Hysteresis Key

Hysteresis Key is a maze puzzle, where the object is to pull the key out. However, one can only move the key in and out. The movement of the key moves a red pin sideways. The puzzle is solved by pushing and pulling the key just by the right distances. Too far and the puzzle resets itself. This version is an experiment with transparent PLA printing. Thanks to the single layer of transparent PLA, one can see the position of the red pin in the maze, which makes the puzzle accessible.

The set of pieces took 4¾ hours to 3D print on a Dutchy 3D printer. 15 meter of 1.75-mm wood-filled PLA filament was used to print it. The puzzle weights 45 gram.

Designed by Oskar van Deventer, who has created many different puzzles including his brand of Oskar Puzzles which are mechanical puzzles and objects that can only exist thanks to 3D printing technology.  Since 1978, he has been creating hundreds of mechanical puzzles, making him one of the world's most prolific designers. Several of his innovative designs are commercially available.