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Models For Physical Demonstration Of Atoms
Abstract: ABSTRACT MODELS FOR PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATION OF ATOMS A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms 5 comprises a body, at least one arm, and at least one positioning mechanism. The body corresponds to an atomic center corresponding to an atom. The arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. The positioning mechanism is disposed within the cavity of the body and 10 operably coupled to the at least one arm. The positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force. The discrete positions are attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the arm, or angular transition motion of the arm, or both. Each discrete position is 15 representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation. <> 20 63
Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence
Patent Information
Applicants
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Inventors
1. PRABHAKARAN, Erode Nagarajan
Claims
1. A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms, the reconfigurable interactive model comprising: a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to an atom; 5 at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein the at least one arm is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and at least one positioning mechanism disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to the at least one arm, wherein the at least one 10 positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the at least one arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular 15 transition motion of the at least one arm along an arcuate path relative to the body, and wherein each discrete position is representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation.
2. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein 20 the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity, wherein the at least one radial cavity is to extend from an external surface of the body towards a center of the body along the radial axis relative to the body and wherein the at least one radial cavity is to enable the linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along the radial axis relative to the body to 25 enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
3. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein the at least one arcuate cavity is to enable one the angular transition motion 55 of the at least one arm along the arcuate path relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
4. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a plurality of radial cavities and a plurality of arcuate cavities, and wherein the plurality of radial cavities being 5 displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the body, and wherein the plurality of arcuate cavities equatorially around the body.
5. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises: an axle member having at least one first engagement surface disposed 10 thereon; a peduncle member coupled to the axle member; and an interface affixed to the peduncle member and configured to accept a bonding connector to represent the chemical transformation.
6. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 15 the at least one positioning mechanism comprises a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface is complementary to the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, wherein the movement of the at least arm relative between the plurality of discrete positions is established through mechanical interference between the at least one first 20 engagement surface of the axle member and the second engagement surface.
7. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one first engagement surface is one of: a plurality of teeth and a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. 25
8. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second engagement surface is other of: the plurality of teeth and the plurality of grooves. 56
9. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member comprises the plurality of teeth and the second engagement surface comprises the plurality of grooves, wherein the at least a number of grooves in the second engagement surface is to exceed a number of teeth of the at least one first 5 engagement surface.
10. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of: a number of the teeth and a number of grooves correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm.
11. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 10 the at least one first engagement surface comprises two engagement surfaces disposed at polar ends of the axle member.
12. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and wherein the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one radial cavity 15 comprises a plurality of axle segments and the peduncle member comprises a plurality of peduncle segments, wherein an axle segment is sandwiched between two peduncle segments.
13. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein 20 the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one arcuate cavity comprises an elongated shaft, wherein the peduncle member is coupled to a central axis of the axle member, and wherein the axle member is substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member.
14. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 25 the at least one first engagement surface comprises at least one of: a spherical ball disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member, wherein the spherical ball is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism; 57 a receptacle disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member; and at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to surfaces of the axle member.
15. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second engagement surface comprises at least one of: 5 a spring-loaded ball plunger configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, the spring-loaded ball plunger is oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm; at least one receptacle configured to receive the axle member; and at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to 10 angled surfaces of the axle member.
16. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a pocket configured to receive a male bonding connector corresponding to an atom.
17. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 16, wherein 15 shape of the pocket corresponds to a type of male bonding connector.
18. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface is coaxially aligned with the peduncle member.
19. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism is at least one of: a sliding 20 mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism.
20. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and at least one arcuate cavity, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism comprises 25 a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity and a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one 58 arcuate cavity, and wherein the first positioning mechanism corresponds to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism.
21. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete positions are separated by predetermined angular intervals, wherein the predetermined angular intervals correspond 5 to a spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state.
22. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state corresponds to one of: a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, an octahedral and a 10 square planar geometry.
23. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the atom.
24. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made of plastic material. 15
25. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is made of plastic material.
26. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprises a functionable arm, and wherein the functionable arm is 20 non-functional in a first hybridization state, and wherein the functionable arm is functional in a second hybridization state.
27. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 26, wherein the functionable arm is disposed in at least one radial cavity, wherein the functionable arm is retracted within the body in the first hybridization state, 25 and wherein the functionable arm extends outwardly from the body in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. 59
28. A molecular system comprising a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models as claimed in claim 1, wherein each reconfigurable interactive model corresponds to a distinct chemical element.
29. The molecular system of claim 28, wherein a plurality of bonding connectors corresponding to each reconfigurable interactive model is 5 configured to connect with another reconfigurable interactive model, wherein the bonding connectors correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a triple bond connector.
30. A molecular system comprising at least one reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1 and at least one static model 10 connectable with the at least one reconfigurable interactive model, the at least one static model comprising at least one static arm without at least one of: a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. . 15
31. The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model is connectable to the at least one static model through at least one bonding connector.
32. The molecular system of claim 31, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model comprises a first receiver and wherein the 20 at least one static model comprises a second receiver, wherein the at least one bonding connector is to interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and with the second receiver of the at least one static model.
33. The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one 25 reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model corresponds to same atom, wherein the body of the at least one 60 reconfigurable interactive model has a size different from that of a central body of the at least one static model.
34. A method for physical demonstration of atoms, the method comprising: positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant 5 hybridization state corresponding to an atom, wherein a reconfigurable interactive model comprises: a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom; the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms is movably coupled to the 10 body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein each of the plurality of arms being representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and a plurality of positioning mechanisms disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms; 15 applying an initial manual force to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a second configuration representing a transition state hybridization geometry, wherein each of the first configuration and the second configuration correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body, wherein the plurality 20 of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of arms along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body; and applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one arm to a 25 third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring during a chemical transformation, wherein the third configuration corresponds to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. 61
35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the chemical transformation corresponds to one of: an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo inversion, and a metal center reaction. 5
36. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises one of: linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, tetrahedral to trigonal planar.
37. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition to the third 10 configuration comprises one of: transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, and transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral. 15 62 ABSTRACT MODELS FOR PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATION OF ATOMS A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms 5 comprises a body, at least one arm, and at least one positioning mechanism. The body corresponds to an atomic center corresponding to an atom. The arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. The positioning mechanism is disposed within the cavity of the body and 10 operably coupled to the at least one arm. The positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force. The discrete positions are attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the arm, or angular transition motion of the arm, or both. Each discrete position is 15 representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation. <> 20 63 , Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms, the reconfigurable interactive model comprising: a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to an atom; 5 at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein the at least one arm is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and at least one positioning mechanism disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to the at least one arm, wherein the at least one 10 positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the at least one arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular 15 transition motion of the at least one arm along an arcuate path relative to the body, and wherein each discrete position is representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation.
2. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein 20 the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity, wherein the at least one radial cavity is to extend from an external surface of the body towards a center of the body along the radial axis relative to the body and wherein the at least one radial cavity is to enable the linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along the radial axis relative to the body to 25 enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
3. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein the at least one arcuate cavity is to enable one the angular transition motion 55 of the at least one arm along the arcuate path relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
4. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a plurality of radial cavities and a plurality of arcuate cavities, and wherein the plurality of radial cavities being 5 displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the body, and wherein the plurality of arcuate cavities equatorially around the body.
5. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises: an axle member having at least one first engagement surface disposed 10 thereon; a peduncle member coupled to the axle member; and an interface affixed to the peduncle member and configured to accept a bonding connector to represent the chemical transformation.
6. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 15 the at least one positioning mechanism comprises a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface is complementary to the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, wherein the movement of the at least arm relative between the plurality of discrete positions is established through mechanical interference between the at least one first 20 engagement surface of the axle member and the second engagement surface.
7. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one first engagement surface is one of: a plurality of teeth and a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. 25
8. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second engagement surface is other of: the plurality of teeth and the plurality of grooves. 56
9. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member comprises the plurality of teeth and the second engagement surface comprises the plurality of grooves, wherein the at least a number of grooves in the second engagement surface is to exceed a number of teeth of the at least one first 5 engagement surface.
10. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of: a number of the teeth and a number of grooves correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm.
11. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 10 the at least one first engagement surface comprises two engagement surfaces disposed at polar ends of the axle member.
12. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and wherein the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one radial cavity 15 comprises a plurality of axle segments and the peduncle member comprises a plurality of peduncle segments, wherein an axle segment is sandwiched between two peduncle segments.
13. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein 20 the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one arcuate cavity comprises an elongated shaft, wherein the peduncle member is coupled to a central axis of the axle member, and wherein the axle member is substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member.
14. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 25 the at least one first engagement surface comprises at least one of: a spherical ball disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member, wherein the spherical ball is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism; 57 a receptacle disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member; and at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to surfaces of the axle member.
15. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second engagement surface comprises at least one of: 5 a spring-loaded ball plunger configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, the spring-loaded ball plunger is oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm; at least one receptacle configured to receive the axle member; and at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to 10 angled surfaces of the axle member.
16. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a pocket configured to receive a male bonding connector corresponding to an atom.
17. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 16, wherein 15 shape of the pocket corresponds to a type of male bonding connector.
18. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface is coaxially aligned with the peduncle member.
19. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism is at least one of: a sliding 20 mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism.
20. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and at least one arcuate cavity, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism comprises 25 a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity and a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one 58 arcuate cavity, and wherein the first positioning mechanism corresponds to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism.
21. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete positions are separated by predetermined angular intervals, wherein the predetermined angular intervals correspond 5 to a spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state.
22. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state corresponds to one of: a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, an octahedral and a 10 square planar geometry.
23. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the atom.
24. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made of plastic material. 15
25. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is made of plastic material.
26. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprises a functionable arm, and wherein the functionable arm is 20 non-functional in a first hybridization state, and wherein the functionable arm is functional in a second hybridization state.
27. The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 26, wherein the functionable arm is disposed in at least one radial cavity, wherein the functionable arm is retracted within the body in the first hybridization state, 25 and wherein the functionable arm extends outwardly from the body in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. 59
28. A molecular system comprising a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models as claimed in claim 1, wherein each reconfigurable interactive model corresponds to a distinct chemical element.
29. The molecular system of claim 28, wherein a plurality of bonding connectors corresponding to each reconfigurable interactive model is 5 configured to connect with another reconfigurable interactive model, wherein the bonding connectors correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a triple bond connector.
30. A molecular system comprising at least one reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1 and at least one static model 10 connectable with the at least one reconfigurable interactive model, the at least one static model comprising at least one static arm without at least one of: a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. . 15
31. The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model is connectable to the at least one static model through at least one bonding connector.
32. The molecular system of claim 31, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model comprises a first receiver and wherein the 20 at least one static model comprises a second receiver, wherein the at least one bonding connector is to interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and with the second receiver of the at least one static model.
33. The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one 25 reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model corresponds to same atom, wherein the body of the at least one 60 reconfigurable interactive model has a size different from that of a central body of the at least one static model.
34. A method for physical demonstration of atoms, the method comprising: positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant 5 hybridization state corresponding to an atom, wherein a reconfigurable interactive model comprises: a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom; the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms is movably coupled to the 10 body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein each of the plurality of arms being representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and a plurality of positioning mechanisms disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms; 15 applying an initial manual force to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a second configuration representing a transition state hybridization geometry, wherein each of the first configuration and the second configuration correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body, wherein the plurality 20 of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of arms along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body; and applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one arm to a 25 third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring during a chemical transformation, wherein the third configuration corresponds to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. 61
35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the chemical transformation corresponds to one of: an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo inversion, and a metal center reaction. 5
36. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises one of: linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, tetrahedral to trigonal planar.
37. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition to the third 10 configuration comprises one of: transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, and transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral. 15
Specification
Description:BACKGROUND
[0001]
Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Each atom includes a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons occupying discrete energy levels or orbitals. When atoms of the 5 same type combine, they form elements in pure state. For instance, two oxygen atoms combine to form molecular oxygen (O2), while carbon atoms can arrange themselves into various allotropes such as diamond, graphite, or fullerenes depending on how the atoms bond with one another. Chemical reactions occur when atoms of different elements interact with each other. 10 During the interactions, atoms share, donate, or accept electrons to achieve stable configurations. The manner in which atoms combine is governed by the electrons in an outermost shell that participates in chemical bonding (also known as valence electrons).
[0002]
During chemical reactions, atoms at reactive centers undergo 15 changes in hybridization states. For example, a carbon atom may transition from sp3 hybridization into a reactant to sp2 hybridization in an intermediate, and then to a different sp3 configuration in the product. The transitions involve changes in bond angles, molecular geometry, and the spatial orientation. The transition states and reaction intermediates represent 20 distinct geometric configurations that exist momentarily during the course of a chemical transformation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003]
The detailed description is described with reference to the 25 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures are merely examples of the present subject matter and are not meant to represent the subject matter itself. 2
[0004]
Figs. 1a-1d and 1j illustrate a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0005]
Fig. 1e illustrates an arm corresponding to at least one cavity of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. 5
[0006]
Fig. 1f illustrates an axle corresponding to at least one cavity of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0007]
Fig. 1g illustrates an axle corresponding to at least one cavity of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example 10 implementation of the present subject matter.
