Soma in Case Packing Puzzle

Soma in Cube

The Soma Cube was invented by the Danish mathematician Piet Hein in 1933 during a lecture on quantum mechanics. It comprises of 7 distinct shapes that can be assembled into a 3x3x3 cube. The Soma In Case puzzle was designed by Hajime Katsumoto and first made by Cubicdissection in 2018. Instead of the traditional 3x3x3 cube, you place these 7 pieces into a 5x3x2 box that has an obstruction embedded into the sliding lid.

There are over 100,000 assemblies, but only one fits into this box using a combined 14 moves. Logic will allow you to significantly reduce those odds and close the lid, after inserting all pieces. This might be about 3 of 5 for difficulty, or 7-8 on the Puzzle Master scale.

Note: H Katsumoto holds all copyright and you cannot sell copies of his puzzle, but only use for personal enjoyment.

The puzzle measures 68 mm x 44 x 33.

How to Print

All parts were tested using PLA and printing at 0.2mm layer height with 3 perimeters and 4 top/bottom walls. No supports are required.

You can change color, by layer height to give the "floor" a different color, and to highlight the text that is on the floor and lid.

After inserting the sliding part, you must glue the lid to the box. Since the sliding lid is also installed at this time, you must carefully place the glue only on the lip shown in the picture above. After glueing, move the lid a few times as the glue dries to ensure the lid will slide freely.

Video

This is a great puzzle, with a small size. The video below will give you some strategies for tackling this puzzle and then a full solution, if you need it. There is a PDF below with a QR code for the video if you wish to keep it with the puzzle. Solve the puzzle and store all parts inside the box. When you return to the puzzle,  turn the box upside down and shake all the parts out as you slide the lid back continuously. This way the solution is not revealed.