Device for chiral and spontaneous discrimination of enantiomers

Abstract

The present application relates to a method or apparatus for distinguishing two enantiomers (also referred to as mirror isomers) of a chiral object. Firstly, the device comprises a bending channel, a first opening of the bending channel corresponds to an orthogonal projection of an enantiomer in a certain orientation, and a second opening of the bending channel corresponds to a different orthogonal projection in the same orientation. At the bend, the channel surface is complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the enantiomers, which enables one enantiomer to pass through the first and second openings and the other enantiomer to be intercepted by the first and second openings. Secondly, the apparatus includes a single asymmetric opening, which corresponds to a smaller orthogonal projection of the chiral object. Both enantiomers of the chiral object can pass through the opening at different positions by manual operation. During free falling, one enantiomer passes through the opening, and the other enantiomer is blocked. The distinguishing devices are suitable for toys, jigsaw puzzles and educational tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus for distinguishing enantiomers (also known as enantiomorphs or chiral forms) that are mirror images of each other in shape for chiral objects. These enantiomers that are mirror images or enantiomorphic to each other in shape cannot be superposed on each other, so they are not identical. More specifically, the present application relates to an apparatus for chiral discrimination and spontaneous discrimination of enantiomers. Background Art

[0002] In the mid-19th century, the concept and understanding of "chirality" (handedness / chiral) geometry were first documented in writing, and based on symmetry, there has been a systematic and rigorous development of the understanding of chiral geometry. A chiral geometry is not identical to its mirror image. "Chirality" means that certain shapes and their mirror images cannot coincide or be superposed into an identical shape in three-dimensional space. By the mid-20th century, all possible symmetries of any shape had been determined, and it was also recognized that a three-dimensional shape with a high degree of symmetry could also be chiral.

[0003] The principle of symmetry has been applied to shape-sorting toys, which were first patented in 1903. To this day, all shape-sorting toys still use the same scientific principle described in the 1903 patent and do not involve any chiral solid shapes or chiral symmetries. Examples can be found in U.S. Patents Nos. 741,903, 2,377,100, 2,623,303, 2,747,297, 3,280,499, 3,434,232, D214,928, 3,760,511, D231,738, 4,008,526, 4,149,717, 4,195,421, 4,353,701, 4,508,512, D282,940, and 4,988,321, among others. The understanding of three-dimensional (3D) shapes and symmetry dates back to ancient Greece. The concepts of chirality and symmetry developed from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. The first experimental discovery of chirality was related to crystals whose shapes were different from their mirror images. These crystals rotated plane-polarized light in one direction, while the mirror images of these crystals rotated the same plane-polarized light in the opposite direction. These findings led to a more formal definition of chirality. Some shapes cannot be superimposed, merged, or overlapped with their mirror images, just as a left hand and a right hand cannot be merged into a left or right hand. Although the concept of chirality was defined as chirality in chemistry in the mid-19th century, chirality was conceptually recognized and described much earlier. It has been proposed that since asymmetric two-dimensional (2D) shapes can be superimposed with their mirror images by rotation in 3D space, non-superimposable 3D mirror images should also be able to be superimposed by rotation in 4D space, which is unimaginable for humans living in a 3D world.

[0004] Symmetry exists in all aspects of nature and civilization and is of great significance in almost every discipline, such as physics, chemistry, biology, architecture, music, psychology, etc. A particularly interesting aspect of symmetry is chirality. In chemistry, distinguishing between molecules that are mirror images of each other (i.e., enantiomers of chiral molecules) is crucial for drug development. Usually, one enantiomer has a therapeutic effect, while the other enantiomer may be inactive or even toxic. Distinguishing and isolating one enantiomer from its mirror image is always more challenging than distinguishing between two completely different molecules because, in the absence of any external chiral influence, all physical properties between the two enantiomers are the same. Therefore, the distinction between enantiomers of chiral molecules has become an independent and complete research topic. In nature, almost all molecules related to life are one of the chiral molecules. Since enantiomers have the same physical properties, it remains a mystery why one enantiomer is chosen over the other when both seem equally possible. In addition, some subatomic particles such as neutrinos exhibit only one chiral property, suggesting that the universe "has only one chirality" and not the other. Identifying and distinguishing between two completely different shapes (e.g., a sphere and a cube) is relatively easy. However, distinguishing between a pair of chiral three-dimensional shapes that are mirror images of each other (also known as enantiomorphic three-dimensional shapes or enantiomers) is not easy and is actually a challenge. So far, no physical device has been able to achieve the distinction of 3D geometric enantiomorphic three-dimensional shapes, and distinguishing by physical device is more effective than picking and inspecting one by one with the human eye and hand. The difficulty in distinguishing enantiomers lies in that, in an environment or condition without any asymmetric influence, a pair of mirror images of any shape or object are identical to each other and have the same properties.