[0008]
Fig. 1h illustrates an arm corresponding to at least one cavity of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0009]
Fig. 1i illustrates an arm and an interface corresponding to at 15 least one cavity of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0010]
Fig. 2a illustrates a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0011]
Fig. 2b-2d illustrates an arm and a receiver of a reconfigurable 20 interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0012]
Figs. 3a-3c illustrates a ball-plunger mechanism of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. 25
[0013]
Fig. 4 illustrates a twin-lock mechanism of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. 3
[0014]
Figs. 5a-5c illustrate a spur gear mechanism of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0015]
Fig. 6 illustrates a two-state transition of a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present 5 subject matter.
[0016]
Figs. 7a-8g illustrate a molecular system, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.
[0017]
Fig. 9 illustrates a molecular system, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. 10
[0018]
Figs. 10a-10j illustrate hybridization state changes demonstratable by a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter and
[0019]
Fig. 11 illustrates a method for physical demonstration of atoms, according to example implementation of the present subject matter. 15
[0020]
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, 20 the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021]
When atoms approach one another and begin to interact, 25 atomic orbitals of the atoms undergo a process known as hybridization. In isolation, atoms possess symmetric electronic distributions with electrons occupying degenerate energy levels. However, upon interaction with neighboring atoms, the atomic orbitals mix to form hybrid orbitals that adopt 4
specific spatial geometries. The type of hybridization depends on the number and nature of atoms involved in the interaction. Several hybridization states are possible depending on the bonding requirements of the atom. For instance, a sp hybridization results in a linear geometry with a bond angle of 180°. A sp2 hybridization produces a trigonal planar 5 geometry with bond angles of 120°. A sp3 hybridization yields a tetrahedral geometry with bond angles of approximately 109.5°. Further, transition metals and heavier elements can exhibit dsp2 hybridization resulting in square planar geometry, d2sp3 hybridization producing octahedral geometry, and various other hybrid states. 10
[0022]
The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory explains the spatial arrangement of atoms around a central atom based on the repulsion between electron pairs. According to the theory, electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, thereby dictating the molecular geometry. This gives rise to different geometries including linear, angular, 15 trigonal planar, trigonal pyramidal, tetrahedral, square planar, square pyramidal, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral arrangements.
[0023]
Chemical bonds formed between atoms vary in characteristics based on the nature of orbital overlap. Sigma (σ) bonds result from colinear or head-on overlap of orbitals and permit free rotation about the bond axis. 20 Pi (π) bonds arise from lateral overlap of p-orbitals and restrict rotation. This may impart rigidity to the molecular structure. Single bonds include one sigma bond, double bonds include one sigma and one pi bond, and triple bonds contain one sigma and two pi bonds. The bond order influences bond length, bond strength, and the rotational freedom within a molecule. 25
[0024]
Further, not all valence electrons participate in bonding. Some electrons exist as lone pairs occupying defined spatial regions described by s, p, d, or f orbital geometries. The lone pairs influence molecular shape and participate in weak interactions such as hydrogen bonding, CH/π interactions, π/π stacking, and nπ interactions. Such non-covalent 30 5
interactions play significant roles in determining molecular conformations and reaction pathways.
[0025]
To that end, understanding how atoms bond together and how chemical reactions proceed at the atomic level is important. For instance, visualization of such reactions enables students, educators, and 5 researchers to comprehend the spatial arrangements of atoms, the directional nature of chemical bonds, and the geometric transformations that occur during interaction of the atoms or molecules. Further, the visualization facilitates deeper insight into reaction mechanisms, molecular behavior, and the prediction of reaction outcomes. The visualization also aids in the 10 analysis of complex reaction pathways and supports the development of new chemical processes and materials.
[0026]
However, chemistry at the atomic scale is inherently invisible to the naked eye. The dynamic processes occurring during interaction of atoms happen at scales and speeds that cannot be directly observed. The 15 invisibility makes reaction chemistry complex and difficult to grasp for many practitioners.
[0027]
Computational modeling provides an approach to simulate molecular structures and dynamics thereof. However, computational methods are complex, expensive, time-consuming, and require highly 20 skilled experts for both the input of molecular structures and the interpretation of simulation results. Access to such computational resources and expertise remains limited. On the other hand, conventionally, there are physical atomic models that demonstrate atomic interactions. However, the conventional physical atomic models are static. For instance, in 25 conventional physical atomic models, the structural components representing valence orbitals or bonding positions are fixed at predetermined angles and/or distances relative to the central atomic body. The models, for example, can represent only a single hybridization state at a time and cannot demonstrate the geometric transitions that occur during 30 6
chemical reactions. For instance, to illustrate a change in hybridization, such as from tetrahedral to trigonal planar geometry, or change in geometry, a user must substitute one static model for another entirely. Accordingly, the conventional physical atomic models fail to capture the continuous and dynamic nature of chemical transformations. 5
[0028]
The present subject matter relates to a reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms. With the present subject matter, geometric changes occurring at atomic centers during chemical reactions can be demonstrated dynamically. The present subject matter includes structural components capable of transitioning between 10 multiple discrete positions corresponding to distinct hybridization geometries and may provide stable configurations representing reactant, intermediate, and product states. Further, the present subject matter provides permitting controlled movement between various configurations, which can serve as tools for visualization of atomic interactions. 15 Accordingly, the present subject matter enables physical demonstration of hybridization transitions, transition states, and reaction mechanisms in an accessible and intuitive manner.
[0029]
The present subject matter relates to a reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms and the geometric 20 changes occurring during chemical transformations. In accordance with an aspect of the present subject matter, the reconfigurable interactive model may include a body defining at least one cavity therein. The body may be representative of an atomic center corresponding to an atom. At least one arm may be movably coupled to the body within the at least one cavity and 25 extends therefrom. The at least one arm may be representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. The reconfigurable interactive model may include at least one positioning mechanism disposed within the at least one cavity of the body and may be operably coupled to the at least one arm. The at least one positioning mechanism may facilitate movement of the at least 30 7
one arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force. The plurality of discrete positions may be attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along a radial axis relative to the body, an angular transition motion of the at least one arm along an arcuate path relative to the body, or a 5 combination thereof.
[0030]
Each discrete position may be representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation. For example, a carbon atom model may have arms positioned at 109.5° angles representing sp3 tetrahedral hybridization, 10 which can transition to 120° angles representing sp2 trigonal planar hybridization during an elimination reaction.
[0031]
In an example, the at least one cavity may include at least one radial cavity extending from an external surface of the body towards a center of the body along the radial axis relative to the body. The at least one radial 15 cavity may enable the linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along the radial axis relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions. For example, in an SN2 substitution reaction, an arm representing a leaving group can translate linearly outward from the body as a nucleophile approach from the opposite side. In another example, 20 the at least one cavity may include at least one arcuate cavity that enables the angular transition motion of the at least one arm along the arcuate path relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions. For example, during pyramidal inversion, arms disposed in arcuate cavities can swing from one side of the equatorial plane to the other, 25 demonstrating the umbrella-like flipping motion characteristic of SN2 reactions.
[0032]
In an example, the at least one cavity may include a plurality of radial cavities and a plurality of arcuate cavities. The plurality of radial cavities may be displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the 30 8
body, and the plurality of arcuate cavities are disposed equatorially around the body. For example, the reconfigurable interactive model may have two radial cavities positioned at opposite axial poles and three arcuate cavities distributed symmetrically around the equator. This may enable demonstration of multiple reaction types including substitution, addition, and 5 elimination reactions.
[0033]
In an example, the at least one arm may include an axle member having at least one first engagement surface disposed thereon, a peduncle member coupled to the axle member, and an interface affixed to the peduncle member and configured to accept a bonding connector to 10 represent the chemical transformation. For example, the interface may accept a single bond connector when demonstrating sigma bond formation between a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom. In another example, the at least one positioning mechanism may include a second engagement surface complementary to the at least one first engagement surface of the 15 axle member. The movement of the at least one arm between the plurality of discrete positions may be established through mechanical interference between the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member and the second engagement surface.
[0034]
The at least one first engagement surface may be, for 20 example, a plurality of teeth or a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. In case the at least one first engagement surface is a plurality of teeth, the second engagement surface may be a plurality of grooves. In case the at least one first engagement surface is a plurality of grooves, the second engagement surface may be a plurality of teeth. For 25 example, three teeth on the axle member may engage with five grooves in to provide three discrete angular positions separated by specific angular intervals.
[0035]
In a particular example, the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member may include the plurality of teeth and the second 30 9
engagement surface may include the plurality of grooves, where at least a number of grooves in the second engagement surface exceeds a number of teeth of the at least one first engagement surface. For example, for an arm with three stops, the axle may have three teeth while a gear-host has five grooves. This may allow the teeth to slide from one set of groove 5 positions to the next.
[0036]
In an example, one of a number of the teeth and a number of grooves correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm. For example, three teeth on the axle correspond to three discrete positions representing tetrahedral, trigonal planar, and inverted tetrahedral 10 geometries during an SN2 reaction mechanism. The at least one first engagement surface may include two engagement surfaces disposed at polar ends of the axle member. For example, spherical balls with teeth may be disposed at both polar ends of the axle, engaging with corresponding grooves on opposite sides of the cavity to provide stable and balanced 15 positioning.
[0037]
The at least one cavity may include at least one radial cavity and the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one radial cavity may include a plurality of axle segments. The peduncle member may include a plurality of peduncle segments. An axle segment 20 may be sandwiched between two peduncle segments. For example, an arm in a radial cavity may have three axle segments alternating with peduncle segments, providing three discrete linear positions as the arm translates in and out of the body.
[0038]
The at least one cavity include the at least one arcuate cavity, 25 and the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one arcuate cavity may include an elongated shaft. The peduncle member may be coupled to a central axis of the axle member, and the axle member may be substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member. For example, the elongated shaft may rotate within the arcuate cavity while the perpendicular 30 10
peduncle and attached receiver swing through an arc along the surface of the spherical body.
[0039]
The at least one first engagement surface may include at least one of a spherical ball disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member. The spherical ball may be mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism, a 5 receptacle disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member, and at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to surfaces of the axle member. For example, a spring-loaded ball at the axle terminus can be depressed when force is applied, allowing the arm to move, and then springs back to lock into the next position. The second engagement surface 10 may include at least one of a spring-loaded ball plunger configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member. The spring-loaded ball plunger may be oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm. The at least one receptacle may be configured to receive the axle member. The at least one interlocking block 15 with angled surfaces may be complementary to angled surfaces of the axle member. For example, a spring-loaded ball plunger embedded in the cavity wall projects outward to engage with cup-shaped receptacles on the axle, similar to the push-button mechanism used in adjustable walking sticks.
[0040]
The interface may include a pocket configured to receive a 20 male bonding connector corresponding to an atom, and the shape of the pocket corresponds to a type of male bonding connector. The interface may be coaxially aligned with the peduncle member. For example, a conical pocket may receive a single bond connector, a rectangular pocket may receive a double bond connector, and a wider rectangular pocket may 25 receive a triple bond connector. The at least one positioning mechanism, may be, for example, a sliding mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, a twin-lock mechanism, or a combination thereof. 11
[0041]
In an example, the at least one cavity may include at least one radial cavity and at least one arcuate cavity. The at least one positioning mechanism may include a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity and a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one arcuate cavity. The first positioning 5 mechanism may correspond to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism. For example, a push-button mechanism may be employed in radial cavities for linear translation while a sliding groove-and-teeth mechanism may be employed in arcuate cavities for angular transition.
[0042]
In an example, each of the plurality of discrete positions may 10 be separated by predetermined angular intervals. The predetermined angular intervals may correspond to a spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state. The spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state may correspond to one of a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, 15 an octahedral geometry, and a square planar geometry. For example, arms may be positioned at 109.5° intervals for tetrahedral geometry, 120° intervals for trigonal planar geometry, or 90° intervals for square planar and octahedral geometries.
[0043]
The body has a radius corresponding to a van der Waals 20 radius of the atom. For example, a carbon atom model has a smaller spherical body than a sulphur atom model, reflecting the difference in their respective van der Waals radii. The body and the at least one arm are made of plastic material. For example, the body and arms may be manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), nylon, or 25 polypropylene (PP) using fusion jet printing or injection moulding methods.
[0044]
The at least one arm may include, for example, a plurality of arms including a functionable arm. The functionable arm may be non-functional in a first hybridization state and functional in a second hybridization state. The functionable arm may be disposed in at least one 30 12
radial cavity. The functionable arm may be retracted within the body in the first hybridization state and extends outwardly from the body in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. For example, in a square planar to octahedral transition, axial arms may be retracted as dummies in the square planar state and extend outward to become active 5 bonding positions in the octahedral state.
