Sliding Puzzle Toy with Rotating Blocks for Simple Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding puzzle toys have complex connection structures between separable puzzle unit blocks and the main body, which are not conducive to reducing costs and improving assembly efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sliding puzzle toy design featuring recessed slots on the bottom wall with movably or detachably connected separable blocks, allowing for simplified assembly and operation by flipping or disassembling the blocks to open or close slider gaps, and incorporating sliding grooves and guide slots for smooth slider movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separable puzzle unit blocks are connected to the main body through an open structure, then the slider gap can be opened or closed, but the connection structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing slider gapVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separable puzzle unit block is divided into a block body and a rotating component. The rotating component can rotate relative to the block body, enabling the transition between covering and exposing the slider gap. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component to achieve the opening/closing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the separable puzzle unit block and the main body is made dynamic through a rotating component that can pivot between different positions. When rotated to the first position, the block covers the slider gap; when rotated to the second position, it exposes the gap. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex open structures with a simple rotational degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If separable puzzle unit blocks are connected to the main body through an open structure, then the slider gap can be opened or closed, but assembly efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing slider gapVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separable puzzle unit block is segmented into a block body and a rotating component that can be pre-assembled together and then attached to the main body as a single unit. This reduces the number of assembly steps and improves production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating component is designed to rotate between covering and exposing positions through its own structural design, without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. This self-service feature simplifies the overall structure and reduces assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a slider gap is provided on the main body, then the puzzle can be played, but dust and impurities can easily enter the main body affecting aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuzzle gameplayVSAvoiddust and impurities entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separable puzzle unit block dynamically transitions between two states: covering the slider gap to prevent dust entry, and exposing the gap for puzzle gameplay. The rotating component enables this dynamic protection, allowing the gap to be closed when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is extracted as a separate rotating component that can independently cover or expose the slider gap. This component can be rotated to the first position to cover the gap and prevent dust entry, or to the second position to expose it for gameplay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4397383B1Sliding puzzle toy
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 CHEN WEIHONG
  • EP4397383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4397383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4397383B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sliding puzzle toy is provided, including a main body and a plurality of sliders slidably connected to the main body. The main body includes two bottom walls and a side wall connected between the two bottom walls, wherein at least one of the two bottom walls is provided with a recessed slot and a separable block, one side of the recessed slot is connected to the side wall, an arc transition is provided at a connection between the recessed slot and the side wall, and the separable block is movably or detachtably connected to the recessed slot The outer surface of the side wall is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves that intersects with each other along circumferential and longitudinal directions, the sliding grooves are movably connected to the sliders, and one of the longitudinal sliding grooves passes through a connection between the recessed slot and the side wall and extends towards a bottom wall of the recessed slot