[0005] Any shape can be described by a set of symmetry operations. These symmetry operations include symmetry reflection planes and rotation axes. The left and right halves of a solid or object with respect to the symmetry reflection plane are mirror images of each other, and the object looks the same after rotating a certain angle around the rotation axis as before rotation. For example, a butterfly has a symmetry reflection plane, and its left and right parts with respect to the symmetry reflection plane are mirror images of each other, and the butterfly has only one 360-degree rotation axis. Another example is an equilateral triangular prism, which has a 120-degree rotation axis passing through the center of the triangle and three 180-degree rotation axes passing through the centers of the three rectangular faces respectively. It also has three vertical symmetry reflection planes passing through the three "heights" of the equilateral triangle respectively, and a horizontal symmetry reflection plane passing through the length center of the triangular prism. These operation elements will form a symmetry point group. It should be noted that the most symmetric shape is a sphere, which has an infinite number of reflection planes and rotation axes. And the most asymmetric shape has only one operation, that is, the object rotates 360 degrees (C1 point group), and there are an infinite number of different shapes that can satisfy this symmetry point group. Generally speaking, the higher the symmetry (that is, the more possible symmetry operations), the fewer the possible shape examples that can satisfy these symmetry point groups. In the absence of any asymmetric or chiral influence, enantiomers have the same physical properties and thus cannot be distinguished. In the field of chemistry, since the discovery of chirality at the molecular level, the techniques for distinguishing small molecule enantiomers have been verified and improved. For example, to achieve the distinction of any pair of enantiomeric three-dimensional shapes, first, it is necessary to study how nature distinguishes chiral entities, chiral small molecules, and chiral proteins. In biological systems, proteins selectively recognize and bind to one chiral molecule while repelling its mirror image molecule. An important factor in achieving this selective recognition is that the binding site of the protein has a chiral surface complementary to the shape of one chiral molecule, rather than complementary to its mirror image shape. This selective recognition can lead to chemical reactions, thereby changing the structure of the bound chiral molecule or binding the two together to construct a new chiral molecule. For chiral shapes, the selection and distinction of enantiomers by physical devices have not been achieved. Chiral three-dimensional shapes have various symmetries. Any chiral shape can be classified into one of the following six chiral symmetry point groups, denoted as C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, I respectively, where n = 2, 3, 4, etc. The symmetry point groups C1 and Cn (n = 2, 3, 4, etc.) are applicable to chiral objects with only one operation: when the object rotates 360 / n degrees around the rotation axis, the object looks the same as before rotation. The Dn symmetry point group is applicable to chiral objects with a Cn axis and n C2 axes perpendicular to the Cn axis. The T symmetry point group is applicable to chiral objects with four C3 axes and three C2 axes. The O symmetry point group is applicable to chiral objects with three C4 axes, four C3 axes, and six C2 axes. The I symmetry point group is applicable to chiral objects with six C5 axes, ten C3 axes, and fifteen C2 axes.These chiral symmetry point groups only have rotational axes and no symmetric reflection planes. However, an object may not have a symmetric reflection plane but still not be chiral. Therefore, the most important and sufficient condition for identifying that a shape or object is chiral is that the object cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Although these chiral symmetry point groups cover different shapes and properties, the methods and devices provided in this application aim to distinguish chiral shapes with any of these chiral symmetry point groups without moving the components. As an example of an application related to symmetry, existing shape sorting toys are limited to simple symmetries that do not involve chirality. Since 1903, these shape sorting toys have been proposed for young children aged 2 - 5. Continuing to play with these toys beyond the age of 5 is meaningless and may hinder the intellectual and psychological development of children.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a more meaningful, more attractive shape sorting toy that is suitable for users of all ages. In addition, there is a need for a device to help understand that there are many other chiral shapes besides hands, ears, feet, gloves, and shoes, and how to distinguish the mirror images or enantiomers of these non - superimposable chiral objects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer or its mirror image. The distinguishing device includes:

[0008] A first closed channel, which includes a first opening and a second opening. Among them, the first opening has a first shape corresponding to the first projection of the chiral body in the first orientation, and the second opening has a second shape corresponding to the second projection of the chiral body in the second orientation; the first shape extends from the first opening through the first part of the first closed channel, and the second shape extends from the second opening through the second part of the first closed channel to intersect with the first part of the first closed channel, and the intersection has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the first orientation relative to the first opening, and the intersection has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the second orientation relative to the second opening;

[0009] When the chiral body is in the first orientation, the chiral body has a third projection that matches the first shape and a fourth projection that matches the second shape; the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer through at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, the differentiating device further includes a second closed channel having a third opening and a fourth opening; wherein, the third opening has a third shape corresponding to a first projection of the enantiomer in a third orientation, and the fourth opening has a fourth shape corresponding to a second projection of the enantiomer in a fourth orientation; the third shape extends from the third opening through a first portion of the second closed channel, and the fourth shape extends from the fourth opening through a second portion of the second closed channel to intersect with the first portion of the second closed channel; when the enantiomer is in the third orientation, the enantiomer has a fifth projection matching the third shape and a sixth projection matching the fourth shape; the enantiomer is differentiated from its chiral body through at least one of the third opening and the fourth opening. In one embodiment, at least one of the first closed channel and the second closed channel is non-linear. In one embodiment, the third orientation and the fourth orientation are set at a non-right angle to each other. In one embodiment, the third orientation and the fourth orientation are set at a non-right angle to each other. In one embodiment, the third opening has a first area, and the area of the first projection of the enantiomer is 1-5% less than the first area. In one embodiment, the first orientation and the second orientation are set at a right angle to each other. In one embodiment, the first orientation and the second orientation are set at a non-right angle to each other. In one embodiment, the first opening has a second area, and the area of the first orthogonal projection of the chiral body is 1-5% less than the second area. In one embodiment, the chiral body is any one of six types of chiral symmetry point groups: C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, and I. In one embodiment, the differentiating device is a physical object without a moving part. In one embodiment, the shapes of the first opening and the second opening are each asymmetric. In one embodiment, the shapes of the first opening and the second opening are each asymmetric.

[0011] The present application also provides another differentiating device for differentiating a pair of enantiomers or mirror images of a chiral object, the differentiating device including:

[0012] A first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening has a first shape corresponding to a first projection of the chiral body in a first orientation, and the second opening has a second shape corresponding to a second projection of the enantiomer of the chiral body in a second orientation; wherein,

[0013] When the chiral body is in the first orientation, the chiral body has a third projection matching the first shape; the chiral body is differentiated from its enantiomer through at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first opening and the second opening are disposed opposite to each other and are the same opening. In one embodiment, the structure of the chiral body has one or more of the symmetry elements or features C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, and I. In one embodiment, the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer by free fall under the action of gravity and through at least one of the first opening and the second opening. In one embodiment, the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer by turning at least one of the first opening and the second opening upside down. In one embodiment, the shapes of the first opening and the second opening are each asymmetric.

[0015] One object of the present application is to provide a distinguishing device for distinguishing an enantiomer of a chiral object from its mirror image.

[0016] Another object of the present application is to provide a distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body of a chiral object from its enantiomer by chiral discrimination or spontaneous discrimination.

[0017] Yet another object of the present application is to provide a distinguishing device for distinguishing an enantiomer from its mirror image under the action of gravity.

[0018] Another object of the present application is to provide a more attractive shape sorting toy that requires a higher level of thinking to sort chiral objects and achiral objects, as well as the two enantiomers of chiral objects.

[0019] Another object of the present application is to provide a sorting toy that requires a higher level of thinking to sort the enantiomers of chiral objects, and thus can enable users to focus for a longer time.

[0020] Another object of the present application is to provide a dexterous educational toy that can train the user's manual ability to take out different enantiomers from an open container, and one of the enantiomers is more difficult to take out than the other, and can be used to train high-level thinking and understanding of chirality.

[0021] The present application provides a variety of embodiments, which can be arbitrarily combined to meet one or more of the above objectives, but this does not mean that each embodiment necessarily can achieve each objective. Therefore, in order to better understand the present application and the contribution of the present application to the art, the present application naturally has other features in addition to the relatively important features outlined generally, and these features will be described in the specification and form part of the content of the specification.

