Puzzle box
Project Description
I was inspired by Kagen Sound's Pattern Cryptex many many years ago without knowing how it worked or even how I'd make it. After getting a 3d printer I whipped up this design that could be easily printed and required few parts to function as expected. The mechanism is very reliable and the only way to open the box is to know the combination or to crack the plastic apart.
As shown below there are tons of repeating patterns(and nearly infinite non repeating patterns) based on just a simple horizontal pattern.
Cross section
The puzzle box works through two floating pins that are constantly pressed up against the lid through springs that are pressure fit into the bottom of the pins(only one is shown to the right)
When the correct pattern is entered, twisting the lid causes the pins to push down into the base and allow the lid to twist enough to be able to be lifted up and off.
