Electric Tattoo Machine Drive Using Audio Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tattoo machines, either coil or rotary, are limited in their adjustability and versatility, requiring multiple machines for different tasks and resulting in inefficiencies and potential skin damage due to fixed speed, stroke length, and hit strength.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic oscillating drive system powered by an audio signal, using a permanent magnet and electromagnetic coils controlled by an oscillating magnetic field, allows for electronic adjustment of speed, hit strength, and stroke length, utilizing a tone generator and amplifier for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coil machine is tuned to a specific speed, strength and stroke length, then it can perform specific jobs effectively, but it requires multiple different machines for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tattoo machine parameters (speed, stroke length, hit strength) adjustable rather than fixed. The drive system allows real-time modification of operational characteristics through electronic control, enabling a single machine to adapt to different tattooing tasks without requiring multiple specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements universality by designing a single tattoo machine capable of performing multiple functions through adjustable parameters. The drive system enables the machine to switch between different operational modes (outlining, shading, etc.) by modifying electrical signals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary machine uses a cam drive, then it can be adjusted by replacing the cam for different stroke lengths, but it stalls at the crest leaving the needle in the skin longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam drive system with an electronic drive system that uses electromagnetic coils to control the armature bar movement. This substitution eliminates the stalling problem inherent in cam mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adjust stroke length and other parameters electronically, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic action through the use of alternating current (AC) signals to drive the electromagnetic coils, creating oscillating magnetic fields that repeatedly attract and release the armature bar. This periodic magnetic action provides continuous, controlled needle movement without the mechanical stalling associated with cam drives, enabling faster tattooing speeds.
3Speed
If a coil machine uses DC current, then it stays relatively the same speed but hits harder or softer given a change in supplied current, but it needs to be tuned to specific parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from DC current to AC current with variable frequency and amplitude. This allows the drive system to dynamically adjust multiple parameters simultaneously (speed, stroke length, hit strength) by modifying the electrical signal characteristics, providing greater adaptability while maintaining speed consistency through controlled oscillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of drive parameters through electronic control. The system can dynamically modify frequency, amplitude, and waveform characteristics of the driving signal to optimize performance for different tasks, providing both speed consistency and parameter adjustability that DC-based systems cannot achieve.
4Speed
If the hertz of the signal is adjusted, then the speed of the bar directly responds, but the hit strength and stroke length must also be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control system monitors and adjusts multiple parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform) based on the desired output. This allows the system to independently control bar speed through frequency adjustment while simultaneously managing hit strength and stroke length through amplitude and waveform modulation, reducing the apparent complexity through coordinated control.
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
Enables a tattoo machine that can be customized for various tasks with adjustable speed, hit strength, and stroke length, potentially reducing skin damage and healing time, while minimizing the need for multiple machines and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
controlled by one or more electromagnetic coils by means of the oscillating magnetic field produced when fed an audio signal
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a permanent magnet on a drive bar held in place with spring tension and controlled by one or more electromagnetic coils by means of the oscillating magnetic field produced when fed an audio signal
Implementation Method 3
a permanent magnet on a drive bar held in place with spring tension
Data Source
AI summary
An electric tattoo machine drive that can be fully controlled electronically using audio technology. An electric tattoo machine drive that can be adjusted hands free or manually by a simple tone generator application on a mobile device. An electric tattoo machine drive able to function in any manner desired by the operator. An electric tattoo machine drive capable of running needle cartridges with a coil machine. A tattoo machine drive able to fit the demands of all users with only one machine. One electric tattoo machine drive to rule them all.