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] The devices for chiral discrimination and spontaneous discrimination of the present application can both distinguish a chiral body from its enantiomer, and thus are suitable for use as discriminators for chiral bodies that must be distinguished from their respective enantiomers. If multiple left-handed and right-handed enantiomers coexist and one wants to distinguish them simultaneously rather than one by one, the chiral and / or spontaneous discrimination device of the present application may be the only feasible method.

[0024] When used as a toy or a teaching tool, compared with previous shape sorting toys, the chiral and / or spontaneous discrimination device of the present application is more attractive and thought-provoking, and provides more knowledge, basic and advanced learning experiences. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] To illustrate the manner in which the present application attains the above and other advantages and objects, the present application will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the present application and thus should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application. The present application will be described and explained in more specific and detailed manner through the drawings below, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a top front view of the chiral discrimination device, which shows the first closed channel and the second closed channel of the chiral discrimination device, and both the first and second closed channels are used to distinguish a chiral body from its enantiomer;

[0027] Figures 1A - 1D is a series of diagrams respectively showing Figure 1 each stage when a pair of enantiomers in

[0028] Figure 2 pass through their respective closed channels; Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the first closed channel shown in

[0029] Figure 2A is a top view of the first closed channel, which shows the surface at the bend of the first closed channel, and the surface at the bend is complementary to the surface of the chiral body;

[0030] Figure 2B and Figure 2C are both top cross-sectional views of the first closed channel, which respectively show the surface at the bend of the first closed channel;

[0031] Figure 3 is a Figure 1 side cross-sectional view of the second closed channel shown in

[0032] Figure 3A is a top view of the second closed channel, which shows the surface at the bend of the second closed channel, and the surface at the bend is complementary to the surface of the enantiomer of the chiral body;

[0033] Figure 3B and Figure 3C are both top sectional views of the second closed channel, which respectively show the surfaces at the bent part of the second closed channel;

[0034] Figure 3D are schematic views of observing the chiral discrimination device (e.g., right-handed tetrahedron) from different angles;

[0035] Figure 3E are schematic views of observing the chiral discrimination device (e.g., left-handed tetrahedron) from different angles;

[0036] Figure 3F are schematic views of observing the chiral discrimination device (e.g., right-handed hexahedron) from different angles;

[0037] Figure 3G are schematic views of observing the chiral discrimination device (e.g., left-handed hexahedron) from different angles;

[0038] Figure 4 is a top view of the spontaneous discrimination device, which shows the first opening of the spontaneous discrimination device;

[0039] Figure 5 is a top view of the spontaneous discrimination device, which shows the second opening of the spontaneous discrimination device;

[0040] Figure 5A is a top view of the spontaneous discrimination device, which shows the second opening for intercepting enantiomers;

[0041] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the combined spontaneous discrimination device for discriminating two enantiomers of a chiral object;

[0042] Figure 6A is a sectional view of the combined spontaneous discrimination device for separating a chiral entity from its enantiomer under the action of gravity;

[0043] Figure 6B is a sectional view of the combined spontaneous discrimination device for separating a chiral object from its enantiomer under artificial intervention;

[0044] Figure 6C and Figure 6D are schematic views of the variant of the spontaneous discrimination device;

[0045] Figures 7A - 7F are a series of diagrams, respectively showing examples of enantiomers of various chiral entities and their respective spontaneous discrimination devices;

[0046] Figure 7ASchematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a chiral dodecahedron. The two enantiomers include twelve pairs of identical faces, and each face is an irregular pentagon;

[0047] Figure 7B Schematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a chiral tetrahedral cage. The two enantiomers include six pairs of identical rectangular strips, and these rectangular strips are twisted, bent and joined together at the four corners of the tetrahedron;

[0048] Figure 7C Schematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a chiral hexahedron. The two enantiomers include six pairs of identical faces, and each face is a quadrilateral with four different side lengths;

[0049] Figure 7D Schematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a chiral decahedron. The two enantiomers include ten pairs of identical faces, and each face is a quadrilateral with four different side lengths;

[0050] Figure 7E Schematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a truncated tetrahedron, wherein the enantiomers are geometrically dual chiral dodecahedra, which include twenty faces, including twelve scalene triangles and two sets (four in each set) of equilateral triangles;

[0051] Figure 7F Schematic diagram of a pair of enantiomers of a chiral random dodecahedron, wherein each enantiomer includes twelve different irregular pentagons and can be obtained by improving the chiral dodecahedron;

[0052] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a toy, which includes a plurality of distinguishing devices for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer;

[0053] Figure 8A Bottom view of a chiral body;

[0054] Figure 8B For Figure 8A Bottom view of the enantiomer of the chiral body shown;

[0055] Figure 8C Top view of a toy piece based on a chiral body;

[0056] Figure 8D For Figure 8C Bottom view of the toy piece based on the chiral body shown;

[0057] Figure 8E For Figure 8C And Figure 8D Top view of the enantiomer of the chiral body shown in;

[0058] Figure 8F For Figure 8E Bottom view of the enantiomer shown;

[0059] Figures 9A - 9C Schematic diagram of another toy, the toy includes a distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer; wherein, Figure 9A Top view of the distinguishing device, Figure 9B Plan view of the distinguishing device, Figure 9C Side view of the distinguishing device;

[0060] Figure 10A Side view of yet another toy, the toy includes a distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer;

[0061] Figure 10B Figure 10A Another side view of the toy shown.

[0062] Description of reference numerals

[0063] 2 - Chiral body or chiral cube

[0064] 4 - Enantiomer of chiral body 2

[0065] 6 - Chiral distinguishing device

[0066] 8 - Spontaneous distinguishing device

[0067] 10 - First opening of the chiral distinguishing device

[0068] 12 - Second opening of the chiral distinguishing device

[0069] 14 - Toy

[0070] 16 - Opening

[0071] 18 - Block

[0072] 20 - First closed channel of the chiral distinguishing device

[0073] 22 - Second closed channel of the chiral distinguishing device

[0074] 24 - First surface

[0075] 26 - Second surface

[0076] 28 - First part of the first closed channel

[0077] 30 - Second part of the first closed channel

[0078] 32 - First part of the second closed channel

[0079] 34 - Second part of the second closed channel

[0080] 36 - First shape of the first opening

[0081] 38 - The second shape of the second opening

[0082] 40 - The first projection of the chiral body

[0083] 42 - The second projection of the chiral body

[0084] 44 - The third shape of the third opening

[0085] 46 - The fourth shape of the fourth opening

[0086] 48 - The fifth projection of the enantiomer

[0087] 50 - The sixth projection of the enantiomer

[0088] 52 - The third opening

[0089] 54 - The fourth opening

[0090] 56 - The first surface

[0091] 58 - The second surface

[0092] 60 - The funnel wall

[0093] 62 - The first opening of the self - separating device

[0094] 64 - The second opening of the self - separating device

[0095] 66 - The first projection of the chiral body of the self - separating device

