Steric trap

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 examples

• This can theoretically happen in brick type structural DNA nanotechnology if a void gets enclosed before it gets filled.
• ...?

Potential tolearbility of some steric trap assembly errors

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.

Related

• kinetic trap
• self assembly
• circumsembly