Identical 3D Puzzle Components with Snap-Fit Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles are complex and costly to manufacture due to numerous different parts required, and often lack interlocking engagement between components, making them unwieldy and prone to disassembly, especially for larger puzzles.
Innovation Solution
The development of identically shaped puzzle components with snap-fit interlocking features, such as projections and recesses, allowing for interlocking engagement and assembly into predetermined three-dimensional geometric shapes like cubes, parallelepipeds, or spheres, using injection molding to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If previous three-dimensional puzzles use numerous different parts to create complex shapes, then the puzzle complexity and variety increase, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing all puzzle components with identical interlocking features (projections and recesses) that can connect in multiple orientations and configurations. This single standardized component design serves multiple functions: it creates various puzzle shapes, accommodates different assembly configurations, and maintains structural integrity across all components, thereby achieving shape variety without increasing part complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If previous three-dimensional puzzles lack interlocking engagement between components, then the puzzle components are easier to manufacture individually, but the assembled structure becomes unwieldy and vulnerable to coming apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each puzzle component into distinct interlocking elements: projections (male elements) and recesses (female elements). These segmented features are integrated into otherwise simple cubic components, allowing easy manufacturing of the base shape while providing reliable mechanical engagement through the distributed interlocking features across component surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the simplicity of cubic geometry with interlocking functionality by combining projection and recess features directly onto the component bodies. This integration achieves both ease of manufacture (simple cubic form factor) and structural reliability (interlocking engagement) simultaneously, rather than requiring separate attachment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional puzzles are made larger to provide more challenge, then the puzzle complexity increases, but the components become more unwieldy and prone to disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The universal interlocking design allows components to maintain consistent handling characteristics regardless of overall puzzle size. Each component retains the same projection-recess configuration, enabling reliable connection whether the puzzle consists of a few large components or many smaller ones, thereby scaling complexity without compromising ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-dimensional logic puzzle, comprising a plurality of identically shaped puzzle components of an irregular form, the puzzle components being configured for interengaged assembly into the form of a predetermined three-dimensional geometric shape.