[0096] 68 - The second projection of the enantiomer of the self - separating device

[0097] 70 - The chiral body

[0098] 72 - The enantiomer of the chiral body 70

[0099] 74 - The tip of the chiral body

[0100] 76 - The angle between the first surface and the second surface

[0101] 78 - The box body

[0102] 80 - The detachable cover

[0103] 82 - The opening

[0104] 84 - The toy part based on the chiral body

[0105] 86 - The toy part based on the enantiomer of the chiral body

[0106] 88 - The rod

[0107] 90 - The direction

[0108] 92 - The direction

[0109] 94 - Opening

[0110] 96 - Hand cover or handle

[0111] 98 - Internal space

[0112] 100 - Toy

[0113] 102 - Opening

[0114] 104 - Internal space

[0115] 106 - Opening or hole. Detailed implementation manner

[0116] In this article, the term "about" means approximately, roughly, around or within a certain range. When the term "about" is used in combination with a numerical range, it defines the range by expanding the boundaries above and below the set value. Generally, the term "about" is used to define a numerical range that fluctuates 20% (higher or lower) above and below the set value.

[0117] Figure 1 Is a top front view of the chiral discrimination device, which shows a pair of closed channels (i.e., the first closed channel 20 and the second closed channel 22) of the chiral discrimination device, and both of the closed channels are used to distinguish the chiral body 2 from its enantiomer 4. Figures 1A - 1D Is a series of diagrams, respectively showing Figure 1 The respective stages when the chiral body 2 and its enantiomer 4 in Figure 2 Pass through their respective closed channels. Figure 1Side cross-sectional view of the first closed channel 20 shown, which shows the surface details of the first closed channel 20. The discrimination device 6 is used to discriminate the chiral body 2 from its enantiomer 4. It should be noted that the expression "chiral body 2 and its enantiomer 4" is for the convenience of describing the way of their association. From another perspective, the enantiomer 4 can also be recognized as "a chiral body with an enantiomer", that is, as the part currently recognized as a chiral body. The discrimination device 6 is basically an elongated block 18 having two first closed channels 20 and a second closed channel 22 arranged side by side along the length of the block, and any one of the closed channels can be arranged in any object having at least two surfaces located in two different planes. The first closed channel 20 and the second closed channel 22 may not be arranged on the same elongated block. However, when they are arranged adjacent to each other, the user can compare and contrast them while identifying the schemes of the two closed channels 20, 22. Any one of the closed channels 20, 22 includes a first opening 10 and a second opening 12. The first opening 10 is arranged on the first surface 24 and has a first shape 36, and the first shape 36 corresponds to the first projection 40 of the chiral body 2 in the first orientation. The second opening 12 is arranged on the second surface 26 and has a second shape 38, and the second shape 38 corresponds to the second projection 42 of the chiral body 2 in the second orientation. The first shape 36 extends from the first opening 10 through the first part 28 of the first closed channel 20, and the second shape 38 extends from the second opening 12 through the second part 30 of the first closed channel 20 to converge with the first part 28, and the converging part has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the first orientation relative to the first opening, and the converging part has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the second orientation relative to the second opening. When the chiral body 2 is in the first orientation, the chiral body 2 has a third projection matching the first shape and a fourth projection matching the second shape. The chiral body 2 can enter the first closed channel 20 through the first opening 10 and leave the first closed channel 20 through the second opening 12. Similarly, the chiral body 2 can enter the first closed channel 20 through the second opening 12 and leave the first closed channel 20 through the first opening 10. The chiral body 2 is discriminated from its enantiomer 4 through at least one of the first opening 10 and the second opening 12. Since the whole of the enantiomer 4 cannot completely pass through the first closed channel 20, this enables the chiral body 2 to be discriminated from its enantiomer 4 when needed. It should be noted that the chiral body 2 can pass through the first closed channel / channel in two directions, that is, enter from the first opening and leave from the second opening, or enter from the second opening and leave from the first opening. However, the enantiomer 4 of the chiral body 2 cannot pass through the first closed channel connecting the two openings in any direction. As Figure 1DAs shown, the enantiomer 4 can have a cross-sectional projection that matches a first portion of the first closed channel 20, but the whole of it cannot pass through this first portion. Since the surface of the first closed channel 20 at the bend is not complementary to the enantiomer 4, it is impossible to distinguish the enantiomer 4 through the first closed channel 20. Similarly, the enantiomer 4 can pass through the second closed channel / channel from two directions, that is, enter from the third opening and leave from the fourth opening, or enter from the fourth opening and leave from the third opening. However, since the surface of the second closed channel 22 at the bend is not complementary to the chiral body 2, the chiral body 2 cannot pass through the second closed channel connecting the third and fourth openings from either direction. It should be noted that both the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4 can pass through the same orthogonal projection of any portion of the closed channel. However, at the bend of the closed channel, the complementary surface of one of the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4 enables only the one to pass through the closed channel, while the other cannot. In one embodiment, each of the first opening 10 and the second opening 12 is asymmetric about its respective central axis. In one embodiment, chiral discrimination is performed manually. In other words, when attempting to distinguish a chiral body from its enantiomer, the chiral body or its enantiomer needs to be manually positioned, oriented, and each closed channel is tried. It should be noted that for the chiral discrimination device, the shape of the opening allowing an object to enter the closed channel is different from the shape of the opening allowing the object to leave the closed channel. As Figure 1A shown, once the chiral body 2 and its enantiomer 4 are oriented relative to their respective openings 10, 52, the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4 are inserted into the chiral discrimination device 6 through their respective openings 10, 52 until they reach Figure 1B the intersection of the first portion and the second portion of their respective closed channels 20, 22 as shown. It should be noted that both the chiral body 2 and its enantiomer 4 match their respective closed channels 20, 22. Figure 2A is a top view of the first closed channel of the chiral discrimination device 6, which shows the surface at the bend of the first closed channel, and the surface at the bend is complementary to the surface of the chiral body 2 (i.e., the right-handed dodecahedron). Figure 2B and Figure 2C are both top cross-sectional views of the first closed channel, which respectively show the surface at the bend of the first closed channel. As can be seen from Figure 2B , the surface shape at the intersection of the first portion 28 and the second portion 30 of the first closed channel matches the bottom surface of the chiral body 2. The chiral dodecahedron is composed of 12 identical irregular pentagonal faces. Chirality can be arbitrarily specified.

