The method of creating a three-dimensional (3D) puzzle of an object includes receiving a 3D model of the object; sequentially extracting a plurality of preliminary segments from the 3D model, and generating a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) printable segments corresponding to the plurality of preliminary segments. The plurality of printable segments may be configured to be printed to create a plurality of printed segments that may be configured to be selectively coupled together to form a 3D representation of the object.

Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.

A puzzle of chocolate-based material puzzle pieces is formed by providing a transfer sheet having a design of food-grade material on a first side of the transfer sheet and providing a puzzle piece template having passages shaped as pieces of the puzzle. The puzzle piece template is arranged on top of the first side of the transfer sheet. The passages of the puzzle piece template are filled with a chocolate-based material. After crystallization, the chocolate-based material in the passages of the puzzle piece template form the chocolate-based material puzzle pieces of the puzzle. The chocolate-based material puzzle pieces are removed from the template.

The method of creating a three-dimensional (3D) puzzle of an object includes receiving a 3D model of the object; sequentially extracting a plurality of preliminary segments from the 3D model, and generating a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) printable segments corresponding to the plurality of preliminary segments. The plurality of printable segments may be configured to be printed to create a plurality of printed segments that may be configured to be selectively coupled together to form a 3D representation of the object.

An arch puzzle includes a base having a substantially flat upper surface, a first ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a first side, and a second ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a second side. A notch is defined the first and second ridge. An arch support has a semi-circular block shape. A plurality of arch pieces have a keystone shape. At least a first pair of shims each include an elongated body having a tapered upper surface and a horizontal lower surface.

The invention provides a three-dimensional apparatus for problem solving, learning and presentation for modeling, teaching and illustrating exemplary problem solving or thinking. Some embodiments provide a puzzle-like form. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for the building of a problem or topic or situation specific or custom learning or problem solving or investigatory or presentation aid. Embodiments of the invention may also incorporate or use electronic, digital, electro-mechanical, mechanical, electric or other devices, processors, controllers, or mechanisms, or input or output to or from such or similar elements, and wired or wireless or other networks or interfaces.

A puzzle includes a cube-shaped box having a cavity therein, a plurality of rhombus-shaped members detachably engaged to each other, and a plurality of pyramid-shaped members detachably engaged to the rhombus-shaped members. The rhombus-shaped members are intercalated between the pyramid-shaped members such that a combination of the rhombus-shaped members and the pyramid-shaped members collectively have a cube-shaped arrangement removably fitted inside the cavity of the cube-shaped box. At least two of the pyramid-shaped members are situated at a top-most region of the cavity of the cube-shaped box.

An arch puzzle includes a base having a substantially flat upper surface, a first ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a first side, and a second ridge protruding upward from the upper surface at a second side. A notch is defined the first and second ridge. An arch support has a semi-circular block shape. A plurality of arch pieces have a keystone shape. At least a first pair of shims each include an elongated body having a tapered upper surface and a horizontal lower surface.

A system for generating a three-dimensional puzzle comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to generate a three dimensional mesh representation. The processor is further configured to convert polygons comprising the three-dimensional mesh representation to one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to add attachment points and receiving points to the one or more puzzle piece representations. The processor is further configured to provide the one of more puzzle piece representations with attachment points and receiving points. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

A puzzle includes a cube-shaped box having a cavity therein, a plurality of rhombus-shaped members detachably engaged to each other, and a plurality of pyramid-shaped members detachably engaged to the rhombus-shaped members. The rhombus-shaped members are intercalated between the pyramid-shaped members such that a combination of the rhombus-shaped members and the pyramid-shaped members collectively have a cube-shaped arrangement removably fitted inside the cavity of the cube-shaped box. At least two of the pyramid-shaped members are situated at a top-most region of the cavity of the cube-shaped box