Math Puzzle, String, Bead, Topology

thingiverse

This is one of my favorite mechanical puzzles in the category of recreational topology. It is easy to make using wooden materials. For the curious minds, here is a 3D version. Once the two parts-- the board/stick and the bead-- are printed. Please use a piece of string (rope, yarn) to assemble it as illustrated. The challenge is to move the bead from the left to the right or vice versa. The main idea is to move the knot back and forth through the middle opening. Let's me not spoil the fun of the puzzle here. 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 does not require a raft or support. The bead needs some raft for adhesion. (2) The board is about 15mm thick by default. Feel free to scale it to any thickness you like. It won''t affect the puzzle. Post-Printing Assemble as illustrated. You need a string that is about 8 inches or longer. Make a BIG knot of or glue the end of the string so they will not come out when being pulled. Plastic strings are actually easier to use. How I Designed This Everything is done on 123D Design using some basic solids.