[0118] Figure 3 is Figure 1Side cross-sectional view of the second closed channel shown, with surface details of the second closed channel 22 not shown for simplicity. Here, the discrimination device further includes a second closed channel 22 having a third opening 52 and a fourth opening 54. The third opening 52 has a third shape 44 corresponding to the first projection of the enantiomer 4 in a third orientation, and the fourth opening 54 has a fourth shape 46 corresponding to the second projection of the enantiomer 4 in a fourth orientation. The third shape 44 extends from the third opening 52 through a first portion 32 of the second closed channel 22, and the fourth shape 46 extends from the fourth opening 54 through a first portion 34 of the second closed channel 22 to converge with the first portion 32. When the enantiomer 4 is in the third orientation, the enantiomer 4 has a fifth projection 48 that matches the third shape 44 and a sixth projection 50 that matches the fourth shape 46. The enantiomer 4 can be arranged to enter the second closed channel 22 through the third opening 52 and leave the second closed channel 22 through the fourth opening 54. Similarly, the enantiomer 4 can also be arranged to enter the second closed channel 22 through the fourth opening 54 and leave the second closed channel 22 through the third opening 52. The enantiomer 4 is distinguished from its chiral body 2 by at least one of the third opening 52 and the fourth opening 54. When used as a discrimination device to distinguish the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4, the closed channels 20, 22 are not intended to be a connected common space connecting the two openings of the closed channel, but are used to distinguish the products to be collected in a specific space. In the drawings, each part of the closed channel is shown as a linear closed channel, but it should be understood that the closed channel can also be a non-linear closed channel. In addition, the length of each part of the closed channel can be set as required without affecting the ability of the discrimination device to distinguish the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4.

[0119] Figure 3A Top view of the second closed channel of the chiral discrimination device 6, which shows the surface at the bend of the second closed channel, and the surface at the bend is complementary to the surface of the enantiomer 4 (i.e., the left-handed dodecahedron). Figure 3B and Figure 3C are both top cross-sectional views of the second closed channel, which respectively show the surface at the bend of the second closed channel. As can be seen from Figure 3B the surface shape at the intersection of the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 of the second closed channel matches the bottom surface of the enantiomer 4. Similarly, the chirality can be arbitrarily specified. Similarly, as can be seen from Figure 3B the surface shape at the intersection of the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 of the second closed channel matches several bottom surfaces of the chiral body 2.

[0120] In Figures 1 - 3In the illustrated embodiment, the third orientation and the fourth orientation are perpendicular to each other. When used as a sorting toy, since the chiral body 2 does not need to change its orientation when passing through the first closed channel 20, the complexity of the toy is reduced. In one embodiment, the third opening 52 has a first area, and the area of the first projection of the enantiomer 4 is 1-5% less than the first area. Due to the different cross-sections, only objects with matching cross-sectional shapes (i.e., shapes and sizes just smaller than the opening size) can pass through the second closed channel 22. This difference is not too large to prevent objects with only matching sizes but non-matching cross-sectional shapes from passing through. Therefore, the opening should be small enough to improve the accuracy of distinguishing between the chiral body 2 and the enantiomer 4. In one embodiment, the first orientation and the second orientation are also perpendicular to each other to keep the difficulty of using the distinguishing device of the present application at a level suitable for the user. Although a right angle or 90 degrees is used in the above example, it can also be a bend of no more than 120 degrees, as long as the two projections (the projection of the first opening and the projection of the second opening) are substantially perpendicular to each other. At the bend, the surface of the first closed channel is shaped substantially corresponding to the shape of the chiral body. At both ends of the bend of the closed channel, there is a cross-sectional shape matching the orthogonal projection of the chiral body, and the two cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the two ends are different. Since the surface at the bend only matches the surface of one chiral shape, the enantiomer of the chiral body cannot pass through the first closed channel.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first opening has a second area, and the area of the first orthogonal projection of the chiral body is 1-5% less than the second area. Similarly, this difference enables objects with matching cross-sectional profiles to pass through the first closed channel and prevents objects without matching cross-sectional profiles from passing through the first closed channel. In one embodiment, the chiral body can be a C1-symmetric cube, chiral tetrahedron, chiral hexahedron, chiral dodecahedron (e.g., tetragonal pentagonal dodecahedron, and its geometric dual snub tetrahedron), pentagonal icositetrahedron, and its geometric dual snub cube, pentagonal hexecontahedron, and its geometric dual snub dodecahedron, or other three-dimensional shapes exhibiting one of the symmetry elements or characteristics C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, and I. The projections mentioned elsewhere in this article refer to the orthogonal projections of the outlines of the objects on the surface provided with the opening.

[0122] The present application also discloses a process for producing a chiral discrimination device, which enables chiral entities to move from a first surface to a second surface through a closed channel. The process includes first selecting the orientation of the chiral entity that produces the minimum orthogonal projection, the projected area of which should be less than the maximum possible projected area of the chiral entity. Then, the chiral entity is projected in a first orientation relative to the first surface (of the block) to obtain a first projection, and the portion of the block surrounded by the first part of the closed channel is removed. The total area of the removed block portion is composed of the area of the first projection of the chiral entity and a tolerance area approximately along the direction from the first surface to an appropriate depth around the first projection of the chiral entity. When the chiral entity is still set in the first orientation relative to the first surface, the chiral entity is projected onto the second surface of the block to obtain a second projection. The second surface is perpendicular to the first surface. Further, the second part of the closed channel surrounded by the total area composed of the area of the second projection of the chiral entity and a tolerance area approximately along the direction from the second surface to an appropriate depth around the second projection of the chiral entity in the block is removed, where the word "appropriate" in "appropriate depth" means that it is sufficient for the second part of the closed channel to intersect with the first part.

[0123] Figures 3D - 3G Other embodiments of the chiral device are described. Figure 3D Schematic diagrams of a chiral discrimination device (e.g., a right-handed tetrahedron) are shown from different perspectives. Figure 3E Schematic diagrams of a chiral discrimination device (e.g., a left-handed tetrahedron) are shown from different perspectives. Figure 3D and Figure 3E The two bottom views of are cross-sectional views showing complementary surfaces for the bend of the closed channel through which matching enantiomers can pass, and one of the views shows a matching enantiomer placed therein. The chiral tetrahedron is composed of four identical equilateral triangles. Refer to Figure 3D and Figure 3E , the chirality can be arbitrarily specified.

