3D Puzzle Components With Segmented Interlocking And Overmoulded Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional puzzles lack innovative designs that enhance engagement mechanisms, material efficiency, and user experience, particularly in terms of interlocking components and surface patterns, which restricts complexity and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The design features three-dimensional puzzle components with unique interlocking mechanisms, such as tongue and groove arrangements, and two-part components that can be joined via different engagement methods, along with overmoulding for a textured surface, allowing for enhanced engagement and aesthetic appeal, and potentially housing internal compartments or devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-piece components are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but design flexibility and compartment creation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle components are divided into two separate parts (first and second parts) that are joined together to form a complete component. This segmentation allows the creation of internal compartments and hollow spaces within the finished puzzle structure, providing design flexibility and versatility while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized joining mechanisms
2Strength
If all surfaces are made interlocking, then structural integrity is improved, but aesthetic appeal and pattern visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different surface qualities are applied to different parts of the puzzle components. The first surface (underside) is designed with interlocking features for structural integrity, while the second surface (external side) is designed with aesthetic patterns and textures for visual appeal. This local differentiation allows both structural strength and aesthetic quality to coexist in the finished puzzle
3Quantity of substance
If undersides are used as outer surfaces, then material usage is optimized, but interlocking engagement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle components feature asymmetric surface design where the first surface (underside) and second surface (external side) have different geometries and functions. The first surface is optimized for interlocking engagement with complementary features, while the second surface is optimized for aesthetic appearance. This asymmetric design ensures that each surface serves its intended function optimally, preventing compromise of interlocking reliability while maintaining material efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A three dimensional puzzle (10) is disclosed. Puzzle (10) has having a plurality of three dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24) for engagement to form a three-dimensional finished shape (10), each of the three-dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24) being shaped for interlocking engagement with at least one other of the three-dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24). At least one of the three-dimensional first components (20, 22, 24) is made in two parts (20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) adapted to be joined together by engagement different from the interlocking engagement. Also disclosed is a three dimensional puzzle (10) in which the three-dimensional finished shape (10) has an outer surface containing a three-dimensional pattern (52), which can enhance optional overmoulding.