{"schemaVersion":1,"record":{"key":"mechanic/puzzle--family-mechanical","type":"mechanic","id":"puzzle--family-mechanical","lang":"en","title":"Mechanical puzzles","summary":"The player works out a sequence of physical transformations of a multipart object.","updatedAt":"2026-10-22","status":"active","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/puzzle--family-mechanical/","jsonUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-mechanical.json","markdownUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-mechanical.md","aliases":[],"tags":["Puzzles","Mechanics catalog"],"sourceIds":["source-171c7a860d38dba8"],"sources":[{"id":"source-171c7a860d38dba8","title":"The Room","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/288160/","verifiedAt":null}],"sections":[{"id":"principle","title":"How it works","body":"Output the sequence of physical transformations of a prefabricated object."},{"id":"variants","title":"Variants","body":"### Variants and applications\n\n<a id=\"family-mechanical-variants\"></a>\n\n- Analysis of the coupled structure. Definition: Find the order of removing mutually interlocking parts. Conditional example: Disassemble a wooden knot. Terms: burr puzzle. <a id=\"variant-interlock-disassembly\"></a>\n- Assembly with closing part. Definition: Assemble mutually interlocking parts in an order that allows completion. Conditional example: Insert the last bar into a volumetric lock. <a id=\"variant-interlock-assembly\"></a>\n- Separation of rigid rings and wires. Definition: Pass elements through permissible positions without deformation. Conventional example: Remove a metal ring from a frame. <a id=\"variant-wire-disentangle\"></a>\n- Unraveling the flexible connection. Definition: Change the position of the cord and rings, maintaining fastenings and integrity. Conditional example: Release a loop from a fixed rod. <a id=\"variant-rope-disentangle\"></a>\n- Sequential removal of rings. Definition: Remove and return elements with dependencies between valid states. Conditional example: Remove a set of related rings according to a rule. Terms: Chinese rings; Chinese rings. <a id=\"variant-sequential-rings\"></a>\n- The secret of discovery. Definition: Find hidden degrees of freedom and the order of body shifts. Conditional example: Open a box without a visible latch. Terms: puzzle box. <a id=\"variant-secret-box\"></a>\n- Unusual lock mechanism. Definition: Deduce the method of operation of the key and internal locks based on the observed reaction. Conditional example: Open a lock that allows several key modes. <a id=\"variant-trick-lock\"></a>\n- Sequential opening of tools. Definition: Use parts found inside an object to unlock the next steps. Conventional example: Remove a pin and apply it to a hidden hole. <a id=\"variant-sequential-discovery\"></a>\n- Explanation of an impossible object. Definition: Restore the assembly method or device of a seemingly impossible design. Conditional example: Deduce how a large part ended up inside a narrow shell. <a id=\"variant-impossible-object\"></a>\n- Vessel with hidden channels. Definition: Draw the arrangement of cavities and air holes for the desired transfusion. Conditional example: Empty the vessel by closing the correct hole. <a id=\"variant-puzzle-vessel\"></a>\n- Procedure for removing fasteners. Definition: Remove fasteners, taking into account access blocking, support and temporary storage space. Conditional example: Release the bottom plate by removing the screws in the required order. Terms: screw puzzle; nuts and bolts. <a id=\"variant-fastener-order\"></a>"},{"id":"context","title":"Context and limits","body":"A wide catalog of mechanics for digital puzzles, paper logic problems and physical puzzles. Each position contains an action or rule and a conditional example of application."}],"relations":[],"placements":[{"catalogId":"puzzle","id":"family-mechanical","title":"Puzzles","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/mechanics/puzzle/#family-mechanical","categoryIds":["section-1"]}],"supersededBy":[],"attributes":{"preview":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-22","title":"Mechanical puzzles","description":"The player works out a sequence of physical transformations of a multipart object.","image":{"src":"images/mechanics/adventure-the-room-03.webp","width":1440,"height":867,"game":"The Room","sourceUrl":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/288160/","originalUrl":"https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/288160/ss_6a558d5b9cc41f74c8985e0dbd5935f3ef0a36ca.1920x1080.jpg?t=1646758287","credit":"Fireproof Games","rights":"Game imagery © its respective rights holders. Publisher-distributed Steam screenshot; all rights reserved. Excluded from MIT and CC BY 4.0.","caption":"Mechanism rings must reach the required positions","alt":"Mechanism rings must reach the required positions","markers":[{"x":51,"y":57,"label":"Components rotate relative to one another"}]},"tips":["Show which components are linked and what limits their movement."],"examples":[{"title":"The Room","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/288160/"}]}},"endsAt":null,"provenance":"Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on 2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and editorial review.","license":"CC-BY-4.0","codeLicense":"MIT","attribution":"gamemechanics.pro contributors","catalogKey":"catalog/puzzle"}}