Tattoo Ink Supply Unit Air Flow Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Tattooing devices lack control over ink flow during tattoo application and require the electric motor to be operational for effective cleaning, leading to ink dispensing during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply unit that utilizes the reciprocating rectilinear motion of the needles to control ink flow and includes a cover element to prevent ink outlet during cleaning, using air movement and a membrane with a slit to regulate ink dispensing and prevent ink leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor is kept operational during needle cleaning, then effective cleaning is achieved, but ink is dispensed during cleaning compromising the cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary action by advancing the needle holder to a cleaning position before the actual cleaning operation. This preliminary positioning allows the system to prepare for cleaning while controlling ink flow, preventing unnecessary ink dispensing during the cleaning process while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
2Ease of operation
If ink flow is not controlled during tattoo application, then the device is simpler to operate, but ink dispensing accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors and regulates ink flow based on the operational state of the tattooing device. The system automatically adjusts ink dispensing according to whether the device is in tattooing mode or cleaning mode, providing precise ink flow control without requiring complex manual operation from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink flow control adaptive and variable rather than static. The ink flow rate is dynamically adjusted based on real-time operational conditions, allowing the system to optimize ink dispensing for both tattooing application and needle cleaning operations without requiring separate manual controls.
3Ease of operation
If the needle holder is positioned for cleaning with the motor operational, then cleaning can be performed, but ink leaks from the needle holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ink flow control function from the motor operation. By separating the ink dispensing control from the motor-driven needle movement, the system can position the needle holder for cleaning while independently controlling ink flow to prevent leakage, even when the motor is operational during cleaning.
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 precise control over ink flow during tattoo application and prevents ink leakage during needle cleaning, ensuring efficient and accurate tattooing with minimized ink waste.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (M1) having a slit (33b) which allows the ink to come out
Implementation Method 2
an air movement unit configured to propel the ink from the tank onto the needles
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for supplying ink to the needles of a tattooing device includes a handling unit, in which the following can be found: a grip; a removable tip provided at one end with one or more tattooing needles; a coupling element configured to connect the grip and the tip to each other; a driver operatively associated with the grip to move the needles by imparting a reciprocating rectilinear motion to them; one or more tanks for containing the ink, operatively associated with the handling unit. The ink supply unit includes an air movement unit driven by the driver and mechanically connected to the handling unit. The air movement unit is configured to push the air moved by the driver toward the tank, the tank for containing the ink communicating with the air movement unit by a valve. Once conveyed into the tank by the valve, the air forces the ink to be dispensed from the tank onto the needles.