Key Trap - Interlocking puzzle by Christoph Lohe

thingiverse

## Key Trap ### Interlocking Puzzle by Christoph Lohe Assemble various pieces into lock shape shown on cover photo. Key is looped around shackle so they are permanently bound together, but can move freely against each other. How can they be manipulated to maneuver rest of pieces into lock frame? With difficult level 26 solution, _Key Trap_ is complex puzzle that will challenge even experienced puzzle solvers. You may need software such as BurrTools to help put it together; assembling it unassisted is beyond my own abilities. Once in its assembled state, it makes a fun take-apart puzzle. ### Printing Instructions Print one copy each of `lohe.key-trap.frame.stl`, `lohe.key-trap.shackle.stl`, `lohe.key-trap.pieces.stl`, and `lohe.key-trap.key.stl`. Alternatively, you may print `lohe.key-trap.curved-shackle.stl` and `lohe.key-trap.curved-key.stl` in place of `lohe.key-trap.shackle.stl` and `lohe.key-trap.key.stl`; they are functionally identical, but the appearance is different (curved variants have a more "lock-like" shape; see photos). You will need to print the key using build-plate supports in order to support the snap joint. DO NOT ASSEMBLE THE KEY YET! Read the following instructions carefully before proceeding. This design uses snap joints. After you print it, first connect all the joints before attempting to solve puzzle. Snap each male connector into a corresponding female connector (for example, the male connector labeled "A" should connect to the female connector with a matching "A" label on interior). _To assemble the key:_ before connecting joint, loop ringed part of key around shackle and into its proper orientation, as shown in photo. Only after ringed part is in place, secure straight part of key and attach joint. You must assemble it in exactly the configuration shown in photo or you will wind up with an unsolvable puzzle. I strongly recommend reinforcing the joint on key with a few drops of superglue. The snap joint concept is discussed further in this tutorial: [Getting Started with Puzzle Printing](https://www.puzzlehub.org/tutorials/getting-started). ### The Printable Puzzle Project The [Printable Puzzle Project](https://www.puzzlehub.org/ppp) aims to make available high-quality open-source models of many puzzle designs. All of our models are posted with the generous permission of their designers and are licensed for non-commercial use only. Anyone may print copies for their own personal use, but selling or otherwise monetizing them is not permitted, and puzzle designers retain all rights as copyright holders of their work. Our puzzles are modeled using the open-source [puzzlecad](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3198014) library. The `.scad` file is included with this model in case you want to modify any of its design parameters; more information on how to do this can be found in the PPP [Puzzle Modeling tutorial](https://www.puzzlehub.org/tutorials/puzzle-modeling). ### About the Designer Christoph Lohe's innovative output spans an impressive variety of puzzle forms. Lohe's designs have attracted increasing attention from puzzle makers and collectors and have been realized by some of the world's top puzzle craftspeople. His designs are both challenging and beautiful, with several incorporating creative figurative elements, such as a popular series of burr puzzles in shape of locks. Happy puzzling!