Math Puzzle, String, Bead, Topology

thingiverse

This is one of my favorite mechanical puzzles in the realm of recreational topology, a category that continues to fascinate and challenge curious minds. The good news is that it's surprisingly easy to create this puzzle using wooden materials, making it accessible to anyone who wants to give it a try. For those who are eager to dive deeper, I've included a 3D version that showcases the intricate design of this puzzle. Once you have the two main components - the board/stick and the bead - printed, you can start assembling them using a piece of string (rope or yarn) as illustrated in the instructions. The real challenge begins when you try to move the bead from left to right or vice versa. To succeed, you need to master the art of moving the knot back and forth through the middle opening, a skill that requires patience, persistence, and a bit of creativity. I won't give away any spoilers here, but I will say that this puzzle is a great example of how simple yet elegant design can lead to hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. So, go ahead and try it out - your mind (and fingers) will thank you! Reference: Gardner, Martin, 2008. Origami, Eleusis, and the Soma Cube. Cambridge University Press. Print Settings: * Rafts: Yes * Supports: Doesn't Matter * Resolution: 0.2mm * Infill: 20% Notes: (1) The board doesn't require a raft or support, but the bead does need some raft for adhesion. (2) Feel free to scale up or down - the thickness of the board won't affect the puzzle. Post-Printing: Assemble the puzzle as illustrated. You'll need a string that's at least 8 inches long. Tie a big knot or glue the end so it doesn't come loose when you're pulling on the string. Plastic strings work best, but any type will do. How I Designed This: I used 123D Design to create this puzzle, relying on basic solids and shapes to bring it to life. It was a fun project that required some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort.