Modular Puzzle Table Assembly for Low-Volume Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing puzzle tables are large and plate-shaped, leading to high packaging and storage costs and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A puzzle table design comprising at least two board units with connecting assemblies that allow for detachable connections, enabling the table to be stored and transported as individual units and assembled as needed, with flush upper faces for a seamless playing surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the puzzle table is designed as a large plate-shaped structure, then the playing surface area is sufficient, but the packaging volume and storage space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaying surface areaVSAvoidpackaging volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The puzzle table is divided into multiple detachable board units that can be separated for storage and transported individually. Each board unit contains a portion of the puzzle pieces and connects to adjacent units through connecting assemblies, allowing the large playing surface to be segmented into manageable sections that reduce packaging volume while maintaining the full playing area when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the puzzle table is designed as a large plate-shaped structure, then the playing surface area is sufficient, but the storage convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaying surface areaVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The puzzle table is divided into multiple detachable board units that can be separated for storage and transported individually. Each board unit contains a portion of the puzzle pieces and connects to adjacent units through connecting assemblies, allowing the large playing surface to be segmented into manageable sections that reduce packaging volume while maintaining the full playing area when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If the puzzle table is divided into multiple board units, then the packaging volume is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to connecting assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoidconnecting assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting assembly integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it provides mechanical connection between board units, ensures flush alignment of puzzle surfaces, and facilitates stable joining of adjacent units. This merging of connection, alignment, and stabilization functions into one integrated assembly reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the ability to reduce packaging volume through segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250108286A1Puzzle table

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 ZHANG MENG

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a puzzle table. The puzzle table includes at least two board units and at least one connecting assembly configured to connect two adjacent board units. Each connecting assembly comprises an inserting assembly and a receiving assembly. The inserting assembly is mounted on one of the two adjacent board units, while the receiving assembly is mounted on the other board unit. When the inserting assembly and the receiving assembly are inserted into each other, the two adjacent board units are spliced with each other, and upper faces of the two adjacent board units are substantially flush with each other. The inserting assembly and the receiving assembly are capable of being inserted into each other, such that the at least two puzzle plates can be spliced with each other in parallel to form an assembled body.