Modular Puzzle Table with Segmented Plates for Storage and Transport

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing puzzle tables are plate-shaped and have a large area, leading to high costs for packaging and transportation, as well as inconvenience in storage.

Innovation Solution

A puzzle table design that includes at least two puzzle plates and at least one connecting assembly, where the connecting assembly consists of a first and second connecting element that can be inserted into each other, allowing the plates to be spliced together while maintaining a flush surface, and enabling easy disassembly for storage.

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 puzzle playing area is sufficient, but the packaging and transportation costs increase and storage becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuzzle playing areaVSAvoidpackaging and transportation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The puzzle table is divided into multiple detachable puzzle plates that can be separated from each other. Each plate is connected through connecting assemblies that allow for easy disassembly. This segmentation enables the large playing area to be broken down into smaller, more manageable components that are easier and cheaper to package and transport, while still providing sufficient total 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 puzzle playing area is sufficient, but storage convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuzzle playing areaVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The puzzle table is divided into multiple detachable puzzle plates that can be separated from each other. Each plate is connected through connecting assemblies that allow for easy disassembly. This segmentation enables the large playing area to be broken down into smaller, more manageable components that are easier and cheaper to package and transport, while still providing sufficient total playing area when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the puzzle plates are spliced together, then the puzzle playing area is formed, but the connection stability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuzzle playing areaVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Connecting assemblies serve as intermediary components between adjacent puzzle plates. These connecting assemblies include connecting elements that engage with corresponding receiving elements on adjacent plates, providing a stable mechanical connection. This intermediary structure ensures that the puzzle plates remain firmly connected during gameplay while still allowing for controlled disassembly when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250083032A1Puzzle table

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 ZHANG MENG

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a puzzle table. The puzzle table includes at least two puzzle plates and at least one connecting assembly. Each of the at least one connecting assembly is configured to connect two adjacent puzzle plates of the at least two puzzle plates. The each of the at least one connecting assembly includes a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element is mounted on one of the at least two puzzle plates, and the second connecting element is mounted on an adjacent other of the at least two puzzle plates. The first connecting element and the second connecting element 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 integrated body.