Barcode Burr

The Barcode Burr was an entry in the International Puzzle Party design competition in 2004.

The goal of those who play with this puzzle should be to enjoy the motion and interactions of the pieces. Success (in the sense of a solution) is achieved when the puzzler has figured out the rules that dictate how the pieces move, and can apply that knowledge to disassemble and reassemble the puzzle.

There are six similar shaped pieces which move in unexpected directions.  None of the internal mechanisms are visible, yet the sequence of movements follow a logical "binary" pattern whereby the ability to move, or remove individual pieces from the assembly is dictated by two simple rules which, once understood, make this puzzle fun and easy to play with. 

Solutions: 3 (Note: When reassembling, it is possible to incorrectly "clock" the top half 120° in either direction, resulting in shorter solutions which do not follow the rules.)

Moves to remove first piece: 33
Disassembly Level: 64 (33.16.6.5.4) The brackets indicate the breakdown of moves to free each piece sequentially.

Made by designer Lee Krasnow from Pacific Puzzleworks.