Transfer Mediums for Darker, Longer-Lasting Semi-Permanent Tattoos

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for applying semi-permanent tattoos face challenges in ensuring adequate ink delivery and maintaining the quality and longevity of the tattoo due to the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, requiring user oversight and leading to issues with darkness and longevity.

Innovation Solution

The use of transfer mediums comprising solvents, thickening agents, and humectants, along with silicone adhesives and mediums, to enhance ink transfer and longevity, including methods for applying these components to the skin to improve tattoo darkness, longevity, and speed of darkening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current tattoo application methods are used, then the tattoo can be applied to the skin, but the ink delivery is inadequate and the tattoo lacks darkness and longevity due to the barrier properties of the stratum corneum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink delivery reliabilityVSAvoidapplication process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer medium as an intermediary substance between the tattoo ink and the skin. This transfer medium contains solvents, thickening agents, and humectants that facilitate ink penetration through the stratum corneum barrier, improving ink delivery reliability without complicating the application process for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the transfer medium, specifically the ratio of solvent to thickening agent, to optimize ink delivery. By adjusting these parameters, the transfer medium effectively penetrates the skin barrier while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If more ink is applied to overcome the skin barrier, then darkness may be improved, but the application complexity increases and user oversight is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetattoo darknessVSAvoidapplication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer medium acts as a mediator that enables effective ink delivery without requiring excessive ink application. The specialized formulation of the transfer medium ensures proper ink distribution and penetration, achieving tattoo darkness without increasing application complexity or requiring user oversight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer medium is designed to self-regulate ink delivery through its formulation. The thickening agent and humectant work together to control ink flow and penetration automatically, eliminating the need for user intervention or oversight during application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the stratum corneum barrier is penetrated more effectively, then ink retention and longevity are improved, but the risk of skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetattoo longevityVSAvoidskin irritation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully balances the parameters of the transfer medium, particularly the solvent-to-thickening-agent ratio, to achieve effective barrier penetration while maintaining skin compatibility. This optimized formulation ensures tattoo longevity without causing skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer medium is a composite formulation combining solvents, thickening agents, and humectants that work synergistically. This composite structure enables effective ink delivery through the skin barrier while the humectant component maintains skin hydration and reduces irritation risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The proposed solution improves ink transfer and retention on the skin, resulting in clearer, sharper, and longer-lasting tattoos with enhanced darkness and reduced application complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a solvent present in an amount of about 85% to about 95% w/w of the transfer medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a thickening agent present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% w/w of the transfer medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity modification:

Implementation Method 3

a humectant present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% w/w of the transfer medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumectancy:

Implementation Method 4

applying a silicone adhesive (e.g., any of the silicone adhesives described herein) to the skin, more specifically upon application of the silicone adhesive over the semi-permanent ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12414910B2Semi-permanent tattoos

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 TMI ACQUISITION LLC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein include semi-permanent inks (e.g., semi-permanent inks contains genipin, a genipin derivative, lawsone, a lawsone derivative, or combinations thereof); semi-permanent ink applicators; transfer mediums; silicone adhesives; and silicone mediums and kits containing two or more thereof. Some embodiments describe methods for applying an ink to skin as well as methods for increasing the darkness of a semi-permanent tattoo and/or increasing the longevity of a semi-permanent tattoo.