View source for LEGO and its (un)suitability for nanoscale construction kits


This page covers speculations about how LEGO would behave when <br>
nigh 1:1 unchanged in geometry scaled down to the atomistic scale <br>
and made from [[crystolecules]]. <br>
Specifically: What the major issues are and how things could be changed <br> 
such that the building  blocks better match the nanoscale physics. <br>
See also related page: [[Applicability of macro 3D printing for nanomachine prototyping]] <br>

= Friction self holding of the pins =

No macroscale like friction at the nanoscale. <br>
=> Elastic energy barrier clipping as alternative. <br>

A LEGO similar design would likely lead to 
commensurate interdigitating atomic corrugation as notched clips. <br>
This may perhaps make not fully engaged error states more likely. <br>

Also this will not make for string holding forces and holding energy barriers compared to <br>
the high elastic energy of the studs in the holes. Quite suboptimal. <br>

Making the fit much more loose vdW forces will provide some <br>
much smaller but still useful holding forces. <br>
The not fully engaged error states from before are likely averted. <br>
Even negative pressure can still lead to a centering effect. <br>
See page: [[Negative pressure bearings]]s<br>
This will likely need strained shell structures to optimize the fit. <br>

There are better alternatives for stud/pin connectivity …

== Better alternatives for stud/pin connectivity ==

Clips can be made reversible structurally and <br>
nigh reversible energetically ([[clip energy recuperation]]). <br>
Avoiding energy dissipation snapping events. <br>
This is much more significant at the nanoscale compared to the macroscale.  <br>
More surface area makes for more clips.  <br>
<smalL> There are tricks to defer/delay the need for clips to larger subassemblies. </smalL>

Weak [[vdW force]] based sticking combined with <br>
conical V/W groove self centering can suffice in low load cases. <br>

Higher force clips using larger structural bending. <br>
Clips can retain some/significant pretension when engaged. <br>
This also allows for much higher stiffness of connections. <br>
See page: [[Design principle of passive pretension]] <br>

= Single main axis causing forced anisotropy =

LEGO forces a strong anisotropy by having a singe main z-axis that is not easy to <br>
deviate from without going to (by LEGO community so called) "illegal building techniques". <br>
There are some legal ways (by LEGO community so called) "struts not on top SNOT" <br>
but this seems to be more of an afterthought and a fringe topic. <br>
Not core and center of main building techniques. <br>

= "Illegal" building techniques =

Illegal building techniques leaning high stains and permanent stresses on the parts are <br>
(while not intended and all the other consequences from that) <br>
much more acceptable in terms of part degradation over time for nanoscale [[crystolecules]]. <br>
Atomically precise [[crystolecules]] are flawless defect free and thus <br>
they to not feature any creep or micro-cracking limits. <br>
See pages: [[Wear]] & [[Superelasticity]]. <br>

= Related =

* [[Design principle of passive pretension]]
* [[Intercrystolecular snapping modes]]
* [[Intercrystolecular interactions]]
* [[Applicability of macro 3D printing for nanomachine prototyping]]
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* [[ReChain frame systems]] ([[ReChain]]) 
* [[RepRec]]
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* [[Limits of construction kit analogy]]

= External links =

* [https://bricknerd.com/home/snot-basics-geometry-techniques-and-pitfalls-3-18-2021 BrickNerd's comprehensive SNOT guide] – covers geometry, techniques, and pitfalls
* [https://holgermatthes.de/bricks/en/snot.php Holger Matthes' SNOT documentation] – detailed technical overview
* [https://brickbuildershandbook.com/2022/01/20/isnt-that-stud-supposed-to-be-on-top-no-its-snot-building-sideways-using-lego/ Brick Builder's Handbook] – sideways building guide
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* [https://www.picklebricks.com/post/understanding-illegal-lego-building-techniques-a-definitive-guide Pickle Bricks' definitive guide] – references Jamie Berard's famous "Stressing the Elements" presentation

[[Category:Surprising facts]]