Flexible Arm Clamping System for Tattoo Needle Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping and guiding systems for tattoo needles are ineffective due to accidental movement during use, non-universality, and the presence of welding burrs causing jerks and non-sterility issues.
Innovation Solution
A clamping and guiding system with a hollow body and an extending arm with a curved notch that fits inside the tattoo tube, avoiding contact with the tattooist and accommodating the needle bundle's shape, while being flexible to absorb vibrations and overcome burrs without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic link is arranged between the body of the tattoo machine and the rear part of the needle bundle shaft to exert tension, then the needle bundle is clamped, but too much tension bends the needle bundle which risks rubbing against the tube and makes the motor struggle
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible arm acts as an intermediary element between the clamping mechanism and the needle bundle. The arm transmits clamping force while its flexibility allows it to absorb excess tension, preventing direct transmission of force that would bend the needle bundle. The arm's curved end with notch provides gentle engagement with the needle bundle shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force parameters are optimized by using a flexible arm that can adapt its stiffness characteristics. The arm's material and geometry are designed to provide sufficient clamping force for stability while maintaining low enough stiffness to prevent needle bundle bending, thus changing the force transmission parameters from rigid to flexible.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamping part is positioned in the front part of the needle bundle rod near the tips, then vibrations are minimized and guidance is more precise, but the tattooist can accidentally move the clamping part during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm with clamping notch is nested within the hollow body structure. The arm extends forward to provide precise front-positioned clamping while the hollow body provides rear support and protection. This nested arrangement allows the clamping function to be positioned optimally for precision while the overall structure remains stable for handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm acts as a thin, compliant structural element that extends forward from the hollow body. Its flexibility allows it to reach forward for precise clamping without making the entire structure unstable. The arm's compliance also provides vibration damping while maintaining positioning precision.
3Reliability
If a rigid clamping system is used to ensure stable guidance, then vibrations are reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different tattoo tube designs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible arm that can adapt its shape and position. The flexible arm's compliance allows it to accommodate variations in needle bundle shaft dimensions and positions across different tube designs while maintaining stable clamping. The system dynamically adjusts to each specific configuration rather than requiring exact geometric matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm with its compliant structure serves multiple functions: it provides stable clamping for vibration reduction, adapts to different needle bundle configurations, and works with various tube designs. This single flexible component replaces multiple rigid elements that would be required to achieve the same versatility, making the system universally applicable.
4Reliability
If the clamping system contacts the needle bundle at the welded area, then clamping is achieved, but welding burrs cause jerks and prevent proper guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm's compliant structure allows it to conform to the needle bundle shaft surface and bypass irregularities such as welding burrs. Rather than rigidly engaging the shaft at a fixed point that may contact burrs, the flexible arm distributes contact pressure and can deform to avoid obstructions, ensuring smooth movement while maintaining clamping engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm material and structure are designed to cushion against potential contact with welding burrs before they can cause jerks or damage. The compliance of the arm absorbs shock and prevents the transmission of irregular forces to the needle bundle, ensuring smooth operation even when the shaft has manufacturing imperfections.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (18) for clamping and guiding a bundle of tattoo needles, comprising: a hollow body (19) designed to be fitted, in a given position, inside a tattoo tube module and to allow the needle bundle to be inserted into the body; and an arm (20) which extends beyond a front side of the body (19) to which it is attached and which comprises a curved end (20a) equipped with a slot (28) arranged to receive part of the needle bundle, the arm (20) being designed such that the slot (28) bears on said part of the needle bundle. The invention also relates to a tattoo tube comprising such a system (18).