[0045]
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a molecular system may include a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models. Each reconfigurable interactive model may correspond to a distinct chemical element. A plurality of bonding connectors corresponding to each 10 reconfigurable interactive model may be configured to connect with another reconfigurable interactive model. The bonding connectors may correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a triple bond connector. For example, a molecular system may include reconfigurable interactive models for carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms connected 15 through single and double bond connectors to demonstrate the geometric changes occurring during nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl group.
[0046]
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a molecular system may include at least one reconfigurable interactive model and at least one static model connectable with the at least one 20 reconfigurable interactive model. The at least one static model may include at least one static arm without a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. The at least one reconfigurable interactive model may be connectable to the at least one 25 static model through at least one bonding connector. The at least one reconfigurable interactive model may include a first receiver and the at least one static model comprises a second receiver. The at least one bonding connector may interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and with the second receiver of the at least 30 13
one static model. For example, a reconfigurable carbon atom at a reaction center may be connected to static hydrogen and chlorine atom models through single bond connectors to demonstrate an SN2 reaction where only the central carbon undergoes geometric change. The at least one reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model may 5 correspond to the same atom. The body of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model has a size different from that of a central body of the at least one static model. For example, a reconfigurable carbon model representing a reactive carbocation center may have a different size than a static carbon model representing an unreactive methyl substituent in the 10 same molecule.
[0047]
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for physical demonstration of atoms may include positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant hybridization state corresponding to an atom. A reconfigurable interactive 15 model may include a body defining at least one cavity therein representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom. The plurality of arms may be movably coupled to the body within the cavity and extending therefrom. Each of the plurality of arms may be representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. A plurality of positioning mechanisms disposed 20 within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms. The method may further include applying an initial manual force to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a second configuration representing a transition state hybridization geometry. Each of the first configuration and the second configuration 25 correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. The plurality of discrete positions may be attainable through at least one of a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of arms along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body. The method may 30 include applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one 14
arm to a third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring during a chemical transformation. The third configuration may correspond to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. For example, to demonstrate an SN2 reaction, a user positions the arms in a 5 tetrahedral configuration, applies force to transition through a trigonal bipyramidal transition state, and then reaches an inverted tetrahedral product configuration.
[0048]
In an example, the chemical transformation may correspond to an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an 10 electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo inversion, or a metal center reaction. Further in an example, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration may include linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, or tetrahedral to trigonal 15 planar.
[0049]
In an example, the transition to the third configuration may include transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, or transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral. 20
[0050]
The present subject matter addresses the fundamental problem that chemistry is invisible and complex to most practitioners. The present subject matter provides a reconfigurable interactive model that can be used to physically demonstrate chemical structures, dynamics, bonding, and especially the moments when chemical interactions occur. The present 25 subject matter enables demonstration of chemical transformations including SN1 and SN2 substitution reactions, electrophilic and nucleophilic addition reactions, elimination reactions, metal catalysis, stereo inversions, and metal center reactions. The structural variations that result from a reaction occurring at an atomic center can be studied through the reconfigurable 30 15
interactive model. This enables visualization of the extent of strain release, the ease of approach of the nucleophile close to the electrophile, the spatial environment around a reactive intermediate, the conformational preferences between competing electrophiles, and the like.
[0051]
The at least one arm movably coupled to the body within the 5 cavity and extending therefrom enables achieving demonstration of the geometrical changes occurring during chemical bond formation and breaking. The arms represent valence orbitals that can change their spatial orientation, which is essential because atoms hybridize into various geometries depending on the number and types of atoms and their 10 interactions around them. The at least one positioning mechanism facilitates movement of the arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of force addresses that there is kinetic change in the hybridization, hence geometry and valency, of the atom typically during a reaction at the atomic center. The positioning mechanism 15 enables the model to replicate the hybridization changes in the form of mechanical changes in geometry and valencies. The two types of motion, such as linear radial translation motion and angular transition motion, of the arm enable demonstration of both two-state transitions. For example, the two types of motion enable demonstration of transition such as linear to 20 trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, and tetrahedral to trigonal planar, as well as three-state transitions such as tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, and square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral. The comprehensive coverage of range 25 of motions allows a single reconfigurable interactive model to demonstrate multiple reaction types. By having discrete positions that correspond to specific hybridization states, the reconfigurable interactive model accurately replicates the VSEPR theory that explains relative bond angles within a hybridized structure. This ensures that the atomic model can be used to 30 16
demonstrate reaction mechanisms and outcomes by visualizing the exact geometrical states that atoms adopt during chemical transformations.
[0052]
The radial cavity enabling linear radial translation motion of the arm facilitates demonstrating elimination and substitution reactions. In the reactions, from one end something approaches and from the other end 5 linearly something moves away. The radial cavity enables the linear motion essential for demonstrating reactions where there is a reversal of stereochemistry, such as SN2 reactions where an incident nucleophile approaches from one side and a leaving group departs from the opposite side. The linear motion capability is fundamental to showing how atoms 10 physically relocate during these reaction mechanisms. The arcuate cavity enabling angular transition motion of the arm along an arcuate path relative to the body enables demonstration of the angular changes that occur during hybridization transitions. When atoms undergo transitions such as tetrahedral to trigonal planar or vice versa, the bond angles change from 15 109.5 degrees to 120 degrees. The arcuate cavity allows the arms to rotate in an arc around the spherical surface, enabling demonstration of these angular changes. For example, in an atom undergoing tetrahedral to trigonal-planar to tetrahedral transition, the three arms from the arcuate cavities will be at 120 degrees angle from each other in the central resting 20 point representing trigonal planar geometry, and at 109.5 degrees in their upper and lower resting points representing tetrahedral configurations.
[0053]
By having a plurality of radial cavities displaced along an axial direction and plurality of arcuate cavities positioned equatorially around the body, different reaction mechanisms require different combinations of linear 25 and angular motions can be demonstrated. For example, a universal kinetic atom with two radial cavities diametrically opposite each other in axial positions and three arcuate cavities equatorially placed symmetrically along the equator provides five receiver arms projecting out from the central spherical atom. Such configuration can be used to show four different 30 17
models of kinetic atoms and demonstrate various mechanisms such as SN1, SN2, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic addition, and elimination reactions using a single kinetic atom design. The universality reduces the number of different atom models needed and simplifies the demonstration of multiple reaction types. 5
[0054]
In the present subject matter, the axle member provides the rotational or translational mechanism, the peduncle connects the axle to the external receiver, and the interface enables the atom to form bonds with other atoms in a molecular assembly. Accordingly, the present subject matter ensures that the restricted motions of the axle are directly reflected 10 on the motions of the receivers. This may provide accurate representation of how valence orbitals move during chemical reactions.
[0055]
The complementary surfaces of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface create stops where the arm rests stably at a specific position without application of external physical force. An 15 external force has to be applied on an arm to make the arm move between one stop to the next stop. Accordingly, the present subject matter ensures that the reconfigurable interactive model maintains configuration thereof during handling and demonstration, only changing when the user intentionally applies force to show a transition state. 20
[0056]
Further, in the present subject matter, the number of teeth on the balls of the axle is the same as the desired number of stops for the axle and hence for the arm. The design where the number of grooves exceeds the number of teeth enables the sliding motion where teeth can slide over from one cavity in the groove to the next. This creates a defined number of 25 stops that correspond to specific hybridization geometries and thereby ensures that the reconfigurable interactive model accurately represents the angular relationships between bonds in different molecular configurations.
[0057]
By having gears at both polar ends of the axle, the arm is hinged inside the central atom through polar gears thereof. Accordingly, the 30 18
present subject matter provides a symmetric support and a controlled motion. Such configuration also ensures smooth rotation without wobbling or misalignment, which is essential for accurately demonstrating the precise angular changes that occur during chemical reactions. The number of axles is equal to the number of stops essential in the atom. Such configuration 5 enables the push-button mechanism where ball-plungers interlock with cup holes in the axles at given positions along the length of the peduncle. Therefore, the desired number of linear stops are created for demonstrating reactions where atoms move in and out of the molecular structure. The longer cylindrical or rectangular shaft of the axle member provides a stable 10 axis of rotation, while the perpendicular peduncle ensures that the receiver moves in an arc around the spherical surface. Such design enables the angular, circular motion along the spherical surface of the atom where arms stop at defined positions that are angularly distributed along an arc. The ball-plunger mechanism allows the ball to be pushed inside with mechanical 15 force but plunges out when force is removed due to a spring, creating stable resting positions. The interlocking blocks with angled surfaces provide an alternative twin-lock mechanism. The options ensure that the reconfigurable interactive model can be manufactured using different techniques while maintaining the essential function of creating discrete, stable positions. 20
[0058]
The spring-loaded ball plunger rests into and interlocks the gear whenever groove thereof comes under the ball, and when physical force is applied, the current groove is un-interlocked from the ball and the axle moves until the next groove comes under the ball. Therefore, with such a design a controlled motion with defined stops is created, which is essential 25 for demonstrating chemical transformations.
[0059]
The receivers have specific desired cavities which can receive male shafts from various bonds such as single bonds using conical pockets, double bonds using rectangular pockets, and triple bonds using wider rectangular pockets. This differentiation ensures that only appropriate bond 30 19
types can be connected, preventing incorrect molecular assemblies and accurately representing the different bond orders that exist in real molecules.
[0060]
The peduncle-receiver appendage is stable and irreversible, and the relative structural dispositions are unchanging between each other. 5 The above-mentioned alignment ensures that the motions along the axle are directly reflected on the motions of the receivers. Accordingly, the present subject matter provides accurate representation of how valence orbitals and their associated bonds move during chemical interactions.
[0061]
With the positioning mechanism being selectable from a 10 sliding mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism, provides multiple options for creating the discrete positions. The options enable selection of the most appropriate mechanism based on manufacturing capabilities, durability requirements, and the specific motion characteristics needed for 15 different atom types. By providing different positioning mechanisms for different cavity types, the present subject matter can be optimized for linear and angular transitions and therefore ensures smooth and reliable operation for both linear and angular transitions.
[0062]
The discrete positions that are separated by predetermined 20 angular intervals corresponding to spatial arrangements of the atom ensure that resting stops of each arm must correspond to the bond angles adopted by intermediates that transition from one form to another in a given mechanism. For example, in an atom undergoing tetrahedral to trigonal-planar to tetrahedral transition, the arms will be at 120 degrees in the 25 trigonal planar state and at 109.5 degrees in the tetrahedral states. This angular correspondence ensures that the reconfigurable interactive model accurately represents the actual geometries that atoms adopt during chemical reactions. 20
[0063]
By having a radius of the body corresponding to the van der Waals radius of the atom, the present subject matter ensures accurate scaling of the atoms in a scenario where the atoms are assembled into molecule, the resulting structures accurately reflect the sizes and shapes of each atomic center and hence the molecules that they join to build. Further, 5 with the use of plastic materials for the body and arms, the present subject matter ensures that the models can be produced at reasonable cost while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for the gear mechanisms and repeated use. With the functionable arm being non-functional in a first hybridization state and functional in a second hybridization state, the 10 present subject matter enables demonstrating reactions where the coordination number of an atom change. For instance, in the kinetic atom for square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral transitions, both arms in the axial radial cavities may be dummies in the square planar structure, one arm may be a dummy in the square pyramidal structure, and all arms 15 may have applications in the octahedral structure. The above-mentioned configuration design enables demonstration of how atoms can accept additional ligands during reactions, such as when a square planar metal complex transitions to an octahedral complex.
[0064]
With a molecular system comprising a plurality of 20 reconfigurable interactive models corresponding to distinct chemical elements, the present subject matter enables visualizing molecules of multiple atoms of different types connected by various bond types. For instance, when different atoms interact with each other, chemical bonding occurs, and these bonds are of different types with different lengths and 25 rotational properties. For instance, the molecular system enables assembly of complete molecules where only single bonds can rotate while higher order bonds cannot rotate.
[0065]
With a molecular system comprising at least one reconfigurable interactive model and at least one static model connectable 30 21
through bonding connectors can be used in cases where not every atom in a molecule needs to be kinetic. The static models without kinetic features can represent atoms that are not undergoing hybridization changes during the reaction being demonstrated, while the reconfigurable interactive models represent the reactive centres. The mixed approach reduces cost 5 and complexity while focusing the kinetic demonstration on the atoms that are actually participating in the chemical transformation. The reconfigurable interactive model and static model corresponding to the same atom having different body sizes. The cavities, gears, and gear-hosts needed for the positioning mechanisms occupy volume within the spherical body. By 10 allowing the kinetic version of an atom to have a different size than the static version, the design accommodates the mechanical components while still maintaining the essential proportional relationships between different element types.
