Self centering

Abstract concept page.
For more concrete discussions see links in the related section.

Some sort of funneling effect
by mutual interaction of parts in their shapes and/or forces
that guides an assembly process step and
is capable of correcting for errors in initial position
(and not too rigidly guided approach trajectory if actively driven).

It applies to any kind of drive.
It may be driven from external guided motion or short range attractive forces.
Both are compatible with the concept of self-centering.

Relation so self-assembly

Note: Self assembly goes beyond the concept of self centering.
But it can and (less or more) will involve an attractive funneling effect for
the last stretch when the correct position is already found and the
molecule just needs to fully move into place.

For weak collaborative binding as e.g. often used in 3D SDN.
The last stretch attractive funneling effect is weaker than thermal motions.
So multiple funneling effects need to work together to make for a more permanent catch.
( See nucleation barrier: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CNT_barrier.png )
Still calling the whole process "self-centering"
would overstretch the concept. But it is still related.

Relation to non-thermal self-assembly

Nonthermal self-assembly by magnetic or electrostatic forces has a local funneling effect too.

• In case of active macroscale shaking things can break apart again and collaborative processes can occur. Beyond self-centering.
• In the case of site unspecific self-assembly given where the assembly geometry is pre-given by pre-formed hinged chains. Sequentially self-executing self-centering self-assembly. No shaking needed beyond an initial domino-chain like push.

Related

• Multi V-groove self-centering as one of the Scale agnostic design principles
• ReChain Self centering

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• Tether assisted assembly / Mechanosynelf assembly
• Self assembly