Kongming Lock: How the Ancient Puzzle Conquers Modern Technology

Introduction: Kongming Lock

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Unveiling Millennial Wisdom: How the Ancient Puzzle, Kongming Lock, Conquers Modern Technology

From Lu Ban in the Spring and Autumn Period to modern LED displays, the Kongming Lock is not only a symbol of ancient wisdom but also a source of inspiration for modern innovation. This ancient intellectual toy, with its unique mortise and tenon structure and complex assembly methods, challenges the intelligence of every puzzle solver. At the Shanghai World Expo, a giant Lu Ban Lock with its mesmerizing LED display once again proved the infinite possibilities of this traditional toy. Let’s explore the mysteries of the Kongming Lock and see how it rejuvenates in modern society.

Origin

The Kongming Lock was widely circulated among the people. Gradually gaining attention, it benefits relaxation, brain development, and finger dexterity. It is a leisure toy suitable for all ages. The Kongming Lock appears simple, but its internal intricacies are profound, and without proper guidance, it is difficult to assemble.

This is just one of the legends. Another legend states that during the Spring and Autumn period, the craftsman Lu Ban of the State of Lu created a toy made of six wooden sticks that could be assembled and disassembled to test his son's intelligence. His son worked all night and finally disassembled it. This toy was later called the Lu Ban Lock. In fact, this is just a legend. It originated from the mortise and tenon structure in ancient Chinese architecture.

Therefore, the Kongming Lock is also known as the Lu Ban Lock, Bie Men Gun, Liu Zi Lian Fang, Mo Nai He, Nan Ren Mu, Fan Ren Suo, and Qi Hao Suo.

Structure

The Lu Ban Lock originates from the mortise and tenon structure of ancient Chinese architecture. The interlocking concave and convex parts (i.e., the mortise and tenon structure) of this three-dimensional puzzle are ingeniously designed. Originally made of wood, it appears as a seamless cross cube. There are many types of Kongming Lock toys, with different shapes and internal structures, generally easy to disassemble but difficult to assemble. Assembly requires careful observation, thoughtful analysis, and understanding of its internal structure. It is beneficial for brain development and finger dexterity, making it an excellent educational toy.

Types of Kongming Locks

There are various types of Lu Ban Locks, each unique and fascinating. The most famous are the six-piece (first generation, second generation, or Type A, Type B) and nine-piece Lu Ban Locks (third generation or Type C). Among them, the six-piece Lu Ban Lock varies in structure depending on the region and design philosophy. Based on the tenon shape, the six-piece Lu Ban Lock is mainly divided into two categories: Type A and Type B. Of course, the tenon shapes of the six-piece Lu Ban Lock are not limited to these two. For the nine-piece Lu Ban Lock, selecting certain pieces can complete the "Liu He Sun," "Qi Xing Jie," "Ba Da Kou," and "Lu Ban Lock." It is quite challenging for nine tenon shapes to simultaneously satisfy different quantities and achieve four interlocking structures.

Main Functions

The Kongming Lock benefits relaxation, brain development, and finger dexterity, making it a leisure toy suitable for all ages. The Kongming Lock appears simple, but its internal intricacies are profound, and without proper guidance, it is difficult to assemble.

Development Progress

The Lu Ban Lock at the Shandong Pavilion of the Shanghai World Expo was composed of 2016 LED modules, each measuring 32 by 16 centimeters. The giant Lu Ban Lock, with a length, width, and height of 5.3 meters, became a landmark symbol of the Shandong Pavilion. Mentioning the Shandong Pavilion brings the Lu Ban Lock to mind. Externally, six equal-length bars are divided into three groups, connected at 90-degree angles, forming 30 display surfaces that compose a complete movie clip. The scenes of seasonal cycles, the vitality of growing nature, and the graceful flight of white swans all showcase the concept and beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

According to Wang Yanyu, the chief designer and engineer of the Shandong Pavilion, the display of the Lu Ban Lock resonates with the theme of the Shandong Pavilion, "The Everlasting Spirit of Qilu." It uses the wisdom of Qilu to solve urban problems, changing urban life with culture despite limited resources and technology. The Lu Ban Lock is a symbolic representation of Qilu culture.

The over two thousand LED modules of the Lu Ban Lock are controlled by 60 control chips connected to a computer. A significant amount of complex computation is required to achieve the precise and beautiful display effects. This is a highly technical process. Assembling over two thousand modules into a cohesive image requires meticulous planning and a clear strategy. Beneath the magical and ever-changing exterior of the Shandong Pavilion's Lu Ban Lock lies a steel frame structure with internal circuit connections. The entire assembly of the Lu Ban Lock took one month.

Specific Types

Based on the mortise and tenon structure, people have derived many other high-difficulty Kongming Locks from the standard version. The types are complex and varied. Below are 13 commonly seen types:

• Large and Small Kongming Locks
• Four Seasons Lock
• Kongming Chain Lock
• Twelve-Sided Lock
• Square Lock (Square Lu Ban Ball)
• Twenty-Four Lock (Type A and Type B)
• Eighteen-Hook Lock
• Sister Balls
• Hexagonal Lock
• Fourteen Brothers Lock
• Little Pineapple
• Triple Knot (Big Pineapple)
• Three-Eight Knot

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💥Keywords

Kongming Lock, Lu Ban Lock, Mortise and Tenon Structure, Intellectual Toy, Traditional Culture, Modern Technology, Star8s, Chinese Elements, Innovative Design, Home Decor