[0066]
The present subject matter is further described with reference 15 to Figs. 1a to 5. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present 20 subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0067]
Figs. 1a-1d and 1j illustrate a reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 1e illustrates an arm 116 corresponding to at least one cavity 104 of the 25 reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 1f illustrates an axle member 120 corresponding to at least one cavity 104 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 1g illustrates an axle member 120 30 22
corresponding to at least one cavity 104 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 1h illustrates an arm 116 corresponding to at least one cavity 104 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 1i illustrates an arm 116 5 and an interface 156 corresponding to at least one cavity 104 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figs. 1a-1j are explained in conjunction with each other.
[0068]
Referring to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, a reconfigurable interactive 10 model 100 for physical demonstration of atoms comprises a body 102. The reconfigurable interactive model 100 may be manufactured using Fusion Jet Printing method or Injection moulding. The reconfigurable interactive model 100 may be 3D printed as a whole unit, or alternatively, the components may be manufactured separately and assembled. When 15 manufactured separately, complementary surfaces having comb tooth and comb tooth cavity configurations enable snap-fit assembly of two parts of the body 102, with a small amount of adhesive applied to secure the assembly.
[0069]
The body 102 may define at least one cavity 104. The 20 body 102 may be representative of an atomic centre corresponding to an atom. The body 102 may be substantially spherical in shape and may have a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the atom that it represents.
[0070]
In an example, the body 102 may be color-coded based on 25 the atom it represents. For example, the body 102 may be black for carbon, blue for nitrogen, red for oxygen, white for hydrogen, purple for sulphur, yellow for phosphorous, and silver for metallic atoms. The scale of the body 102 may be such that, for example, 1 Å of the molecular dimension may be equal to 1 cm in the reconfigurable interactive model 100. 30 23
Accordingly, for instance, atoms, such as carbon and hydrogen, may be scaled spherical balls whose radii correspond to their respective atomic radii. In an example, the body 102 may represent radii of cationic, anionic, and radical species as well. The body 102 in such scenarios accurately reflect the sizes and shapes of each atomic centre and hence the molecules 5 that they join to build.
[0071]
In an example, the body 102 may be made of plastic material. The plastic material may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), cellulose acetate (CA), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride (Bakelite), styrene acrylonitrile 10 resin (SAN), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), thermoplastic polymer (TP), polyethylene (PE), metallocene thermoplastic polyolefin (MTPO), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Nylon 12, Nylon 11, carbon fibre 15 nylon, glass-filled nylon composite, stainless steel, alloy steel, and the like.
[0072]
The at least one cavity 104 may include at least one radial cavity 106 and at least one arcuate cavity 108. The at least one radial cavity 106 may be configured to extend from an external surface 110 of the body 102 towards a centre of the body 102 along a radial axis relative to the 20 body 102. The extent of maximum linear distance travelled by at least one arm 116 into and out of the at least one radial cavity 106 may be restricted by a length of the at least one radial cavity 106. The at least one radial cavity 106 may be configured to enable a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm 116 along the radial axis relative to the body 102 to 25 enable attaining one of a plurality of discrete positions. In an example, the at least one arcuate cavity 108 may be configured to enable an angular transition motion of the at least one arm 116 along an arcuate path relative to the body 102 to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions. 24
[0073]
The shapes and appendages of the at least one cavity 104 may be configured to allow defined, tailored kinetic movement of the at least one arm 116 such as a radial translation of the at least one arm 116 into and out of the body 102 and angular translation around (on the surface of) the body 102. The plurality of discrete positions may be 5 attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm 116 along the radial axis relative to the body 102, an angular transition motion of the at least one arm 116 along the arcuate path relative to the body 102, or a combination thereof. Each discrete position may be representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the 10 atom in a chemical transformation. For instance, the distinct hybridization geometry includes, but is not limited to sp hybridization corresponding to a linear geometry (e.g., in alkynes or allenes), sp2 hybridization corresponding to a trigonal planar geometry (e.g., in carbocations, carbonyls, olefins, or amides with pseudo double bonds), sp3 hybridization corresponding to a 15 tetrahedral geometry (e.g., in saturated carbon centers), dsp2 hybridization corresponding to a square planar geometry (e.g., in certain metal complexes), d2sp2 hybridization corresponding to a tetragonal pyramidal geometry, and d2sp3 hybridization corresponding to an octahedral geometry (e.g., in metal centre reactions like in Heme prosthetic groups in proteins). 20
[0074]
A variety of hybridizations may be possible within the sp2 itself, where all 3 bonds are single bonds (e.g., carbocation), one bond is double and other two are single (e.g., carbonyls and olefins), two bonds are double and one bond is single (e.g., amides, which have a pseudo double bond), and the like. The geometries at each atomic center are the 25 key to the larger molecular structures that they adopt. The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory) explains the relative bond angles within a hybridized structure. The reconfigurable interactive model 100 may accurately replicate the variety of hybridization geometries. 25
[0075]
Referring to Fig. 1b-1f, the at least one arm 116 may be movably coupled to the body 102 within the at least one cavity 104 and extends therefrom. The at least one arm 116 may be representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. The at least one arm 116 may represent valence orbitals extending out radially from the body 102. The at 5 least one arm 116 may be non-static and kinetic. In the Figs. 1b-1f, the at least one arm 116 may correspond to the arm 116 for the at least one arcuate cavity 108. The at least one arm 116 may be moved roughly in a tangential arc around the body 102. The movement may be restricted to the plurality of discrete positions, which are generally stable within a range of a 10 defined set of angles or arc.
[0076]
The at least one arm 116 is made of plastic material selected from the same group of materials as the body 102. The at least one arm 116 corresponding to the at least one arcuate cavity 108 may include an axle member 120 having at least one first engagement 15 surface 122 disposed thereon. The axle member 120 may include a shaft. The shaft may be, for example, of circular cross-section. The elongated shaft may be cylindrical or rectangular in cross-section.
[0077]
The at least one first engagement surface 122 may include two engagement surfaces 126a, 126b disposed at polar 20 ends 128a, 128b of the axle member 120. The at least one first engagement surface 122 may be, for example, a plurality of teeth at predetermined angular intervals or a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. In the example depicted herein, the at least one first engagement surface may be, for example, the plurality of teeth. The angular disposition 25 and periodicity of the at least one first engagement surface 122 may according to angles at which stops (discrete positions) are desired.
[0078]
Referring to Figs. 1c, 1d, and 1f, a peduncle member 134 may be coupled to the axle member 120. For the at least one radial cavity 106, the peduncle member 134 may be coupled to a central axis of the axle 30 26
member 120. The axle member 120 may be substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member 134. The peduncle member 134 may be, for example, an immobilized structure that projects towards the outside of the external surface 110 of the body 102. The role of the peduncle member 134 may be to connect the axle member 120 with an 5 interface 156 such that the restricted motions of the axle member 120 are directly reflected on the motions of the interface 156.
[0079]
Referring to Fig. 1d, 1e, and 1f, the reconfigurable interactive model may include a second engagement surface 138. The second engagement surface 138 may be complementary to the at least one first 10 engagement surface 122 of the axle member 120. The movement of the at least one arm 116 relative between the plurality of discrete positions may be established through mechanical interference between the at least one first engagement surface 122 of the axle member 120 and the second engagement surface 138. The surfaces of the at least one first engagement 15 surface 122 and the second engagement surface 138 may be interlocked. The design of the at least one first engagement surface 122 and a complementary second engagement surface 138 influences the kinetic motion of the at least one arm 116.
[0080]
The second engagement surface 138 within the at least one 20 cavity 104 may be part of at least one positioning mechanism 142 disposed within the at least one cavity 104 of the body 102 and operably coupled to the at least one arm 116. The at least one positioning mechanism 142 may be configured to facilitate movement of the at least one arm 116 between the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body 102 in response to an 25 application of a force. In an example, the second engagement surface 138 may be a plurality of teeth or a plurality of grooves. In the example depicted herein, the second engagement surface 138 may be the plurality of grooves. As mentioned earlier, the second engagement surface 138 may be shaped as cavities that have complementary surfaces 30 27
and geometries to receive the plurality of teeth. For example, a hemi- or partially spherical tooth will have a hemi- or a partially spherical groove as the second engagement surface 138. Similarly, a rectangular tooth will have a rectangular groove as the second engagement surface 138. The dimensions of the plurality of grooves may be such that the plurality of 5 teeth can rest comfortably inside its cavity. Either the number of the teeth, the number of grooves, or both may correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm 116.
[0081]
In an example, the second engagement surface 138 may include comprises at least one of a spring-loaded ball plunger, at least one 10 receptacle, and at least one interlocking block. The spring-loaded ball plunger may be configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface 122 of the axle member 120. The spring-loaded ball plunger may be oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm 116. The at least one receptacle may be configured to receive the axle 15 member 120. The at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces may be complementary to angled surfaces of the axle member 120.
[0082]
Referring specifically to Fig. 1e, the axle member 120 with a triple gear configuration is illustrated, showing three discrete positions (also referred to as “stops”). As set out earlier, the at least one first engagement 20 surface 122 of the axle member 120 comprises the plurality of teeth. Two engagement surfaces 126a, 126b may be appended at each of the polar ends 128a, 128b of the axle member 120. The engagement surfaces 126a, 126b may include a spherical ball 140 with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth may be, for example, distributed contiguously along a surface of the 25 spherical ball 140 at the polar ends 128a, 128b of the axle member 120.
[0083]
Referring generally to Figs. 1d, 1e, and 1f, the relationship between the number of teeth and the number of grooves may be explained below. For example, for a reconfigurable interactive model 100 with 2 stops (discrete positions), the number of grooves in the second engagement 30 28
surface 138 may be n+1, where n is the number of teeth. For a reconfigurable interactive model with 3 stops, the number of grooves in the second engagement surface 138 is n+2. Generally, for ‘x’ allowed stops, the second engagement surface 138 may have n+x contiguous cavities that can receive the plurality of teeth. Thus, at least a number of grooves in the 5 second engagement surface 138 may be, for example, configured to exceed a number of teeth of the at least one first engagement surface 122.
[0084]
In an example, the gear ratio between the at least one first engagement surface 122 and the second engagement surface 138 is 1:1. In other words, there may be no step-up or step-down of force or motion. 10 The second engagement surface 138 may be stationary within the body 102, and only the axle member 120 moves relative to it.
[0085]
Referring to Figs. 1g and 1h, the axle member 120 configuration and the peduncle member 134 configuration for the at least one radial cavity 106 is illustrated. For the at least one radial 15 cavity 106, the axle member 120 may include a plurality of axle segments 150. The plurality of axle segments 150 may be, for example, short stumps which are interjecting perpendicular to the peduncle member 134. Each axle segment of the plurality of axle segments 150 is short and may have a length is equivalent to a width or a diameter of the 20 peduncle member 134.
[0086]
The at least one first engagement surface 122 for the at least one radial cavity 106 may include at least one of: a spherical ball 140, a receptacle, and at least one interlocking block. The spherical ball 140 may be disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member 120. In an example, the 25 spherical ball 140 may be mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism. The receptacle 152 may be disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member 120. The at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces may be complementary to surfaces of the axle member 120. 29
[0087]
Further, in an example, the receptacle 152 may be disposed at open ends of the plurality of axle segments 150, that are facing outside the axle member 120 and towards walls of the at least one radial cavity 106. The receptacles 152 may face a surface of a cavity wall inside the at least one radial cavity 106. A number of axle segments of the plurality of axle 5 segments 150 is equal to a number of stops essential in the atom.
[0088]
In an example, the peduncle member 134 may include a plurality of peduncle segments 154. An axle segment of the plurality of axle segments 150 may be sandwiched between two peduncle segments of the plurality of peduncle segments 154, as can be seen at least in Fig. 1h. 10 Further, there may be a central peduncle member 134 that runs linearly along the at least one radial cavity 106. The plurality of axle segments 150 may be distributed periodically along a length of the peduncle member 134.
[0089]
Referring to FIG. 1i, an interface 156 is illustrated. The 15 interface 156 may be affixed to the peduncle member 134 and may be configured to accept a bonding connector to represent a chemical transformation. The interface 156 may be a long structure with a pocket 160. The interface 156 may be appended to the peduncle member 134 such that a central axis of the interface 156 is colinear to an 20 axis of the peduncle member 134. Thus, the interface 156 is coaxially aligned with the peduncle member 134. The peduncle member 134- the interface 156 appendage may be stable and irreversible. Further, the peduncle member 134 and the interface 156 appendage relative structural dispositions may be, for example, unchanging between each other. Thus, 25 the interface 156 may be hinged to the body 102 through a suitably designed arm 116. However, only motions along the axle member 120 may be directly reflected on motions of the interface 156.
