Body ink compositions and applicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary and permanent tattoo inks face issues with short effectiveness, ease of wear-off, and unstudied health effects, necessitating an improved composition that extends shelf-life and ensures safety.

Innovation Solution

A temporary tattoo ink composition comprising concentrated genipin, a solvent, and a thickening agent like xanthan gum, with vegetable oil, and optional organic co-solvents, formulated to enhance stability and skin absorption, maintaining a controlled reaction for prolonged effectiveness and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional temporary tattoo compositions are used, then the application is simple and safe, but the effectiveness duration is too short and they wear off easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness durationVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the tattoo composition by using genipin as the active ingredient instead of traditional dyes, and formulating it in a gel state rather than liquid form. This parameter change extends the effectiveness duration from hours to years while maintaining safety and simplicity of application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining genipin with specific solvents and thickening agents to form a gel composition. This composite structure provides both the desired longevity (years of effectiveness) and the required application properties (simplicity and safety), resolving the contradiction between duration and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If permanent tattoo inks are used, then the longevity is extended, but the application becomes painful and creates permanent markings

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelongevityVSAvoidpain and permanent damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the tattoo composition can be easily removed from the skin without causing permanent damage. The genipin-based gel formulation allows the tattoo to be applied and removed on demand, transforming the static permanent nature of traditional tattoos into a dynamic temporary solution that provides longevity when desired but eliminates permanent harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The genipin compound acts as an intermediary substance that bridges between temporary and permanent tattoos. It provides the longevity of permanent tattoos through stable skin binding, but unlike permanent inks, it can be safely removed without pain or permanent damage, thus mediating between the two extremes and eliminating harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional tattoo compositions are used, then the formulation is simple, but the shelf-life is too short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf-lifeVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the shelf-life parameter by changing the formulation from traditional dye-based compositions to genipin-based gel. This parameter change increases shelf-life from months to years while the gel state and stable composition maintain relatively simple formulation requirements, thus improving shelf-life without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition significantly extends shelf-life, maintains coloration for several years, and ensures uniformity and durability on the skin without lasting effects, providing a safer and longer-lasting temporary tattoo experience.

Implementation Method 1

genipin, a solvent and a thickening agent... maintains coloration for several years

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction with amino groups: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The thickening agent is xanthan gum... The temporary tattooing ink is in the form of a gel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThickening: Viscometer

Implementation Method 3

a vegetable oil. The temporary tattooing ink further comprises isopropyl alcohol, or an organic co-solvent... enhances stability and skin absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3106206B1Body ink compositions and applicators
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 INKBOX INK INC
  • EP3106206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3106206B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3106206B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A temporary tattooing ink is produced from concentrated genipin. In one embodiment, the concentrated genipin forms part of a solution. In another embodiment, the genipin is provided in a gel form which also includes a solvent and a thickening agent. Finally, an applicator is described into which genipin may be embedded for applying to a user's skin.