Multi-latching mechanisms and related methods

摘要

Dual directional latch devices or connectors are described wherein a first connector component and a second connector component have a first latched position and a second latched position when moving in a first direction and wherein movement in a second direction is also possible when a restriction feature is overcome. As described, opposing magnetic forces, pneumatic pressure, spring force, and a crushable force may be incorporated so that further movement in the second direction must overcome the restriction feature. The dual direction latch devices may be used with articles of manufacture such as with implantable medical devices, door panels, airplane panels, and drilling devices to name a few.

主权项

1. A connector comprising a first connector component mated with a second connector component, a groove located in or on the first connector component or the second connector component and a pair of grooves located in or on the other one of the first connector component or the second connector component;
the groove having two sidewalls and a bottom wall; the pair of grooves comprises a first groove having a first depth and a second groove having a second depth, which has a larger value than the first depth; an axial canted coil spring comprising a plurality of coils positioned in the first groove and the groove and is movable to be seated in the second groove and the groove; each of said plurality of coils having a major axis and a minor axis and being loaded along the major axis by the first groove and the groove; and wherein a restriction feature prevents the first connector component from moving relative to the second connector component until overcome by an insertion force to restrict the canted coil spring from being engaged by the second groove and the groove; said restriction feature being selected from the group consisting of magnets creating opposed magnetic forces, electromagnetic forces, a fluid pressure relief bore and a seal, a spring, a shear pin, a collapsible structure, a deflectable structure, a switch trigger, a normally open contact switch, a conductive section, a conductive insert, fluted surfaces, and an inner pin having a groove with a spring.