it into the target. The polymer surface of the GPS capsule may include small retention ridges to prevent premature ejection but allow controlled release during penetration into the target.

4. Communication and Charging Module

The Communication and Charging Module serves as both a LoRa receiver and a charging dock for up to four GPS capsules. It resembles a compact key-fob or small handheld device. Internally, it includes:

  • A LoRa transceiver for receiving GPS data from capsules.

  • A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module for communication with the user’s smartphone.

  • A power management system (BMS) and charging circuitry for capsule batteries.

  • A lithium-ion battery capable of recharging all four capsules up to four times.

The module automatically receives transmissions from active capsules, displays or relays their last known lo.cations to the connected app, and acts as a mobile base station in the field.

5. System Operation Flow

  1. Install aluminum threaded collar to the arrow. User then inserts charged GPS capsules into the arrow assembly via the ejection collar.

  2. Upon impact, the G-switch triggers power-up of the capsule electronics.

  3. The GPS Capsule activates its GPS receiver and transmits coordinates via LoRa.

  4. The Communication Module receives LoRa packets and forwards them via BLE to the smartphone app.

  5. The app displays real-time position data on a map, guiding the hunter to the tracked location.

  6. The GPS Capsule enters a low-power idle mode between transmissions to conserve energy.