[0090]
In an example, the pocket 160 may be configured to receive a male bonding connector corresponding to an atom. A shape of the 30 30
pocket 160 may corresponds to a type of male bonding connector. The pocket 160 may be configured to receive different types of male bonding connectors as follows. For instance, a conical pocket 160 may receive a single bond connector, where the single bond connector is silver in color. A rectangular pocket 160 may receive a double bond connector, where the 5 double bond connector may be brown in color. A wider rectangular pocket 160 may receive a triple bond connector, where the triple bond connector may be brown in color. Further, only the single bond connector may permit free rotation. Double bonds, triple bonds, and pseudo double bonds do not have such free rotation. In the reconfigurable 10 interactive model 100, only the single bond connector can rotate, while the double bond connector and the triple bond connector cannot rotate. This is because molecules cannot be constructed in minimum energy structures with reconfigurable interactive models where double and triple bonds can rotate, and of course such models are not applicable for predicting 15 intermediates of reactions accurately.
[0091]
In addition to covalent bonding connectors, the interface 156 may be configured to receive connectors representing non-covalent interactions including H-bonding. The reconfigurable interactive model 100 may further include representations of lone pair orbitals (orange 20 in colour), molecular orbitals (white and black in colour), and p-orbitals (grey in colour). The orbital representations may occupy space and may be crucial to the net shape and structure of a molecule because they can involve in both attractive weak interactions such as H-bond, CH/π interactions, π/π interactions, nπ interactions, and in repulsive weak interactions such as 25 Pauli repulsions and van der Waals repulsions.
[0092]
Referring to FIG. 1j, the at least one cavity 104 may be on or along the external surface 110 of the body 102. The at least one cavity 104 may run deep into the body 102. The at least one radial cavity 106 may be a hollow cylindrical or rectangular cavity that runs radially, linearly, into the 30 31
body 102, from the external surface 110 to an interior of the body 102. In the reconfigurable interactive model depicted herein, the body 102 may include two radial cavities 106a, 106b and three arcuate cavities 108a, 108b (while only two arcuate cavities 108a, 108b and another arcuate cavity may be on a surface of the body 102 that is not visible in Fig. 5 1j.
[0093]
The plurality of radial cavities 106a, 106b may be displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the body 102. The two radial cavities 106a, 106b may be diametrically opposite to each other in axial positions of the body 102. The plurality of arcuate cavities 108a, 108b may 10 be equatorially placed around the body 102, symmetrically along an equator of the body 102. Further, in this example, although not depicted, two arms may be positioned in the radial cavities 106a, 106b and three arms may be positioned in the arcuate cavities 108a, 108b (one in each cavity). Therefore, the reconfigurable interactive model 100 depicted in Fig. 15 1j ma include 5 arms projecting out from the body 102.
[0094]
Each of the arms may have has different types of movements possible due to which they are called the kinetic parts in these atoms. The mechanism adopted by the arms within the cavities 106a,106b, 108a, 108b may be any combination between the type-suitable mechanisms described 20 herein. The design of the body 102 and its interfaces 156 is such that none of the kinetic mechanisms of the arms are hindered or affected upon approach by an external atom or molecule. This may enable the reconfigurable interactive model 100 to be used in a molecular system where multiple reconfigurable interactive models 100 interact with 25 each other. The movements of each arm may be, for example, linear translations radially from outside to inside (or vice versa) of the body 102 (inside the two radial cavities 106a, 106b) or rotational transitions in arcs around the external surface 110 (inside the three arcuate cavities 108a, 108b, following a sliding mechanism or ball-plunger 30 32
mechanism ); or angular translations in arcs around the external surface 110 (inside the three arcuate cavities 108a, 108b following a spur gear mechanism). The translations and transitions motions may be geared through specially designed connecting points between the axle member 120/peduncle member 134 system and the inside of the body 102. 5 The reconfigurable interactive model 100, as depicted in Fig. 1j, may be used for the following transitions. For instance, two-state transitions, such as from pyramidal to inverse pyramidal (SN2), trigonal planar to tetrahedral (nucleophilic addition to double bonds) and tetrahedral to trigonal planar (elimination reactions), may be demonstrated using the reconfigurable 10 interactive model 100. In addition, three-state transitions, such as tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral (tetrel bonding assisted stereoinversions), can be demonstrated using the reconfigurable interactive model 100.
[0095]
The discrete positions of each arm of the reconfigurable 15 interactive model 100 may be designed such that the bond angles are those adopted by the intermediates that transition from one form to the other in a given mechanism. For example, to demonstrate scenario where an atom may undergo tetrahedral to trigonal-planar to tetrahedral transition, the three arms corresponding to the arcuate cavities may be at 120° angle from each 20 other in the central discrete position (trigonal planar). In upper and lower discrete positions, the arms may be at 109.5° angle between each other. Similarly, the kinetics of all the cases can be replicated with the reconfigurable interactive model 100, including various mechanisms such as SN1, SN2, Electrophilic Addition, Nucleophilic Addition, Elimination, and 25 the like can be shown using the single reconfigurable interactive model 100.
[0096]
Referring back to Figs. 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f, the at least one arm 116 may include a plurality of arms. The plurality of arms may include a functionable arm. The functionable arm may be non-functional in a first hybridization state. The functionable arm may be functional in a second 30 33
hybridization state. The functionable arm may be disposed in at least one radial cavity 106 and may be retracted within the body 102 in the first hybridization state. The functionable arm may extend outwardly from the body 102 in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. 5
[0097]
Fig. 2a illustrates the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Fig. 2b-2d illustrates the peduncle member 134 and the interface 156 of the reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figs. 2a-2d are 10 explained in conjunction with each other. Referring to Fig. 2a, the at least one arm 116 in the at least one arcuate cavity 108 is illustrated showing the plurality of discrete positions at angular intervals. As mentioned earlier, each of the plurality of discrete positions may be separated by predetermined angular intervals. The predetermined angular intervals may correspond to a 15 spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state. The spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state may correspond to a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, an octahedral geometry, and a square planar geometry. As an example, to demonstrate an atom 20 undergoing tetrahedral to trigonal-planar to tetrahedral transition, the predetermined angular intervals may be configured such that the arms 116 may be at 120° angle from each other in a central discrete position corresponding to trigonal planar geometry, and at 109.5° angle from each other in upper and lower resting points corresponding to tetrahedral 25 geometry. For demonstrating an atom undergoing pyramidal to inverse pyramidal transition (as in SN2 reactions), the predetermined angular intervals may be configured to enable inversion of the pyramidal structure. For demonstrating an atom undergoing square planar to square pyramidal transition, the predetermined angular intervals may be configured such that 30 the angle between each contiguously adjacent arm is less than 120°. 34
[0098]
The at least one arm 116 coupled to the body 102 is a bonding arm that may receive bonds (single, double, triple, H-bonding, etc.). With the at least one arm 116, relative distances or orientation around the body 102 may be varied by translation or rotation mechanisms of the at least one arm 116 that connects the interface 156 to the body 102. The 5 variations may be geared to exist in distally or angularly differentiated discrete positions. In particular, Fig. 2a depicts three angularly differentiated discrete positions. The interface 156 may be configured to receive different types of bonding connectors 158. The bonding connectors 158 may correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a 10 triple bond connector. The interface 156 is distributed around the external surface 110 of the body 102. In an example, each of the plurality of teeth of the at least one first engagement surface may include an opening. In another example, each of the plurality of teeth of the at least one first engagement surface may be a solid surface without any opening. 15
[0099]
In an example, the at least one positioning mechanism 142 may be at least one of: a sliding mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism. The ball-plunger mechanism will be explained below.
[00100]
Figs. 3a-3c illustrates a ball-plunger mechanism 302 of the 20 reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figs. 3a-3c are explained in conjunction with each other. Herein, a ball-plunger mechanism 302 for the at least one radial cavity 106 is illustrated. In the ball-plunger mechanism 302, the at least one first engagement 25 surface 122 is a plunger-ball and the second engagement surface 138 may be a cup opening. The at least one first engagement surface 122 may be present on walls of the at least one radial cavity 106 facing perpendicular to a wall length. The second engagement surface 138 may be embedded at 35
ends of the plurality of axle segments 150, which are periodically placed along a length of the peduncle member 134.
[00101]
On an inside of the at least one radial cavity 106, the at least one first engagement surface 122 may include ball-plungers that are placed perpendicular to a length of the at least one radial cavity 106. The ball-5 plunger has a ball at an end thereof, which has a surface that is complementary to that of the plurality of grooves in the receptacle 152 of the axle member 120. The ball may be pushed inside the plunger, with mechanical force or power. But when the mechanical force or power is removed, the ball may plunge out because there is a spring that pushes the 10 ball out of the plunger.
[00102]
The ball-plunger mechanism 302 may be configured such that the force required to move the at least one arm 116 from one stop to the next may be minimal. The shallow surfaces of the at least one first engagement surface 122 and the second engagement surface 138 may 15 provide kinetic minima where the at least one arm 116 will exist at rest. The application of a small amount of force may enable transition above the surfaces to the next stop. A spring-ball from the plunger may face the receptacles 152 embedded in the plurality of axle segments 150 that periodically line the peduncle member 134. A diameter of the plunger-balls 20 may be lesser than a diameter of the receptacles 152 at open ends of the plurality of axle segments 150. Therefore, the balls of the plungers may fit comfortably into the receptacles 152 on the plurality of axle segments 150. The balls interlock with holes of the receptacles 152. Due to the interlocking, the ball-plunger mechanism 302 may rest into and interlocks the at least 25 one first engagement surface 122 whenever the plurality of grooves comes under the ball. In an example, there may two ball-plungers placed diametrically opposite to each other along the at least one radial cavity 106. Unless an external force is applied, the ball plungers may project out and interlock with the receptacles 152 in the plurality of axle segments 150 at a 30 36
given position along a length of the peduncle member 134. Therefore, the at least one arm 116 and hence the interface 156 may be held at a specific radial distance from the center in the body 102.
[00103]
As mechanical force or power is applied linearly on the at least one arm 116 and interface 156 unit (when it is pushed in or pulled out of the 5 at least one radial cavity 106), a current groove may be un-interlocked from the ball (the ball is sprung inside the plunger) and the axle member 120 may moves linearly until a next groove comes under the ball. The interlocking between the receptacle 152 and the balls is broken and the peduncle member 134 moves in or out respectively along the at least one radial 10 cavity 106 in the body 102. Accordingly, a desired number of "x" stops are created by incorporating "x" axle segments along the peduncle member 134.
[00104]
An external force may have to be applied on the at least one arm 116, along a radial direction, to make the at least one arm 116 move 15 linearly between one stop to the next. Without application of an external physical force, the at least one arm 116 rests stably at a current stop thereof.
[00105]
Fig. 4 illustrates a twin-lock mechanism 402 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example 20 implementation of the present subject matter. Herein, the twin-lock mechanism 402 with interlocking blocks is illustrated. The twin-lock mechanism 402 may be similar to the ball-plunger mechanism 302. However, instead of the ball in the ball-plunger and the cup in the axle member 120, the twin-lock mechanism 402 may include two interlocking 25 blocks 404 with angled surfaces with complementary contours. The interlocking blocks 404 are placed periodically along a length of the peduncle member 134. When the peduncle member 134 moves up and down, the block surfaces come in contact with complementary surfaces of the interlocking blocks 404 along the at least one radial cavity 106. This may 30 37
stop the peduncle member 134 until more force is applied. Hence, a series of discrete positions may be created.
[00106]
In an example, the at least one positioning mechanism 142 may include a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity 106 and a second positioning 5 mechanism corresponding to the at least one arcuate cavity 108. The first positioning mechanism may correspond to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism.
[00107]
For the at least one arcuate cavity 108, the at least one arm 116 may stop at discrete positions that are angularly distributed along 10 an arc. The stop in the angular motions and number thereof may be enabled by special complementary interactions between the at least one first engagement surface 122 and the second engagement surface 138, as the axle member 120 rotates or translates in a rotational manner. The axle member 120 in the at least one arcuate cavity 108 may be hinged inside the 15 body 102 through polar engagement surfaces 126a, 126b. The axle member 120 may interact at least one first engagement surface 122 thereof with the second engagement surface 138 in the body 102 and rest the at least one arm 116 in discrete positions. The axle member 120 may move to a next stop in response to an external physical radial force. The axle 20 member 120 may control and direct the interaction between the two designed complementary surfaces (of the at least one first engagement surface 122 and the second engagement surface 138), and hence the motion between the various stops. The axle member 120 may connect to the peduncle member 134 (which in turn connects to the 25 interface 156 which is projecting and placed outside of the body 102).
