3D Puzzle Structures for Multi-View Image Display

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying two-dimensional images on three-dimensional structures are limited by the need for multiple views and complex assembly, resulting in a less-than-exact representation that is not adaptable or simple.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional structure with staggered pieces, each having a portion of an image visible along a specific viewing direction, and secondary surfaces hidden behind opaque primary surfaces, allowing for multiple viewing directions and artistic combinations of images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional scale models or puzzles are used to combine two-dimensional images on a three-dimensional structure, then the representation is exact and faithful, but the assembly process is complex and requires multiple different views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepresentation accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional structure is divided into multiple staggered pieces, each carrying a portion of the image. This segmentation allows the complex representation task to be distributed across simpler individual components that can be assembled more easily while maintaining overall image fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional image display to three-dimensional staggered pieces. By adding the depth dimension with pieces positioned at different distances from the viewer, the system achieves exact image representation through spatial arrangement rather than complex surface mapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional scale models are used to present two-dimensional images, then the structure is stable and well-defined, but the method is not simple and lacks adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsimplicity of method
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the structure into modular staggered pieces, the system achieves structural stability through well-defined individual components while simplifying the overall assembly process. Each piece is independently stable yet easily combinable with others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The staggered piece arrangement introduces dynamic adaptability to the structure. Pieces can be selectively assembled or reconfigured to present different images or views, making the stable structure adaptable to various presentation requirements without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If multiple views are used to assemble a three-dimensional model, then complete image representation is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage completenessVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing the third dimension with staggered pieces at different depths, the patent achieves complete image representation from fewer views. The spatial arrangement of pieces along the depth axis allows multiple image portions to be integrated simultaneously, reducing assembly time while maintaining completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Image portions are pre-divided and assigned to specific staggered pieces before assembly. This preliminary preparation of image segments allows for more efficient assembly since pieces are ready-to-fit components rather than requiring complex post-assembly adjustments, reducing overall assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional puzzle assembly methods are used, then the model can be formed from puzzle pieces, but compromises must be made due to assembly limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuzzle assembly feasibilityVSAvoidimage representation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image into portions that correspond to individual puzzle pieces in a staggered arrangement. This segmentation strategy maintains puzzle assembly feasibility while improving image representation quality, as each piece contributes a specific portion to the overall image without requiring complex inter-piece dependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging puzzle pieces in three-dimensional staggered positions rather than traditional flat assembly, the patent overcomes conventional puzzle limitations. The depth dimension allows pieces to be positioned optimally for image presentation without compromising assembly simplicity, achieving both ease of manufacture and high representation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10293246B2Structures and kits for displaying two-dimensional images in three dimensions
Publication Date: 2019.05.21 DOUGLASS II MYRL RAE
  • US10293246B2 patent drawing
  • US10293246B2 patent drawing
  • US10293246B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A three dimensional structures, which may be formed as a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, are described. The structure has one or more viewing directions along which different images are viewable. An image to be presented is divided into image portions that are applied to primary surfaces, where the structure has the primary surfaces arranged to present the image when viewed along an axis. The structure may also have secondary surfaces that are hidden from view along a viewing direction, and which become viewable when the structure is rotated relative the viewer. The structure may also be in a puzzle, which may be in the form of a kit.