[0124] Figure 3F Schematic diagrams of a chiral discrimination device (e.g., a right-handed hexahedron) are shown from different perspectives. Figure 3G Schematic diagrams of a chiral discrimination device (e.g., a left-handed hexahedron) are shown from different perspectives. Figure 3F and Figure 3G The two bottom views of are cross-sectional views showing complementary surfaces for the bend of the closed channel through which matching enantiomers can pass, and one of the views shows a matching enantiomer placed therein. The chiral hexahedron is composed of six identical irregular trapezoids. Similarly, refer to Figure 3F and Figure 3G , the chirality can be arbitrarily specified.

[0125] Figure 4Top view of the self-discriminating device 8, which shows the first opening 62 of the self-discriminating device 8. Figure 5 Top view of the self-discriminating device 8 Figure 8, which shows the second opening 64 of the spontaneous discrimination device 8. The spontaneous discrimination device 8 includes a first opening 62 and a second opening 64. The first opening 62 has a first shape corresponding to the first projection 66 of the chiral body in the first orientation, and the second opening 64 has a second shape corresponding to the second projection 68 of the enantiomer of the chiral body in the second orientation. When the chiral body 70 is in the first orientation, the chiral body 70 has a third projection that matches the first shape, so the chiral body 70 can pass through the first opening 62 while the enantiomer is naturally blocked by the first opening 62. The first opening 62 is provided on the first surface 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel wall 60 surrounds the first surface 56 such that the chiral body 70 can be naturally aligned with the first opening 62 in one orientation under the action of gravity and pass through the first opening 62 when the chiral body 70 falls onto the first surface 56 by free fall. Here, the closed channel extending from the first opening 62 is not chiral. In one embodiment, the chiral body is a tetrakis pentagonal dodecahedron. When the chiral body 70 falls onto the first surface 56 bounded by the funnel wall 60, the orientation of the chiral body 70 tends to be such that its cross-section matches the cross-section of the first opening, that is, the tip 74 of the chiral body 70 is at a lower point due to the weight distribution of the chiral body 70, and when the cross-sectional profile of the chiral body 70 matches the first opening 62, the tip 74 will be stuck in the first opening 62. To make the chiral body 70 chiral, its rear end is usually asymmetrically arranged. The first opening 62 is arranged corresponding to the asymmetric shape of the rear end of the chiral body 70. When the rear end of the enantiomer 72 of the chiral body 70 enters the first opening 62, the shape of the first opening 62 can prevent the enantiomer 72 from passing through it, so the chiral body 70 can be distinguished from its enantiomer 72 through the first opening 62. Similarly, for the second opening 64, when the orientation of the enantiomer 72 makes its projection match the second shape, the enantiomer 72 can pass through the second opening 64 while the chiral body 70 is naturally blocked by the second opening 64. The second opening 64 is provided on the second surface 58. The first opening 62 and the second opening 64 should be large enough, that is, the difference between the orthogonal projection of the chiral body or its enantiomer and the corresponding opening is about 1-5% of the area of the opening, so as to facilitate the falling of the chiral body or its enantiomer through their respective openings. The first opening 62 and the second opening 64 should be small enough to improve the accuracy of distinguishing the chiral body and the enantiomer. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the funnel wall 60 surrounds the second surface 58 such that the enantiomer 72 can be naturally aligned with the second opening 64 in one orientation under the action of gravity and pass through the second opening 64 when the enantiomer 72 falls onto the second surface 58 by free fall. At this time, the chiral body 70 is blocked. It should be noted that the openings 62 or 64 are each asymmetric about the normal axis of the first surface or the second surface.Since the effective spontaneous discrimination of the spontaneous discrimination device of the present application depends on gravity and the shape of the chiral body and not all chiral hexahedrons can be effectively discriminated by this spontaneous discrimination, the chiral discrimination devices shown in other parts of this article can mainly be used to discriminate all chiral bodies with one or more "exposed" chiral features, that is, the chiral features are manifested on one or more outer surfaces of the chiral body. It should be noted that if the chiral features of the chiral body do not involve the overall periphery of the chiral body (for example, the chiral features of a certain sphere are manifested inside its spherical surface), then the chiral discrimination device will not be able to distinguish this chiral body from its enantiomer. In other words, when the chiral features are not exposed, the complementary shape of the chiral discrimination device cannot act on this chiral feature. Figure 5A Is a top view of the spontaneous discrimination device, which shows for making Figure 5 The enantiomer 72 shown passes through but blocks the second opening 64 of the enantiomer 70.

[0126] Figure 6 Is a cross-sectional view of a combined spontaneous discrimination device, and the combined spontaneous discrimination device is used to distinguish a chiral body from its enantiomer in two different ways. Figure 6A Is a cross-sectional view of a combined spontaneous discrimination device, where the combined spontaneous discrimination device is used to distinguish a chiral body from its enantiomer under the action of gravity. Here, the first opening 62 and the second opening 64 are arranged opposite to each other and are the same opening, that is, the first opening 62 and the second opening 64 communicate with each other. Since these two openings are the same opening and can only be distinguished from the perspective of observing the opening, and the enantiomer is also the mirror image object of the chiral body, the concept of chirality is strengthened for the user. Therefore, the closed channel connecting the two openings is straight and has no internal features. Although not shown in the figure, a curved closed channel can also be used to connect the openings, provided that the necessary opening cross-sectional profile is maintained through the closed channel. It should be noted that as Figure 6 Shown, the first surface 56 is located above the second surface 58. As Figure 6AAs shown, when the chiral body 70 is oriented, the distinguishing device can make it pass through the first opening 62 under the action of gravity, that is, the chiral body 70 falls in the space bounded by the funnel wall 60 surrounding the first surface 56, and the tip 74 of the chiral body 70 is automatically oriented under the action of gravity, so that it can reach and pass through the first opening 62 without external assistance. In order to distinguish the enantiomer 72 from its chiral body 70, the distinguishing device is turned over so that the second surface 58 faces upward and the first surface 56 faces downward. The enantiomer 72 can fall in the space bounded by the funnel wall 60 surrounding the second surface 58, and the tip 74 of the enantiomer 72 is automatically oriented under the action of gravity, so that it can reach and pass through the second opening 64 without external assistance. As long as the chiral body 70 or its enantiomer 72 falls in the respective spaces at an appropriate height, the collision of the chiral body 70 or its enantiomer 72 in the corresponding space makes it possible to automatically fall to and pass through the respective openings with a high probability. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a combined spontaneous differentiation device, which is used to differentiate a chiral object from its enantiomer under human intervention. It should be noted that Figure 6B The spontaneous differentiation device in Figure 6 and Figure 6A The spontaneous differentiation device in the embodiment is oriented. In the spontaneous differentiation process, enantiomer 72 can also be differentiated, but the probability under the action of gravity is much smaller. Figure 6B The enantiomer 72 is shown as being differentiated when oriented manually. It should be noted that during spontaneous differentiation, the two enantiomers of a chiral object can be differentiated by passing through the same device in a free-falling manner from the other end of the opening, for example, one enantiomer passes through the opening while the other enantiomer is intercepted by the opening. When the differentiation device is turned upside down, the enantiomer that was previously intercepted will fall, while the enantiomer that previously fell through the opening will be intercepted. Figure 6C and Figure 6D A variation of a spontaneous differentiation device for spontaneously differentiating enantiomers 70 and 72 is depicted. By free fall, one of the two enantiomers will pass through and the other will be blocked. When the device is turned over, the enantiomer that passed in the previous case will be blocked, and the blocked enantiomer will pass through. The design is applicable to devices of other shapes.

