Tattoo Power Supply Motion Sensor Hygiene Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tattoo machine power supply systems require frequent interaction with user interfaces, which can compromise hygiene and sterility, especially in the tattooing industry where cleanliness is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling a tattoo machine power supply that detects user interaction through motion sensors, generates activation signals wirelessly, and configures settings remotely, allowing the power supply to be activated and controlled without direct contact with the user interface, thereby maintaining cleanliness and sterility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tattoo machine power supply uses a shared user interface for selecting and activating machines, then the ease of operation is improved, but the hygiene and sterility are compromised due to frequent contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of machine selectionVSAvoidbiological contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces motion sensors as an intermediary mechanism that detects user interactions without requiring direct contact with the power supply or controller unit. The sensor acts as a mediator between the user and the electronic components, allowing machine selection and activation through motion detection while maintaining a physical barrier (disposable plastic cover) over the interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based interface interaction with motion-based detection. Instead of requiring users to physically touch buttons or knobs on the power supply or controller, the system uses motion sensors to detect hand movements and translate them into control commands, thereby eliminating direct contact with electronic surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the power supply is protected with a disposable plastic cover to maintain sterility, then the hygiene is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiological contaminationVSAvoidaccessibility to interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motion sensor serves as an intermediary that allows users to interact with the power supply through motion detection rather than direct contact. This intermediary mechanism enables the plastic cover to remain in place during operation, as users can select and activate machines by making motions near or through the cover without needing to remove it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the interaction function from the physical interface elements (buttons, displays) and relocates it to motion sensors that can detect gestures through or near the plastic cover. This separation allows the protective cover to remain intact while still enabling full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If multiple tattoo machines share a common controller unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to the need to switch between machines through contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller unit integrationVSAvoidmachine switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching operations with motion-based detection. Each power supply is equipped with motion sensors that detect when a user intends to select or switch between machines, eliminating the need for physical contact with the shared controller unit for machine switching purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supplies are equipped with autonomous motion detection capabilities that allow them to self-identify and self-select based on user gestures. When a user approaches or gestures toward a specific power supply, it automatically activates or switches to that machine without requiring manual intervention on the shared controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the selection and activation of tattoo machines without touching shared user interfaces, reducing the need for direct interaction with electronic components and facilitating the use of disposable plastic bags for protection, while ensuring reliable operation and synchronization of settings between the power supply and controller unit.

Implementation Method 1

the detection of a user interaction with the tattoo machine power supply comprises detecting the motion of a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the tattoo machine power supply may be a tattoo machine battery pack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10220196B2Tattoo machine power supply

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 INK MACHINES SWEDEN

AI summary

A method of controlling a tattoo machine power supply (14), comprises detecting a user interaction with the tattoo machine power supply (14); based on said user interaction, generating an activation signal; wirelessly transmitting the activation signal; and setting the tattoo machine power supply (14) in an active state, in which it is responsive to remote control commands.