Concentric Combination Puzzle Box - Viking Style
I have wanted to make a puzzle box that used concentric rings for a long time now, and finally settled on a design that also allows the owner to change the combination at will. Three concentric rings show 8, 12, and 16 symbols, making for 1,536 possible combinations. Once the chosen three symbols are aligned with the arrow marking on the lid, the central knob can be turned to unlock the box.
The combination can be changed any number of times due to the use of re-settable encoding rings. Decorative panels are used to allow for horizontal printing of decorative details, allowing for multi-coloured decorations by means of a filament swap. I have also included blank panels, a blank knob, and blank symbol wheels so folk can make their own designs.
To make your own box, print the following parts:
- Hex_Main_Housing x1 - Quite a long print - Supports may be needed
- Plate x6 - Use any 6 plates of your choice or create your own using the blanks - No supports needed
- Latch_Housing x1 - No Supports Needed
- Spur_Gear x1 - No Supports Needed
- Keyed_Rack_Lock x1 - No Supports Needed
- Non_Keyed_Rack_Lock x1 - No Supports Needed
- Encoder_Housing x1 - Supports Required
- One each of Small, Mid, and Large_Encoder - Supports Required
- Lid x1 - Supports Required
- Decorative_Top x1 - No supports needed - Choose your style or make your own using the blank version
- One each of Small, Mid, and Large Symbol Wheel - Supports Required - Choose your style or make your own using the blank versions.
- Knob x1 - Supports Required - Use the default Gem style or create your own using the blank version.
To Assemble your box, follow these steps:
- Place the Spur Gear and the two Rack Locks into the Latch Housing. Make sure both racks have the same extension, i.e. they are either both fully out or fully in (see photo).
- Put a dab of glue on the flats of the latch housing and gently lower the Encoder housing down into position. The keys of the keyed rack should go through the slot in the encoder housing. Give the mechanism a quick check to make sure its not binding before letting the glue fully dry.
- Place the encoders into the symbol wheels. Align the open hole with the symbol you want in your combination (see photo). The encoders should be a loose fit and are held in place by the encoder housing, so don't worry if they fall out, that's normal.
- Do this for all three rings and stack them into the Lid. Each ring should hold the next smallest in place, but don't tip it as all the parts will fall out. Now get your lock assembly and gently lower it onto the encoders. Having the lock in the unlocked position will greatly help. This part is fiddly and may take a few attempts at first. Once the encoder housing/lock assembly is in position, twist it to lock it to the Lid (See Photo). This can be a tight fit and needs to be tight, but if it just won't go, try sanding the corners of the little tabs on the encoder housing. Also, sometimes support material can remain in the grooves which doesn't help.
- Glue the knob onto the spur gear.
- Glue the decorative top to the lid - TAKE CARE to align the arrow marker with the keyed rack lock!
- Glue on the decorative plates - Take your time and make it neat. I found it easier to do two at a time.
To change the combination, you must first open the box. Then untwist the encoder housing from the lid and re-set the encoders to align with different symbols.
If you like this model please consider donating some beer money - Every little helps :)
Print Settings
Printer Brand:
ELEGOO
Printer:
ELEGOO NEPTUNE 3 Plus
**Rafts:**
No
Supports:
Yes
**Resolution:**
0.2
Category: Puzzles