[00108]
In an example, the at least one positioning mechanism 142 for the at least one arcuate cavity 108 may include a sliding mechanism and a spur gear mechanism. In the sliding mechanism, when sufficient force (power) is applied, the plurality of teeth on the axle member 120 can slide 30 38
over from one cavity in the plurality of grooves to the next. The sliding motion may go on in one direction until as many as it is allowed by the design. The rectangular or hemi- or partially hemi-spherical curvatures of the plurality of grooves may be designed such that a combination of n-contiguous complementary teeth can simultaneously slide over from one set 5 of cavities in the plurality of grooves, to the next set of cavities of the plurality of grooves, by application of a mechanical force. The plurality of grooves may be stationary inside the at least one cavity 104 of the body 102. Only the axle member 120 of the at least one arm 116 may stop or slides over upon application of the mechanical force. Further, in an 10 example, the at least one arm 116 and the interface 156 may have an angular motion. However, such motion may not be in radially around the body 102. Instead, an arc of the at least one arm 116 (hence the interface 156) is smaller than an arc of the body 102. Hence the arc of the interface 156 may cut the arc of the body 102 at two final discrete positions. 15
[00109]
In the ball-plunger mechanism 302 for the at least one arcuate cavity 108, the structures of the plurality of teeth on the at least one first engagement surface 122 and the cavities in the plurality of grooves of the second engagement surface 138 may be interchanged. The axle member 120 may, for example, have a spherical surface at a polar end 20 thereof and along the surface of the sphere there are hemi-spherical cavities or grooves. The inside of the at least one cavity 104 of the body 102 may have a ball-plunger which may be vertically incident upon the plurality of grooves. The ball-plunger may have a ball at an end thereof, which has a surface that is complementary to that of the groove in the spherical gear of 25 the axle member 120. The ball may be pushed inside the plunger, with mechanical force. Upon removal of the mechanical force or, the ball may plunge out because of a spring that pushes the ball out.
[00110]
Due to the mechanism, the ball-plunger may rest into and interlocks the at least one first engagement surface 122 whenever the 30 39
plurality of grooves comes under the ball. When the physical force is applied angularly, the current groove is un-interlocked from the ball (the ball is sprung inside the plunger) and the axle member 120 may moves angularly until the subsequent groove comes under the ball. In this regard, the desired number of stops may be created. 5
[00111]
Figs. 5a-5c illustrate a spur gear mechanism 500 of the reconfigurable interactive model 100, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In the spur gear mechanism 500, the plurality of teeth of the axle member 120 may be sliding over the cavities of the plurality of grooves facilitated by the spur gear 502. For 10 instance, the motion may correspond to a spirograph. The plurality of grooves may be stationary inside the at least one cavity 104 of the body 102. Only the axle member 120 of the at least one arm 116 may stops or may slide over upon application of the mechanical force. The motion of the at least one arm 116 and the interface 156 may be angular in this case. 15 In this regard, Fig. 5a depicts the position of the peduncle member 134 at a first position, Fig. 5b depicts the position of the peduncle member 134 at a second position, and Fig. 5c depicts the position of the peduncle member 134 at a third position. The position of the peduncle member 134 across the first position, the second position, and the third position may be through the 20 path 510 depicted in Figs. 5a-5c. A size of a curvature of the plurality of grooves may be adjusted so that the angular motion of the at least one arm 116. Therefore, the interface 156 may be move radially around the body 102. In an example, the spur gear mechanism 500 may include a motion restrictor 512 to restrict the movement of the spur gear mechanism 25 500 and thereby, restricting the movement of the peduncle member 134.
[00112]
The demonstration of transitions between different states using the reconfigurable interactive model will be explained with reference to examples as follows. 40
[00113]
Fig. 6 illustrates a two-state transition of the reconfigurable interactive model 600, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. As an example, two-state transitions from linear to trigonal planar is depicted herein. The reconfigurable interactive model 600 may correspond to the reconfigurable interactive model 100 and the 5 components explained herein may be similar to the components of the reconfigurable interactive model 100. For the sake of brevity, the same is not explained in detailed herein. In this regard, the reconfigurable interactive model 600 may have one radial cavity and two arcuate cavities. The two arcuate cavities may be along the equator of the body. The angular 10 movements of arms along the arcuate cavities may be along the surface of the equator of the body. One of the discrete positions of the arm in one of the arcuate cavities may be diametrically opposite to the arm in the radial cavity. In this regard, the reconfigurable interactive model 600 may depict the linear geometry. In other words, initially, the peduncle members 634-1 15 and 634-2 that are diametrically opposite may form the linear configuration. In the linear configuration, the arm in the other arcuate cavity may act as a dummy without applications. In other words, the peduncle member 634-3 may act as a dummy. When the transition to trigonal planar geometry is to be demonstrated, the arm in both arcuate cavities may be functional and 20 may act as third arm. The peduncle member 634-3 may become functional. In this regard, the arm in one of the arcuate cavities may move to the next discrete position such that the angle between the arms in both arcuate cavities is 120°. In other words, the peduncle member 634-2 may move to the next discrete position to 60°. Initially, in the linear state, the angle 610 25 between the peduncle member 634-1 and the dummy peduncle member 634-3 may be 120°. Similarly, the angle 620 between the dummy peduncle member 634-3 and the peduncle member 634-2 may be 60°. The angle between the peduncle member 634-1 and the peduncle member 634-2 may be 180°. In the trigonal planar state, the angle 610 between the peduncle 30 member 634-1 and the functional peduncle member 634-3 may be 120°.
41
The angle 620, 630 between the peduncle member 634-2 and the functional peduncle member 634-3 may be 120°. The angle 640 between the peduncle member 634-1 and the peduncle member 634-2 may be 120°. Therefore, the angle between the arms 634-1, 634-2, and 634-3 may be 120° in the trigonal planar state, as is depicted in Fig. 6. 5
[00114]
While not depicted in Figs., as another example, two-state transitions from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral is explained. The reconfigurable interactive model may have two radial cavities along the axial diametrically opposite positions of the body. Further, the reconfigurable interactive model may have four arcuate cavities along 10 the equator of the body. The angular movement of arms 116 in the arcuate cavities may be parallel to a diametrical axis. The diametrical axis may be an axis connecting the two radial cavities. The arms in the radial cavities may be dummies in the square planar structure. One of the arms in the radial cavities may be a dummy in the square pyramidal structure. All 15 the arms, including the arms in the arcuate cavities and the arms in the radial cavities, have applications in the octahedral structure.
[00115]
To demonstrate a square planar geometry, the arms of the radial cavities may be dummies. The arms of the arcuate cavities may be active arms that may be used to demonstrate chemical interaction. The 20 arms of the arcuate may be positioned in the discrete position where all four are projecting radially along the equator of the body 102.
[00116]
To demonstrate a square pyramidal structure, the arm 116 in one of radial cavities may be at an axial position and the arm in the other radial cavity may be dummy. The arms at the arcuate cavities may be active 25 and may facilitate demonstration of chemical interaction. Each arm in an arcuate cavity may exist in a different discrete position from the position of the arm at the radial cavity. In particular, the arms of the arcuate cavities may be are tilted towards the arm of the radial cavity that may be dummy. An angle between each contiguously adjacent arm of the arcuate cavities 30 42
may be less than 120°. The angle may be chosen depending on the central atom's size and ligand's strain thereon.
[00117]
To demonstrate an octahedral structure, all the arms of the radial cavities and all the arms in the arcuate cavities may be used to demonstrate the chemical interaction. For instance, the configuration of the 5 reconfigurable interactive model may be similar to the square planar structure, except that both the axial arms may be active for bonding and not dummies.
[00118]
The following examples may be explained in relation to three state transition. For square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral 10 transition, in the square planar structure (first hybridization state), both arms in the radial cavities may be functionable arms that are non-functional (acting as dummies), and only the four equatorial arms in the arcuate cavities may be active for bonding. In the square pyramidal structure (intermediate hybridization state), one of the functionable arms may 15 become functional while the other arm may remain non-functional. In the octahedral structure (second hybridization state), both functionable arms may become functional and extend outwardly to provide additional bonding positions, resulting in six active bonding arms.
[00119]
While in the above examples, a single reconfigurable 20 interactive model is depicted, a molecular system may include a plurality of such reconfigurable interactive models, as will be depicted below.
[00120]
Figs. 7a-8g illustrate a molecular system 800, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figs. 7a-8g are explained in conjunction with each other. The 25 molecular system 800 may include a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models, such as the reconfigurable interactive models 100. An exemplary molecular system 800 include two reconfigurable interactive models, such as reconfigurable interactive model 100 is depicted in Fig. 8g. 43
[00121]
In an example, each reconfigurable interactive model may correspond to a distinct chemical element. For example, the molecular system 800 may include a first reconfigurable interactive model corresponding to a carbon atom, a second reconfigurable interactive model corresponding to a nitrogen atom, a third reconfigurable interactive 5 model corresponding to an oxygen atom, and a fourth reconfigurable interactive model corresponding to a hydrogen atom. Each reconfigurable interactive model has a body with a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the respective atom it represents, thereby accurately reflecting the sizes and shapes of each atomic center. 10
[00122]
The molecular system 800 may include arms that are connectable to the reconfigurable interactive model. The arms may be similar to the arms discussed with reference to Figs. 1a-4. The arms may be, for example, a single bond arm 702, a double bond arm 704, a triple bond arm 706, in Figs. 7b, 7c,and 7d respectively. Further, as depicted in 15 Figs. 7e, 7f, and 7g, the arms may be with cylindrical 708, shorter rectangular 710, and wider rectangular 712.
[00123]
The molecular system 800 may include a plurality of bonding connectors configured to connect one reconfigurable interactive model 100 with another reconfigurable interactive model. The plurality of 20 bonding connectors may include comprises a single bond connector 802, a double bond connector 812, and a triple bond connector 822. Referring to Figs. 8a and 8b, the single bond connector 802 may, for example, have a conical male shaft at each end configured to be received by the pocket of the interface 806. The interface 806 may correspond to the interface of the 25 reconfigurable interactive model 100, as explained with Figs. 1a-4. The connection of two reconfigurable interactive models using single bond connector 802 is depicted in Fig. 8b. The single bond connector 802 may allow rotation along the direction depicted by 804. Referring to Fig. 8c and 8d, the double bond connector 812 may have a rectangular male shaft at 30 44
each end configured to be received by a corresponding rectangular pocket 816. The connection of two reconfigurable interactive models using the double bond connector 812 is depicted in Fig. 8d. The double bond connector 812 may disallow rotation. Referring to Fig. 8e and 8f, the triple bond connector 822 may, for example, a wider rectangular male shaft at 5 each end configured to be received by a corresponding wider rectangular pocket 826. The connection of two reconfigurable interactive models using the triple bond connector 822 is depicted in Fig. 8f. The triple bond connector 822 may disallow rotation.
[00124]
The bonding connectors may be of canonical dimensions 10 corresponding to actual bond lengths in molecules. The bond distances may vary depending on the atoms making the covalent bonds because the radii of the atoms are different. For example, a carbon-carbon single bond connector may have a different length than a carbon-nitrogen single bond connector. The lengths of the bonding connectors also vary with bond order. 15 The double bond connector may be shorter than the single bond connector, and the triple bond connector may be shorter than the double bond connector. In an example, only the single bond connector may permit free rotation between connected reconfigurable interactive models. The double bond connector and the triple bond connector may not permit free rotation, 20 thereby accurately representing the rotational constraints of actual chemical bonds.
[00125]
As an example, the molecular system 800 may facilitate demonstration of electrophilic addition, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic substitution, nucleophilic addition, SN1 reaction, SN2 reaction. In an 25 example, the molecular system 800 may also enable demonstration of oxidative reaction and reductive elimination, where at least one atom may be demonstrated using at least one reconfigurable kinetic model.
[00126]
In another example, allyl migrations, tautomerism, allyl anion/cation reactions, π-allyl complexes, 1,3- addition reactions may be 30 45
demonstrated using the molecular system 800. Similarly, Diels-Alder reaction may be demonstrated using the molecular system 800. For instance, in such a reaction, 4 reconfigurable interactive models and 2 reconfigurable interactive models may form a subset and coupled with each other to demonstrate interaction thereof. 5
[00127]
In the above examples, the molecular system was explained with reference to a plurality of reconfigurable interactive model. However, in some examples, the molecular system may include static model and the reconfigurable interactive model, as will be explained below.
[00128]
Fig. 9 illustrates a molecular system 900, according to an 10 example implementation of the present subject matter. In an example, the molecular system 900 may include at least one reconfigurable interactive model, such as the reconfigurable interactive model 100, and at least one static model 902. The at least one static model 902 may include a central body representative of an atomic center and at least one static 15 arm extending therefrom. The at least one static arm may be without at least one of: a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. In other words, the at least one static model 902 may have receivers with zero variations in position or orientation, 20 and there may be no kinetic arms in the at least one static model. The at least one reconfigurable interactive model may correspond to the at least one reconfigurable interactive model 100. The at least one reconfigurable interactive model may be connectable to the at least one static model 902 through at least one bonding connector. The at least one reconfigurable 25 interactive model may have a first receiver and the at least one static model 902 may have a second receiver. The first receiver may correspond to the interface of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model 100, and the second receiver corresponds to a static interface of the at least one static model. The at least one bonding connector may be configured to 30 46
interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model at a first end and with the second receiver of the at least one static model at a second end and thereby connecting the at least one reconfigurable interactive model with the at least one static model 902.
