This puzzle is a more developed version of the puzzle "Edge-Corner-Cube". Both use the same basic idea: The single cubes of the puzzle pieces that should be assembled to a 3x3x3 cube are connected face-by-face, edge-by-edge or corner-by-corner. For the last two types of connections there is metal wire used.

The improved version "Edge-Corner-Cube II" now presents a puzzle of level 1-9-3. That means that the first (out of seven) pieces comes off in one move (is the single cube that just falls out). But for being able to seperate the second piece nine more moves are to be done! The third pieces then can be removed after three extra moves. The rest of the pieces then can be disassembled very easily.
In total there are two solutions, but only one can be assembled.

The whole process of development was done by just using paper a pencil. A Computer was only used after the design was completed to verify that there is only one possible solution. The most difficult step while designing was to raise the level of the second piece as high as possible, without any other piece coming off unintended. While disassembling 'on paper' you also have to keep track of the different metal connections between the cubes so that they do not interfere.

This puzzle took place in the "Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition" at the 25th International Puzzle Party (IPP25) that was held in Helsinki, 2005. It was awarded by the jury with an 'Honorable Mention'.

Here two more pictures: the first one is taken during disassembling the puzzle and the second one gives an impression how the metal pins are used to connect the individual cubes:

Interested is some drawings of this design? Here one page showing the process of disassembly - up to this point no computer has been used!