[0127] In one embodiment, the chiral body can be any one of the six types of chiral symmetry point groups C1, Cn, Dn, T, D, and I, which include all chiral symmetry point groups disclosed herein. The C1 symmetric chiral body includes polyhedra with all surfaces being different. This shape has three unequal protrusions such that it has no plane of symmetry reflection. The shape of the Cn symmetric chiral body has three equal protrusions such that it has no plane of symmetry reflection (e.g., the C3 symmetric chiral body), where n = 2, 3, 4, etc. The Dn symmetric chiral body includes scalene tetrahedra, chiral tetrahedra (e.g., the D2 symmetric chiral body), trapezoidal tetrahedra with an asymmetric face, and chiral hexahedra (e.g., the D3 symmetric chiral body). In one embodiment, the T symmetric chiral body is the tetartoid. The O symmetric chiral body includes the rhombicosidodecahedron and the snub cube. The I symmetric chiral body includes the rhombicosidodecahedron and the snub dodecahedron. So far, both the chiral discrimination device and the spontaneous discrimination device have been introduced. It should be noted that in the spontaneous discrimination device, both enantiomers of the chiral object can be distinguished from each other in the same device by free fall under the action of gravity. The spontaneous discrimination device will block the left-handed enantiomer under a certain orientation setting, while allowing the right-handed enantiomer to pass through. The left-handed enantiomer and the right-handed enantiomer can be arbitrarily designated, that is, the right-handed enantiomer can also be used as the left-handed enantiomer. When the spontaneous discrimination device is turned upside down, the right-handed enantiomer will be blocked, while the left-handed enantiomer will pass through it. Compared with the chiral discrimination device, only one enantiomer (e.g., the left-handed enantiomer) can pass through the closed channel and be distinguished in the chiral discrimination device, while the right-handed enantiomer will be blocked at the turning or bending points. When the entire closed channel of the left-handed enantiomer is mirror-constructed, the mirror-constructed closed channel will block the left-handed enantiomer, while allowing the right-handed enantiomer to pass through it.

[0128] Figures 7A - 7F is a series of figures that respectively show some embodiments of the spontaneous discrimination device, the chiral body and its respective enantiomers, and the hole 106. These embodiments achieve spontaneous discrimination by means of asymmetric 2D orthogonal projection and using gravity and / or user manipulation. The function of the hole 106 is similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 the openings 62, 64 in. The chiral body includes the chiral dodecahedron as shown in Figure 7A , the chiral tetrahedral cage as shown in Figure 7B , the chiral hexahedron as shown in Figure 7C , the chiral decahedron as shown in Figure 7D , the truncated tetrahedron as shown in Figure 7E , and as shown in Figure 7FThe chiral random dodecahedron shown. For the enantiomers to pass through, the selected projection of the enantiomer needs to be configured as a pore. The selected projection is configured to be small but sufficiently match the enantiomer and have an asymmetric shape. Figure 7B A chiral tetrahedral cage is shown where the left-handed and right-handed forms can be arbitrarily designated, and the opening allows the left-handed and right-handed forms to be distinguished from each other by gravity. Figure 7C A chiral hexahedron is shown where the left-handed and right-handed forms can be arbitrarily designated, and the opening allows the left-handed and right-handed forms to be distinguished from each other by gravity. Figure 7D A chiral decahedron is shown where the left-handed and right-handed forms can be arbitrarily designated, and the opening allows the left-handed and right-handed forms to be distinguished from each other by gravity. Figure 7E A truncated tetrahedron is shown where the left-handed and right-handed forms can be arbitrarily designated, and the opening allows the left-handed and right-handed forms to be distinguished from each other by gravity. Figure 7F A chiral random dodecahedron is shown where the left-handed and right-handed forms can be arbitrarily designated, and the opening allows the left-handed and right-handed forms to be distinguished from each other by gravity.

[0129] It should also be noted that in methods for distinguishing chiral molecules (e.g., drug development methods), the discrimination effect is often not 100%, which means the discrimination result includes a high proportion of one chiral molecule and a low proportion of the other chiral molecule. During the chiral discrimination process, a 100% discrimination effect means that only the left enantiomer can pass through the left discrimination channel, while all the right enantiomers will be blocked, and vice versa. For spontaneous discrimination driven by free fall, the discrimination effect may not be 100%. However, for the chiral dodecahedron shown, the effectiveness of spontaneous discrimination exceeds 99.9%, i.e., no "wrong" enantiomer passes through the opening in 100 trials. For the other chiral body embodiments shown, the effectiveness of spontaneous discrimination is at least greater than 50%.

