3D Jigsaw Puzzle With Trapezoidal Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional puzzles lack a design that allows for a small number of pieces with a large number of solutions, varying degrees of complexity, and the ability for inner and outer pieces to stack directly vertically and radially, which limits user engagement and problem-solving opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle design featuring a base with a post and two groups of pieces, where each piece has a through-bore and radially extending trapezoidal projections, allowing for the formation of a cylindrically shaped structure with multiple levels and various solution configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a large number of pieces are used in three-dimensional puzzles, then the puzzle can form complex structures, but the chance of losing at least one piece increases and the puzzle becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle is divided into two distinct groups of pieces (first group with through-bores, second group without) that have different functions. The first group forms the inner cylindrical structure while the second group forms the outer structure, allowing complex 3D configurations to be achieved with fewer total pieces by using specialized functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first group of pieces is nested within the second group of pieces to form a concentric cylindrical structure. The inner pieces fit within the outer pieces, creating a compact configuration that reduces the total number of pieces needed while maintaining structural complexity through the nested arrangement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inner and outer pieces are designed to stack directly vertically and radially, then the puzzle achieves compact structure with no gaps, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pieces are designed with asymmetric trapezoidal projections that fit together in specific orientations. The trapezoidal shape on the radial extent creates asymmetric interlocking features that enable stable vertical and radial stacking while preventing gaps, with each piece having a unique orientation requirement that simplifies the overall design despite the compact configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If a small number of pieces is used in the puzzle, then the puzzle is easier to manage and less prone to loss, but the number of possible solutions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle design allows for dynamic reconfiguration where the same set of pieces can be arranged in multiple valid configurations. The first and second groups of pieces can be stacked in different vertical sequences and radial arrangements, creating multiple solutions from a small number of pieces by allowing flexible dynamic assembly rather than fixed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle comprising a base, a post fixedly secured to and emanating upwardly from the base, a first group of pieces, where each piece in the first group has a through-bore to enable stacking about the post and also has at least one radially extending projection in a shape of a trapezoidal solid, and a second group of pieces, where each piece in the second group has at least one radially extending projection in the shape of a trapezoidal solid. The first and second groups of pieces are operatively arranged to stack and interlock with one another to form a cylindrically shaped structure.