Patio Block - Assembly puzzle by Stewart Coffin (STC #82)

thingiverse

Patio Block, an assembly puzzle by Stewart Coffin Assemble eight pieces into a 4x4x4 cube. This puzzle is rendered in a single STL file for ease of use and distribution. It's very easy to print without supports or post-processing. The Split feature of slicer software (such as Slic3r) can be used to break it into individual components if necessary for printing. It's modeled using [puzzlecad](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3198014), and I have included the .scad file in case you want to remix it and change the size, tolerance, or beveling. Make sure it's in the same folder as puzzlecad.scad. Coffin said of this puzzle: "Start by joining 1x2x2 blocks all ten possible ways. Put aside the two that are rectangular solids. Try fitting the other eight into a 4x4x4 box until you become convinced that it is impossible. Eliminate one and duplicate another until they not only fit but do so with interesting symmetry." UPDATED 3/9/19: Now includes an optional box that can hold the puzzle in place in its finished state (see photo). There's exactly one orientation that will keep all pieces in place in the box. ### About the Designer Stewart Coffin is perhaps the most influential designer of interlocking mechanical puzzles, having produced a wide range of ingenious designs of various shapes and complexity. More information on Coffin, and a variety of other printable models of his designs, are available in the [Stewart Coffin Puzzles](https://www.thingiverse.com/asiegel/collections/stewart-coffin-puzzles) collection. Happy puzzling!