Mechanical puzzle encyclopaedia

Folding and Hinged Puzzles

Connected parts fold, flip or hinge into a target form while remaining joined.

Definition

Connected parts fold, flip or hinge into a target form while remaining joined.

How to recognise this family

Look first at the objective and permitted movements, not only the outward shape. Typical examples include snake cubes, folding chains, hinged dissections and flexagon-like objects.

  • What must the solver achieve?
  • Are the pieces separate, interlocked or permanently connected?
  • Does the challenge depend on an ordered sequence, physical dexterity or discovering a hidden release?

Common solving approaches

Establish the rules, inventory the pieces and record every state-changing move. Search for constrained components, repeated patterns, symmetry and actions that create additional freedom. Stop if force appears necessary.

Related Crafty Puzzles examples

Browse a related archive page

Catalogue fields

Useful catalogue records include the primary class, sub-type, objective, piece count, material, movement type, designer or maker, date, dimensions, alternative names and solution status.

Puzzle instruction image