Puzzle Cube - Hard Mode

thingiverse

Human: Functioning Hellraiser inspired puzzle box using my own planetary gearbox core. [Assembly video](https://youtu.be/JLJvNn56pJ8) - Jump to the end to see the finished product in action. ["Core" preparation](https://youtu.be/sk70thJSrVc). Now tracking my source code in [github](https://github.com/tmackay/lament) to make tracking versions and bugs easier. The Lament configuration - art by [artist064](https://www.deviantart.com/artist064) "The original Lament Configuration was created by [Simon Sayce](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcX2sYlTq2U) for the original Hellraiser movie". This puzzle box is a significant improvement over previous designs, which were only solvable through brute force methods. I have added an extra latch that must be disengaged after aligning the gears, making it more challenging and engaging to solve. The internal "clicker" device I've incorporated provides a tactile feedback when the gears are partially aligned, adding an extra layer of complexity and fun to the puzzle. The "false gates" allow the core to open slightly when aligned without revealing the solution, requiring users to think creatively and use problem-solving skills. I have also included provisions for an internal spring that brings the box to life, making it feel more dynamic and interactive. Future releases may include additional features such as aluminium strips and magnets for inductive braking effects. Print the core at 0.2mm (or higher) with a layer height of 1-layer gap between the ring gears. Use a sharpened spatula or flat razor blade scraper to separate the ring gears. Print parts A and B separately, taking around 21 hours each, while the core takes approximately 8 hours. Enable Support Interface at 100% and Touching Buildplate with an overhang of 85 degrees for improved finish. This will give a solid disk to support the raised dial for parts A and B, which can be pried off. Part C does not require support. I recommend "breaking in" the core by giving it 5 minutes on a drill or Dremel tool to spin the gears. They may be stiff at first but will soon wear in to move freely. Similarly, the sliding parts might need a light sanding or operated back and forth to loosen them up. Bitmaps were converted to black and white using Threshold filter in GIMP then traced using InkScape, simplified using "Flatten Bezziers" extension before being exported as SVG for import into OpenSCAD. OpenSCAD struggled importing multiple SVGs, so individual faces were added to separate cubes and combined using MeshLab ([more info](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4178313)). TinkerCad was used for the final intersection (subtract the negative from the artwork cube) as everything else I tried crashed or made a mess of the mesh. Most versions of this artwork have gold detail raised, but personally, I prefer the negative as it preserves most visual detail when slicing for FDM. Painting gold followed by sanding back the raised edges allows for low painting skill required. If you'd like to try other artwork cubes, I have included the negative. Load your own cube in TinkerCad, scale as desired and subtract. The latest upload is dimensionally accurate with the original, measuring exactly 3"x3"x3". There was originally some symbolism behind the measurements* (according to the interview with Sayce). I have also included both positive and negative versions of the artwork to cater to different painting/finishing preferences. UPDATE: Fixed some overlap in the core which was causing it to print the planet gears fused to the ring gears more so than expected. Updated spring mount inside of core.