Scalable Snake Puzzle

thingiverse

A clever puzzle adapted for 3D printing. The design is highly scalable, thanks to its intelligent resize feature that adjusts both the piece and the connector ring accordingly. To connect the pieces, insert the snap ring into one piece, then perform a round/wiggly motion with the second piece. The goal is to compress the ring from the side until it snaps into place. The biggest hurdle in creating this design was making it fully printable without supports. I went through several iterations of the connector mechanism before settling on an internal compression ring that provides a compliant/springy feel, even after repeated use and wear. This innovative design features a 45-degree interface, ensuring that it doesn't break when disassembled (a secondary benefit is that it prints without support). Another challenge was addressing sharp edges from the first layer and top layer: initially, these edges would easily break or cause high spots during rotation. Chamfering the edges significantly improved this issue. Predefined models are included, but users can also utilize the Thingiverse Customizer to generate their desired scale.