3D Jigsaw Puzzle Piece Edge Bisector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional self-supporting jigsaw puzzles face difficulties in uniform piece assembly, requiring excessive force, especially towards the end, leading to a low-quality assembly experience.
Innovation Solution
The design specifies that the course of mutually facing edges between the upper and lower faces of adjoining puzzle pieces follows the bisector of a dihedral angle, with the circumference of extensions being slightly smaller than corresponding recesses, allowing for precise fitting and easy assembly, and includes projections for enhanced stability and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the puzzle pieces are designed with conventional edge fitting, then the assembly structure is simple, but the assembly requires excessive force especially towards the end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between two types of edges on puzzle pieces: mutually facing edges (which form visible seams) and connecting region edges (which form internal joints). The connecting region edges are designed with projections and recesses that have different circumferences to create a press-fit connection, while mutually facing edges are designed to be substantially parallel for visual appearance. This localized differentiation allows the connecting regions to provide strong connections without requiring excessive assembly force.
2Manufacturing precision
If the circumference of extensions exactly matches recesses, then the fit is precise, but the assembly becomes difficult and requires too much force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the connecting region edges with asymmetric circumference relationships: the circumference of at least one edge of an extension is deliberately made smaller than the circumference of the corresponding recess edge. This asymmetric design creates a press-fit connection where the extension can be easily inserted into the recess without requiring excessive force, while still maintaining a stable and precise fit once assembled.
3Shape
If the mutually facing edges are made parallel, then the appearance is clean, but the assemblability deteriorates towards the end of assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the edge of each puzzle piece into distinct functional segments: mutually facing edges (which remain substantially parallel for visual appearance) and connecting region edges (which have projections and recesses for mechanical connection). This segmentation allows each edge type to be optimized independently - the mutually facing edges maintain parallelism for a clean appearance, while the connecting region edges provide easy assemblability through their press-fit design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a three-dimensional, self-supporting jigsaw puzzle, having a multiplicity of puzzle pieces resulting in a hollow body in the assembled state, each puzzle piece having an upper face associated with the exterior of the hollow body, a lower face associated with the interior of the hollow body, an edge extending between the upper face and the lower face, and at least one connecting region extending from the edge in the form of a recess or an extension.