[00129]
The molecular system 900 may combine the at least one 5 reconfigurable interactive model with the at least one static model 902 enables demonstration of chemical reactions where only specific atomic centers undergo hybridization changes while other atoms in the molecule remain static. For example, in a nucleophilic addition reaction to a carbonyl group, the carbon atom of the carbonyl may be represented by the 10 reconfigurable interactive model (undergoing sp2 to sp3 transition), while adjacent atoms that do not undergo hybridization changes may be represented by static models.
[00130]
In an example, the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model 902 may correspond to the same 15 atom. In such cases, the body of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model may have a size different from that of the central body of the at least one static model. The size difference represents different states of the same atom. For example, a carbon atom in a cationic state (carbocation) has a different radius than a carbon atom in a neutral state. Similarly, atoms may 20 have different radii in their anionic and radical species. The molecular system 900 may include reconfigurable interactive models and static models 902 that accurately represent radii of cationic, anionic, and radical species, thereby accurately reflecting the sizes and shapes of each atomic center in different electronic states. In another example, the at least one 25 reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model may correspond to different atoms.
[00131]
As an example, nucleophilic addition reaction of a nucleophile onto a carbonyl may be demonstrated using the molecular system 900. In such a reaction, electrophilic carbon that is electrophilic centre of carbonyl 30 47
carbon may be attacked. Carbon may not only be attached to the oxygen, which may be part of reconfigurable interactive model, but also to two other atoms. The two other atoms may be sp, sp2, or sp3 and may not change the hybridization at all. Such atoms may, for example, be demonstrated using at least one static model. 5
[00132]
In the molecular system 900, rules of stereochemistry dictate that any two adjacent sp3 atoms have 3 relatively lower energy Gauche-conformations in which the atoms may spend the most lifetime in at a given temperature. Among the atoms, the atom with least steric repulsions between adjacent substituents may have longest lifetime. In this regard, 10 minimum energy structures of molecules may be built by systematically bonding each reconfigurable interactive model or static model to a continuing chain in a given structure. Thus, minimum energy structures may be largely directly available for most molecules as the molecule is being built. Alternate competing conformers may be accessed by simple bond 15 rotations at specific single bond connectors to access alternate gauche-rotamers along the bonds. Similar Gauche-rules may be adopted between sp3-sp2, sp3-sp, sp2-sp2 and sp2-sp single bonds as well. The sp-sp single bonds may be linear without much rules.
[00133]
Exceptions to the above Gauche-rules are for single bonds 20 where there are weak interactions that provide energy that can compensate against such steric repulsive forces. The weak interactions may be possible in the molecular system as well.
[00134]
The molecular system 900 may enable building of complex molecular structures including cyclic structures. Due to the accuracy of the 25 molecular system, strain associated with formation of cyclic structures with various substituents along the backbone and with various sp2 and sp hybridizations may be apparent. Such strain can be visualized with very little effort. The molecular system 900 may show strained bonds like bonds of cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl ring systems. Analogues thereof may also be 30 48
demonstrated by the molecular system 900 through spring bonds which allow bonds to bend to relieve strain in constrained structures. The molecular system 900 may enable building of DNA base pairs, showing accurate pairing between multiple H-bond donor/acceptor pairs (3 pairs in G-C and 2 pairs in A-T). The transition states of various complex reactions 5 may be demonstrated and the reaction stereoselectivities may be deduced accurately.
[00135]
Figs. 10a-10j illustrate hybridization state changes demonstratable by a reconfigurable interactive model, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The reconfigurable 10 interactive model may correspond to the reconfigurable interactive model, such as the reconfigurable interactive model 100. The single bond arm, the double bond arm, and the triple bond arm may be similar to the arms explained with reference to Figs. 7a-7g.
[00136]
Figs. 10a-10c depict hybridization state change in a pseudo 15 double sp2 bonded atomic centre. In this case, there are a couple of double bond arms and a single bond arm. The state 1002 depicts s/p tetrahedral or pyramidal. As can be seen in Fig. 10a, the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on an upper side relative to a central axis. The state 1004 depicts s/p trigonal bipyramidal where the arms are at an angle of 120°, as is shown in 20 Fig. 10b. The state 1006 depicts s/p inverse tetrahedral or pyramidal where the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on a lower side relative to the central axis in the view depicted in Fig. 10c.
[00137]
Figs. 10d-10f depict hybridization state change in a simple sp2 bonded atomic centre. In this case, there are a couple of single bond arms 25 and a double bond arm. The state 1008 depicts S/P /C/O/N tetrahedral or pyramidal. As can be seen in Fig. 10d, the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on an upper side relative to a central axis. The state 1010 depicts S/P/C/O/N trigonal bipyramidal where the arms are at an angle of 120°, as is shown in Fig. 10e. The state 1012 depicts S/P/C/O/N inverse tetrahedral or pyramidal 30 49
where the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on a lower side relative to the central axis in the view depicted in Fig. 10f.
[00138]
Fig. 10g depicts hybridization state change during addition to a triple bonded atom with a conversion to a double bonded atom. In this case, the state 1014 depicts one triple bond atom and a couple of P-orbital 5 arms. Figs. 10h-10j depicts hybridization state change in a simple sp3 atomic centre, such as SN2 reaction, SN1 reaction, and the like. In this case, there are four single bond arms. The state 1016 depicts tetrahedral or pyramidal. As can be seen in Fig. 10h, the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on an upper side relative to a central axis. The state 1018 depicts trigonal 10 bipyramidal where the arms are at an angle of 120°, as is shown in Fig. 10i. The state 1020 depicts inverse tetrahedral or pyramidal where the arms are at an angle of 109.5° on a lower side relative to the central axis in the view depicted in Fig. 10j.
[00139]
Fig. 11 illustrates a method 1100 for physical demonstration 15 of atoms, according to example implementation of the present subject matter. The order in which the method 1100 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method 1100, or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 1100 may be implemented by 20 the reconfigurable interactive model 100. The components of the reconfigurable interactive model explained herein may correspond to the components of the reconfigurable interactive model 100. At step 1102, positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant hybridization state corresponding to an atom. The reconfigurable interactive 25 model may include a body defining at least one cavity therein. The body may be representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom. The plurality of arms may be movably coupled to the body within the at least one cavity and extends therefrom. Each of the plurality of arms may be representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. A plurality of 30 50
positioning mechanisms may be disposed within the at least one cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms.
[00140]
The first configuration may, for example, represent a reactant hybridization state. The reactant hybridization state may correspond to a tetrahedral geometry (sp3 hybridization), a trigonal planar geometry 5 (sp2 hybridization), a linear geometry (sp hybridization), a square planar geometry (dsp2 hybridization), a pyramidal geometry (sp3 hybridization), or a combination thereof.
[00141]
At step 1104, an initial manual force may be applied to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a 10 second configuration. The second configuration may represent a transition state hybridization geometry. Each of the first configuration and the second configuration may correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. The plurality of discrete positions may be attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of 15 arms along a radial axis relative to the body, an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body, or a combination thereof. As an example, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration may be linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, or tetrahedral 20 to trigonal planar.
[00142]
In an example, the second configuration may represent a transition state hybridization geometry, which is an intermediate geometric arrangement of the atom during the chemical transformation. For example, in an SN2 reaction, the second configuration may represent a trigonal 25 bipyramidal transition state where the nucleophile is approaching from one side and the leaving group is departing from the opposite side.
[00143]
At step 1106, applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one arm to a third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring 30 51
during a chemical transformation. The third configuration may correspond to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. In an example, the transition to the third configuration may include a transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral (as in metal catalysis), a transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse 5 tetrahedral, or a transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral. In an example, the chemical transformation demonstrated by the method 1100 may correspond to an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo 10 inversion, and a metal centre reaction.
[00144]
The following chemical transformations can be physically demonstrated using the reconfigurable interactive model using the method 1100. An SN2 substitution reaction (pyramidal to inverse pyramidal) may be demonstrated. A nucleophile approaches anti to one of the sigma bonds 15 (along the sigma star), causing the pyramidal structure to invert. The at least one arm in the at least one radial cavity may enable the linear approach of the nucleophile from one end while a leaving group departs from the opposite end. This may result in reversal of stereochemistry.
[00145]
A nucleophilic addition to double bonds (trigonal planar to 20 tetrahedral) can be demonstrated. To that end, a nucleophile may approach a trigonal planar sp2 center, causing transition to a tetrahedral sp3 geometry. In another example, elimination reaction (tetrahedral to trigonal planar) may be demonstrated. A base abstracts a proton and a leaving group departs. This may cause transition from tetrahedral sp3 to 25 trigonal planar sp2 geometry. In a yet another example, addition to triple bonds (linear to trigonal planar) can be demonstrated. To that end, syn or anti addition to a triple bond may cause transition from linear sp to trigonal planar sp2 geometry. In a further example, metal catalysis (tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral) can be demonstrated. The ligand 30 52
coordination may change the geometry of a metal center. In another example, Tetrel bonding assisted stereoinversions (tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral) may be demonstrated. The structure may pass through a trigonal bipyramidal transition state.
[00146]
As an example, an SN2 substitution reaction may be explained 5 as follows. The plurality of arms may be positioned in the first configuration representing a tetrahedral (sp3) reactant hybridization state, where the arms 116 are at 109.5° angles from each other. An initial manual force may be applied to simulate a nucleophile approaching anti to one of the sigma bonds (along the sigma star). The at least one arm in the at least 10 one radial cavity may be moved linearly inward while the arms in the arcuate cavities may transition toward a planar arrangement. The second configuration may represent a trigonal bipyramidal transition state. A subsequent manual force may be applied to complete the inversion. The arm representing the leaving group may be moved linearly outward from the 15 opposite radial cavity, and the arms in the arcuate cavities may complete transition to the third configuration representing an inverse tetrahedral (sp3) product hybridization state with inverted stereochemistry.
[00147]
As another example, a nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl (C=O) may be demonstrated by the reconfigurable interactive model using 20 the method 1100. The plurality of arms may be positioned in the first configuration representing a trigonal planar (sp2) reactant hybridization state. The arms may be at 120° angles from each other. An initial manual force may be applied to simulate a nucleophile approaching the electrophilic carbon centre. The arms in the arcuate cavities may begin transitioning from 25 120° angles toward 109.5° angles. A subsequent manual force may be applied to complete the addition. The arms may complete their transition to the third configuration representing a tetrahedral (sp3) product hybridization state. The arms may be at 109.5° angles from each other. 53
[00148]
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the method 1100 may demonstrates an elimination reaction (E2) using the reconfigurable interactive model. The plurality of arms may be positioned in the first configuration representing a tetrahedral (sp3) reactant hybridization state. An initial manual force may be applied to simulate a base abstracting a 5 proton. One arm in the radial cavity may begin moving linearly, and the arms in the arcuate cavities may begin transitioning from 109.5° angles toward 120° angles. A subsequent manual force may be applied to simulate departure of the leaving group. The arm may represent the leaving group moves linearly outward from the radial cavity, and the arms complete their 10 transition to the third configuration representing a trigonal planar (sp2) product hybridization state with formation of a double bond.
[00149]
Although examples for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to the 15 specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present subject matter.
54
I/We Claim:
1.
A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms, the reconfigurable interactive model comprising:
a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to an atom; 5
at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein the at least one arm is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and
at least one positioning mechanism disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to the at least one arm, wherein the at least one 10 positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the at least one arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular 15 transition motion of the at least one arm along an arcuate path relative to the body, and wherein each discrete position is representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation.
2.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein 20 the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity, wherein the at least one radial cavity is to extend from an external surface of the body towards a center of the body along the radial axis relative to the body and wherein the at least one radial cavity is to enable the linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along the radial axis relative to the body to 25 enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
3.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein the at least one arcuate cavity is to enable one the angular transition motion 55
of the at least one arm along the arcuate path relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
4.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a plurality of radial cavities and a plurality of arcuate cavities, and wherein the plurality of radial cavities being 5 displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the body, and wherein the plurality of arcuate cavities equatorially around the body.
5.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises:
an axle member having at least one first engagement surface disposed 10 thereon;
a peduncle member coupled to the axle member; and
an interface affixed to the peduncle member and configured to accept a bonding connector to represent the chemical transformation.
6.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 15 the at least one positioning mechanism comprises a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface is complementary to the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, wherein the movement of the at least arm relative between the plurality of discrete positions is established through mechanical interference between the at least one first 20 engagement surface of the axle member and the second engagement surface.
7.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one first engagement surface is one of: a plurality of teeth and a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. 25
8.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second engagement surface is other of: the plurality of teeth and the plurality of grooves. 56
9.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member comprises the plurality of teeth and the second engagement surface comprises the plurality of grooves, wherein the at least a number of grooves in the second engagement surface is to exceed a number of teeth of the at least one first 5 engagement surface.
10.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of: a number of the teeth and a number of grooves correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm.
11.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 10 the at least one first engagement surface comprises two engagement surfaces disposed at polar ends of the axle member.
