Marking Module Reservoir Communication for Tattoo Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current permanent makeup and tattooing devices face issues such as frequent ink refills, contamination risks due to open ink reservoirs, and limitations in color changes, leading to inefficient and uncomfortable procedures for both the artist and the client.

Innovation Solution

A marking module with a reservoir that communicates only downstream of the needle in its retracted position, allowing for continuous use, easy ink addition, and seamless color changes, along with the option to use either internal or external ink reservoirs, ensuring hygiene and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If an integrated ink reservoir is used in the tattoo device, then the frequency of ink refills is reduced and contamination risk is minimized, but the ability to change ink colors is lost and the needle guidance becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for ink refillsVSAvoidability to change ink colors
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ink reservoir is divided into multiple separate compartments, each containing a different ink color. The needle can selectively access different compartments as needed, allowing color changes without refilling or contamination. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the benefits of an integrated reservoir while adding color versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ink reservoir system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store multiple ink colors simultaneously, allow selective access to different colors, and maintain contamination prevention. The multi-functional design enables both continuous operation and color changing capability within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the needle moves entirely into the ink reservoir to take up ink, then ink pickup is reliable, but the needle requires rigid guidance which complicates device construction and increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink pickup reliabilityVSAvoidneedle guidance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the needle to move entirely into the reservoir along its longitudinal axis, the system allows ink pickup through a lateral opening in the channel wall. The needle remains partially outside the reservoir while still accessing ink through this side opening, reducing the need for rigid guidance while maintaining reliable ink pickup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure creates a controlled ink transfer path where ink is delivered to the needle through a defined opening rather than requiring full needle immersion. This simplified geometry reduces manufacturing complexity while ensuring consistent ink transfer to the needle tip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If the ink reservoir is positioned far from the needle opening, then the device structure is simplified, but the needle must be held in a specific vertical orientation to function properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidhandling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is designed with an asymmetric opening positioned on the lateral wall rather than at the distal end. This asymmetric configuration allows the reservoir to be positioned optimally for structural simplicity while the lateral opening ensures ink can be accessed regardless of the device's orientation, eliminating the need for specific vertical handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral opening in the channel wall allows the system to adapt to different orientations dynamically. Unlike a distal opening that requires vertical positioning, the side opening enables ink pickup in various orientations, making the device more flexible and easier to handle during different tattooing positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4132633B1Marking module for an appliance intended for applying a colorant, and appliance using such a marking module
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 ARMINK TATTOO BODY ART
  • EP4132633B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4132633B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4132633B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The present invention relates to a marking module for an appliance intended for applying a colorant for permanent makeup or tattooing. This marking module (11) has a channel (17) and at least one needle (12) that is able to move longitudinally in said channel (17) between a retracted position in which a distal end (19) of the needle (12) is located inside said channel (17) and an extended position in which the distal end (19) of the needle (12) protrudes from said channel (17). The marking module (11) is characterized in that it has a reservoir (15) of colorant and in that said reservoir (15) communicates with said channel (17) only in a region situated downstream of the needle (12) when this needle (12) is located in said retracted position. The invention also relates to an appliance for applying a colorant for permanent makeup or tattooing, this appliance (10) being characterized in that it has a marking module (11) as defined above and a module for actuating the needle (12) of the marking module (11).