Steric trap
From apm
Revision as of 11:42, 5 August 2022 by Apm (Talk | contribs) (added note on potentially acceptable damage)
Not to confuse with kinetic traps.
In self assembly when the assembly process progresses in such a way that
a prematurely added and non-leaving part by means of its shape, size, position, orientation, pose
prevents the addition of further parts that would have been desired to be added.
Concrete example:
This can theoretically happen in brick type structural DNA nanotechnology if a void gets enclosed before it gets filled.
Note that if only some pieces are missing the damage may not always be fatal for functionality. Especially ...
- when missing parts are hidden away in the interior of structures not influencing outer shape and stiffness not too much. Or
- on surfaces spots that neither carry interface, bearing, or other functionality
Kinetic traps may have more potential for damage per error as
they can obstruct assembly rather than being caused by obstruction.
