A Reverse Dynamo - Opposite to the Shake Flashlight

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of creating a reverse dynamo, or linear generator, that could be utilized in a tattoo machine to minimize vibrations and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings, potential designs, and practical considerations of such a device, including its size, energy requirements, and operational mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a reverse dynamo could be driven by alternating current (AC) to create vertical motion, similar to electric bell circuits.
  • Others suggest that a counterbalance actuator might be a more effective solution to mitigate vibrations from the tattoo machine.
  • A participant questions whether the design could accommodate variations in armature bar or spring tension without compromising performance or increasing weight significantly.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for careful calibration of speed, force, and torque in the design to ensure effective tattooing.
  • There are suggestions to research electromagnetism principles and linear generator mechanics as foundational theories for this concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the practicality and design of a reverse dynamo for tattoo machines. While some believe it is feasible, others raise concerns about the complexities and requirements of such a system, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the size and energy efficiency of the proposed reverse dynamo, as well as the need for precise movements in tattooing applications. There is also uncertainty regarding the impact of design changes on the overall functionality and weight of the tattoo machine.

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I would like to know if it's possible to build a dynamo that instead of having an electrical current driven through a coil by movement of a magnet to generate electricity could be driven by ac to move the magnet or coil in a vertical motion instead. If so, (which logically it sounds possible to me), could it be made small enough with low enough energy requirements and take up small enough space to be practical to drive a tattoo needle in a tattoo machine? I'll be the first to admit I'm a complete physics newb but I'm searching for a way to make a very low vibration generating tattoo machine to help prevent repetitive strain injuries caused by the vibration of the machine.
If I haven't searched the forum well enough, please feel free to tell me to get lost. :) I'm not looking for specifics but a nudge in the right direction(s) and theories to research would help me a lot.
Thanks.

Current magnetic tattoo guns operate very similar to a doorbell circuit
http://www.one-school.net/Malaysia/...ics/electromagnetism/images/electric-bell.png

I think this might be the right concept?
http://www.faqs.org/patents/imgfull/20110286868_01
But obviously with a completely different application and concept, I'm wondering if the physics required are the same and if it could be made small enough as I only need the length of my oscillation to be in the range of 1/16 of an inch to 3/16 of an inch.
 
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Smeezer said:
I would like to know if it's possible to build a dynamo that instead of having an electrical current driven through a coil by movement of a magnet to generate electricity could be driven by ac to move the magnet or coil in a vertical motion instead. If so, (which logically it sounds possible to me), could it be made small enough with low enough energy requirements and take up small enough space to be practical to drive a tattoo needle in a tattoo machine? I'll be the first to admit I'm a complete physics newb but I'm searching for a way to make a very low vibration generating tattoo machine to help prevent repetitive strain injuries caused by the vibration of the machine.
If I haven't searched the forum well enough, please feel free to tell me to get lost. :) I'm not looking for specifics but a nudge in the right direction(s) and theories to research would help me a lot.
Thanks.

Current magnetic tattoo guns operate very similar to a doorbell circuit
http://www.one-school.net/Malaysia/...ics/electromagnetism/images/electric-bell.png

I think this might be the right concept?
http://www.faqs.org/patents/imgfull/20110286868_01
But obviously with a completely different application and concept, I'm wondering if the physics required are the same and if it could be made small enough as I only need the length of my oscillation to be in the range of 1/16 of an inch to 3/16 of an inch.

Welcome to the PF.

Probably a better approach would be to make a counterbalance actuator that cancels out the motion of the tattoo gun. You would have a 2nd actuator that was on the same axis as the needle driver, but moving in the opposite direction to make the overall gun not move at all...
 
Without complicating the design of a tattoo fun further, could it be designed to tolerate a changed armature bar or spring tension (depending of the gun is going to be set up as a shader or a liner) or would it have to be exact? I would think it would have to be exact and it would also increase weight of the machine. Adding several ounces of weight to a tattoo gun would increase hand fatigue in long tattooing sessions as well as adding a significant amount of weight to shaders which need to be as light as reasonably possible and agile.
This is why I'm considering how to make my approach work rather than taking a different one.
Of course my assumptions could be entirely incorrect.
 
Oh and you're welcome :)
 


It is definitely possible to build a reverse dynamo, also known as a linear generator, that can be driven by an alternating current (AC) to move a magnet or coil in a vertical motion. This concept is similar to what is used in electric bell circuits, as you mentioned. However, there are some key differences in the design and application of a reverse dynamo for a tattoo machine.

First, let's discuss the physics behind a reverse dynamo. In a traditional dynamo, the movement of a magnet within a coil creates an electrical current. In a reverse dynamo, an electrical current is applied to a coil, which then creates a magnetic field that moves a magnet in a vertical motion. This movement of the magnet within the coil generates an electrical current in the opposite direction, creating a continuous back and forth motion.

In theory, this concept could be applied to a tattoo machine to reduce vibrations and prevent repetitive strain injuries. However, there are some practical considerations that need to be addressed. For one, the size and energy requirements of the reverse dynamo would need to be carefully designed to fit within the small and precise movements required for tattooing. Additionally, the power source for the AC current would need to be compact and efficient to power the reverse dynamo without adding too much weight or bulk to the tattoo machine.

There are also other factors to consider, such as the speed and force of the vertical motion, as well as the torque required to move the tattoo needle. These would need to be carefully calibrated to ensure the machine is effective in creating tattoos.

In terms of theories to research, you may want to look into the principles of electromagnetism and Faraday's Law, which explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism. You may also want to explore the design and mechanics of linear generators, as well as the different types of AC power sources that could be used in a compact and efficient manner.

Overall, while a reverse dynamo for a tattoo machine is a fascinating concept, it may require some further research and development to make it a practical and effective solution.
 

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