12.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and wherein the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one radial cavity 15 comprises a plurality of axle segments and the peduncle member comprises a plurality of peduncle segments, wherein an axle segment is sandwiched between two peduncle segments.
13.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein 20 the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one arcuate cavity comprises an elongated shaft, wherein the peduncle member is coupled to a central axis of the axle member, and wherein the axle member is substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member.
14.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 25 the at least one first engagement surface comprises at least one of:
a spherical ball disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member, wherein the spherical ball is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism; 57
a receptacle disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member; and
at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to surfaces of the axle member.
15.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second engagement surface comprises at least one of: 5
a spring-loaded ball plunger configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, the spring-loaded ball plunger is oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm;
at least one receptacle configured to receive the axle member; and
at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to 10 angled surfaces of the axle member.
16.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a pocket configured to receive a male bonding connector corresponding to an atom.
17.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 16, wherein 15 shape of the pocket corresponds to a type of male bonding connector.
18.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface is coaxially aligned with the peduncle member.
19.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism is at least one of: a sliding 20 mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism.
20.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and at least one arcuate cavity, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism comprises 25 a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity and a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one 58
arcuate cavity, and wherein the first positioning mechanism corresponds to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism.
21.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete positions are separated by predetermined angular intervals, wherein the predetermined angular intervals correspond 5 to a spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state.
22.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state corresponds to one of: a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, an octahedral and a 10 square planar geometry.
23.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the atom.
24.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made of plastic material. 15
25.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is made of plastic material.
26.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprises a functionable arm, and wherein the functionable arm is 20 non-functional in a first hybridization state, and wherein the functionable arm is functional in a second hybridization state.
27.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 26, wherein the functionable arm is disposed in at least one radial cavity, wherein the functionable arm is retracted within the body in the first hybridization state, 25 and wherein the functionable arm extends outwardly from the body in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. 59
28.
A molecular system comprising a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models as claimed in claim 1, wherein each reconfigurable interactive model corresponds to a distinct chemical element.
29.
The molecular system of claim 28, wherein a plurality of bonding connectors corresponding to each reconfigurable interactive model is 5 configured to connect with another reconfigurable interactive model, wherein the bonding connectors correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a triple bond connector.
30.
A molecular system comprising at least one reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1 and at least one static model 10 connectable with the at least one reconfigurable interactive model, the at least one static model comprising at least one static arm without at least one of: a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. . 15
31.
The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model is connectable to the at least one static model through at least one bonding connector.
32.
The molecular system of claim 31, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model comprises a first receiver and wherein the 20 at least one static model comprises a second receiver, wherein the at least one bonding connector is to interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and with the second receiver of the at least one static model.
33.
The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one 25 reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model corresponds to same atom, wherein the body of the at least one 60
reconfigurable interactive model has a size different from that of a central body of the at least one static model.
34.
A method for physical demonstration of atoms, the method comprising:
positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant 5 hybridization state corresponding to an atom, wherein a reconfigurable interactive model comprises:
a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom;
the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms is movably coupled to the 10 body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein each of the plurality of arms being representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and
a plurality of positioning mechanisms disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms; 15
applying an initial manual force to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a second configuration representing a transition state hybridization geometry, wherein each of the first configuration and the second configuration correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body, wherein the plurality 20 of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of arms along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body; and
applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one arm to a 25 third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring during a chemical transformation, wherein the third configuration corresponds to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. 61
35.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the chemical transformation corresponds to one of: an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo inversion, and a metal center reaction. 5
36.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises one of: linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, tetrahedral to trigonal planar.
37.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition to the third 10 configuration comprises one of: transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, and transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral.
15
62
ABSTRACT
MODELS FOR PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATION OF ATOMS
A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms 5 comprises a body, at least one arm, and at least one positioning mechanism. The body corresponds to an atomic center corresponding to an atom. The arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom. The positioning mechanism is disposed within the cavity of the body and 10 operably coupled to the at least one arm. The positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force. The discrete positions are attainable through a linear radial translation motion of the arm, or angular transition motion of the arm, or both. Each discrete position is 15 representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation.
<>
20 63 , Claims:I/We Claim:
1.
A reconfigurable interactive model for physical demonstration of atoms, the reconfigurable interactive model comprising:
a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to an atom; 5
at least one arm, wherein the at least one arm is movably coupled to the body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein the at least one arm is representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and
at least one positioning mechanism disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to the at least one arm, wherein the at least one 10 positioning mechanism is to facilitate movement of the at least one arm between a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body in response to an application of a force, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular 15 transition motion of the at least one arm along an arcuate path relative to the body, and wherein each discrete position is representative of a distinct hybridization geometry corresponding to the atom in a chemical transformation.
2.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein 20 the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity, wherein the at least one radial cavity is to extend from an external surface of the body towards a center of the body along the radial axis relative to the body and wherein the at least one radial cavity is to enable the linear radial translation motion of the at least one arm along the radial axis relative to the body to 25 enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
3.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein the at least one arcuate cavity is to enable one the angular transition motion 55
of the at least one arm along the arcuate path relative to the body to enable attaining one of the plurality of discrete positions.
4.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a plurality of radial cavities and a plurality of arcuate cavities, and wherein the plurality of radial cavities being 5 displaced along an axial direction corresponding to the body, and wherein the plurality of arcuate cavities equatorially around the body.
5.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises:
an axle member having at least one first engagement surface disposed 10 thereon;
a peduncle member coupled to the axle member; and
an interface affixed to the peduncle member and configured to accept a bonding connector to represent the chemical transformation.
6.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 15 the at least one positioning mechanism comprises a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface is complementary to the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, wherein the movement of the at least arm relative between the plurality of discrete positions is established through mechanical interference between the at least one first 20 engagement surface of the axle member and the second engagement surface.
7.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one first engagement surface is one of: a plurality of teeth and a plurality of grooves at predetermined angular intervals. 25
8.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second engagement surface is other of: the plurality of teeth and the plurality of grooves. 56
9.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member comprises the plurality of teeth and the second engagement surface comprises the plurality of grooves, wherein the at least a number of grooves in the second engagement surface is to exceed a number of teeth of the at least one first 5 engagement surface.
10.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of: a number of the teeth and a number of grooves correspond to the plurality of discrete positions of the at least one arm.
11.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 10 the at least one first engagement surface comprises two engagement surfaces disposed at polar ends of the axle member.
12.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and wherein the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one radial cavity 15 comprises a plurality of axle segments and the peduncle member comprises a plurality of peduncle segments, wherein an axle segment is sandwiched between two peduncle segments.
13.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one arcuate cavity, and wherein 20 the axle member of the at least one arm disposed in the at least one arcuate cavity comprises an elongated shaft, wherein the peduncle member is coupled to a central axis of the axle member, and wherein the axle member is substantially perpendicular to the peduncle member.
14.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein 25 the at least one first engagement surface comprises at least one of:
a spherical ball disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member, wherein the spherical ball is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger mechanism; 57
a receptacle disposed at a polar terminus of the axle member; and
at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to surfaces of the axle member.
15.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second engagement surface comprises at least one of: 5
a spring-loaded ball plunger configured to engage with the at least one first engagement surface of the axle member, the spring-loaded ball plunger is oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the at least one arm;
at least one receptacle configured to receive the axle member; and
at least one interlocking block with angled surfaces complementary to 10 angled surfaces of the axle member.
16.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a pocket configured to receive a male bonding connector corresponding to an atom.
17.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 16, wherein 15 shape of the pocket corresponds to a type of male bonding connector.
18.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interface is coaxially aligned with the peduncle member.
19.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism is at least one of: a sliding 20 mechanism, a spur gear mechanism, a ball-plunger mechanism, a push-button mechanism, and a twin-lock mechanism.
20.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one radial cavity and at least one arcuate cavity, wherein the at least one positioning mechanism comprises 25 a first positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one radial cavity and a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the at least one 58
arcuate cavity, and wherein the first positioning mechanism corresponds to a different mechanism than the second positioning mechanism.
21.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete positions are separated by predetermined angular intervals, wherein the predetermined angular intervals correspond 5 to a spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state.
22.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spatial arrangement of the atom in a transition state corresponds to one of: a tetrahedral geometry, an angular geometry, a trigonal planar geometry, a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a linear geometry, an octahedral and a 10 square planar geometry.
23.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has a radius corresponding to a van der Waals radius of the atom.
24.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made of plastic material. 15
25.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is made of plastic material.
26.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprises a functionable arm, and wherein the functionable arm is 20 non-functional in a first hybridization state, and wherein the functionable arm is functional in a second hybridization state.
27.
The reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 26, wherein the functionable arm is disposed in at least one radial cavity, wherein the functionable arm is retracted within the body in the first hybridization state, 25 and wherein the functionable arm extends outwardly from the body in the second hybridization state to provide an additional bonding position. 59
28.
A molecular system comprising a plurality of reconfigurable interactive models as claimed in claim 1, wherein each reconfigurable interactive model corresponds to a distinct chemical element.
29.
The molecular system of claim 28, wherein a plurality of bonding connectors corresponding to each reconfigurable interactive model is 5 configured to connect with another reconfigurable interactive model, wherein the bonding connectors correspond to a single bond connector, a double bond connector, and a triple bond connector.
30.
A molecular system comprising at least one reconfigurable interactive model as claimed in claim 1 and at least one static model 10 connectable with the at least one reconfigurable interactive model, the at least one static model comprising at least one static arm without at least one of: a linear radial translation motion along a radial axis relative to the at least one static arm and an angular transition motion along an arcuate path relative to the at least one static arm. . 15
31.
The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model is connectable to the at least one static model through at least one bonding connector.
32.
The molecular system of claim 31, wherein the at least one reconfigurable interactive model comprises a first receiver and wherein the 20 at least one static model comprises a second receiver, wherein the at least one bonding connector is to interface with the first receiver of the at least one reconfigurable interactive model and with the second receiver of the at least one static model.
33.
The molecular system of claim 30, wherein the at least one 25 reconfigurable interactive model and the at least one static model corresponds to same atom, wherein the body of the at least one 60
reconfigurable interactive model has a size different from that of a central body of the at least one static model.
34.
A method for physical demonstration of atoms, the method comprising:
positioning a plurality of arms in a first configuration representing a reactant 5 hybridization state corresponding to an atom, wherein a reconfigurable interactive model comprises:
a body defining at least one cavity therein, the body is representative of an atomic center corresponding to the atom;
the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms is movably coupled to the 10 body within the cavity and extends therefrom, wherein each of the plurality of arms being representative of a valence orbital corresponding to the atom; and
a plurality of positioning mechanisms disposed within the cavity of the body and operably coupled to an arm of the plurality of arms; 15
applying an initial manual force to at least one arm to transition the at least one arm from the first configuration to a second configuration representing a transition state hybridization geometry, wherein each of the first configuration and the second configuration correspond to a discrete position of a plurality of discrete positions relative to the body, wherein the plurality 20 of discrete positions are attainable through at least one of: a linear radial translation motion of the plurality of arms along a radial axis relative to the body and an angular transition motion of the plurality of arms along an arcuate path relative to the body; and
applying a subsequent manual force to transition the at least one arm to a 25 third configuration representing a product hybridization state to physically demonstrate geometric changes occurring during a chemical transformation, wherein the third configuration corresponds to a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions relative to the body. 61
35.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the chemical transformation corresponds to one of: an SN1 substitution reaction, an SN2 substitution reaction, an electrophilic addition reaction, a nucleophilic addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a metal catalysis, a stereo inversion, and a metal center reaction. 5
36.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises one of: linear to trigonal planar, pyramidal to inverse pyramidal, trigonal planar to tetrahedral, tetrahedral to trigonal planar.
37.
The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the transition to the third 10 configuration comprises one of: transition from tetragonal to tetragonal pyramidal to octahedral, transition from tetrahedral to trigonal bipyramidal to inverse tetrahedral, and transition from square planar to square pyramidal to octahedral.
15
Documents
Application Documents
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 202641030686-POWER OF AUTHORITY [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 3 | 202641030686-FORM-9 [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 4 | 202641030686-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 5 | 202641030686-FORM 1 [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 6 | 202641030686-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 7 | 202641030686-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 8 | 202641030686-DRAWINGS [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 9 | 202641030686-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 10 | 202641030686-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [13-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-13 |
| 11 | 202641030686-FORM-8 [18-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-18 |
| 12 | 202641030686-FORM 18A [18-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-18 |
| 13 | 202641030686-EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILTY RULE 24C1f [18-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-18 |
| 14 | 202641030686-Proof of Right [20-03-2026(online)].pdf | 2026-03-20 |
| 15 | 202641030686-PATENT_APPLICATION_PUBLICATION.pdf | 2026-04-06 |
| 16 | 202641030686-FER.pdf | 2026-05-06 |
Search Strategy
| 1 | 202641030686_SearchStrategyNew_E_IP202641030686-20260506E_06-05-2026.pdf |