[0130] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a toy, which includes a plurality of discrimination devices for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer. The toy includes a box body 78 with a detachable cover 80 and toy parts 84, 86. Since the plurality of discrimination devices have different solving strategies, this makes the user of the toy face a more challenging puzzle and requires more thought and more attempts. The detachable cover 80 includes two sets of discrimination devices. Generally speaking, these discrimination devices require the user to rotate the toy parts 84, 86 to solve the puzzle, that is, to put the toy parts into their respective openings. Figure 8A A bottom view of the chiral body. Figure 8B For Figure 8ABottom view of the enantiomer of the chiral body shown. After the user determines the appropriate object for the opening 82, the toy pieces 84, 86 must be twisted in the direction 90 or direction 92 respectively to advance the toy pieces 84, 86 so that they are finally located in the opening 82. Figure 8C Top view of the toy piece based on the chiral body. Figure 8D is Figure 8C Bottom view of the toy piece based on the chiral body shown. Figure 8E is Figure 8C and Figure 8D Top view of the enantiomer of the chiral body shown in Figure 8F is Figure 8E Bottom view of the enantiomer shown. Referring to Figure 8C , it should be noted that the chiral body 2 provided on the top of the toy piece 84 is substantially the same as the other multiple chiral bodies 2 of the toy piece 84. After inserting the chiral body 2 into the corresponding opening 94 of the box body 78, the user will see several other chiral bodies 2 oriented respectively. Referring to Figure 8D , it should be noted that the enantiomer 4 (corresponding to the chiral body 2) provided on the top of the toy piece 86 is substantially the same as the other multiple enantiomers 4 of the toy piece 86. After inserting the enantiomer 4 into the corresponding opening 94 of the box body 78, the user will see several other enantiomers 4 oriented respectively. Referring to Figures 8C - 8F , multiple chiral bodies 2 or multiple enantiomers 4 of the chiral object are connected by a rod 88, and each adjacent pair of chiral bodies 2 or enantiomers 4 is offset so that each chiral body 2 or enantiomer 4 passes through before the next chiral body 2 or enantiomer 4 is oriented to pass through the same opening 82, 94. When the last chiral body 2 or enantiomer 4 (for example, the chiral body 2 or enantiomer 4 adjacent to the hand cover 96) passes through the same opening 82, 94, the toy pieces 84, 86 are regarded as having passed through all obstacles and can be placed in the detachable cover 80.

[0131] When not in use, all toy pieces can be stored in the internal space 98 of the box body 78 to form a neat and compact package for easy storage.

[0132] Figures 9A - 9C Schematic diagram of another toy 100, which includes a distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer. Figure 9A Top view of the distinguishing device, Figure 9B Top view of the distinguishing device, Figure 9C Side view of the distinguishing device. When a pair of enantiomers is placed in the internal space 104 of the distinguishing device, just shake it, and one of the enantiomers can be easily removed from the internal space. The other of this pair of enantiomers can only be removed by adjusting its orientation, for example, by manual operation through at least one opening 102 of the distinguishing device.

[0133] Figure 10A Side view of toy 14, which includes a differentiating device for differentiating a chiral body from its enantiomer through opening 16. Figure 10B Another side view of toy 14.

[0134] Although not shown in the figures, the differentiating device of the present application can also be applied to office stationery, educational tools, pen holders, business card holders, desktop storage boxes with channels, sieves (e.g., sieves for demonstrating the differentiation of chiral hexahedrons for organic chemistry teaching), etc.

[0135] The present application has been specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show in an illustrative manner the various aspects and specific embodiments of the embodiments of the present application. The description of the embodiments is sufficient for those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects of the present application. Other embodiments can be used and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present application. Each embodiment can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Therefore, this specification is not restrictive, and the scope of the present application is only defined by the appended claims, and the full equivalent scope thereof should be protected. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that any arrangement aimed at achieving the same purpose can replace the specific embodiments shown. The present application aims to cover any changes or variations of the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the wording or terms used in this specification are for illustration only and not for limiting the present application. When studying the above description, those skilled in the art will realize that the above embodiments can be combined with other embodiments. The scope of the present application includes any other applications using the above structures and manufacturing methods. The scope of the present application should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full equivalent scope enjoyed by the claims.

Claims

1. A distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer, characterized in that, Comprising: A first closed channel, including a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening has a first shape corresponding to the first projection of the chiral body in a first orientation, and the second opening has a second shape corresponding to the second projection of the chiral body in a second orientation; the first shape extends from the first opening through a first part of the first closed channel, and the second shape extends from the second opening through a second part of the first closed channel to intersect with the first part of the first closed channel, and the intersection has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the first orientation relative to the first opening, and the intersection has a surface complementary to the chiral body in the second orientation relative to the second opening; When the chiral body is in the first orientation, the chiral body has a third projection matching the first shape and a fourth projection matching the second shape; the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer by at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

2. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising: A second closed channel, including a third opening and a fourth opening; wherein the third opening has a third shape corresponding to the first projection of the enantiomer in a third orientation, and the fourth opening has a fourth shape corresponding to the second projection of the enantiomer in a fourth orientation; the third shape extends from the third opening through a first part of the second closed channel, and the fourth shape extends from the fourth opening through a second part of the second closed channel to intersect with the first part of the second closed channel; When the enantiomer is in the third orientation, the enantiomer has a fifth projection matching the third shape and a sixth projection matching the fourth shape; the enantiomer is distinguished from its chiral body by at least one of the third opening and the fourth opening.

3. The discrimination device according to claim 2, wherein The third orientation and the fourth orientation are set at right angles to each other.

4. The discrimination device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third orientation and the fourth orientation are set at non-right angles to each other.

5. The distinguishing device according to claim 2, wherein The third opening has a first area, and the area of the first projection of the enantiomer is 1 - 5% less than the first area.

6. The discrimination device according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first closed channel and the second closed channel is non-linear.

7. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first orientation and the second orientation are set at right angles to each other.

8. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first orientation and the second orientation are set at non-right angles to each other.

9. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first opening has a second area, and the area of the first orthogonal projection of the chiral body is 1 - 5% less than the second area.

10. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The structure of the chiral body has one or more of the symmetry elements or features C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, and I.

11. The discrimination device according to claim 1, wherein The chiral body is a tetartoid.

12. The discrimination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shapes of the first opening and the second opening are each asymmetric.

13. A distinguishing device for distinguishing a chiral body from its enantiomer, characterized in that, Comprising: A first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening has a first shape corresponding to the first projection of the chiral body in a first orientation, and the second opening has a second shape corresponding to the second projection of the enantiomer of the chiral body in a second orientation; wherein, When the chiral body is in the first orientation, the chiral body has a third projection matching the first shape; the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer by at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

14. The discrimination device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first opening and the second opening have the same shape, are arranged opposite to each other and are linearly connected to each other.

15. The discrimination device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The structure of the chiral body has one or more of the symmetry elements or features C1, Cn, Dn, T, O, and I.

16. The discrimination device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer by free fall by means of gravity and through at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

17. The discrimination device according to claim 13, characterized in that By turning at least one of the first opening and the second opening upside down, the chiral body is distinguished from its enantiomer.

18. The discrimination device according to claim 13, characterized in that, Each of the first opening and the second opening has an asymmetric shape.

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