Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.

Kyle J Smith

Farshid Dilmaghanian

Daniel Poon

The present device, system, and method pertain to locking and/or latching mechanisms that utilize canted coil springs and specific groove geometries in connecting parts to achieve locking and/or latching. In specific locking and/or latching embodiments, built in release features are provided to enable unlatching even after being locked, such as by moving in the opposite direction as when moving the connector to lock. Unlatching can implemented by rotating the spring to permit moving in the opposite direction.

Dual directional latch

A connector assembly is provided for connecting two planar surfaces or structures together to permit electrical transmission between the two. As described, the connector have at least two housing sections having grooves formed therein for receiving springs, such as canted coil springs. The springs are configured to provide constant mechanical and electrical connection between multiple parts and allow for small motions between such parts. By allowing for movement of the connected parts, adequate connection during thermal changes and/or vibrations is maintained. This is possible due to the spring contact interface between the connector assembly and the connecting parts, which allows relative movement between the springs and the connecting parts.

Electro-mechanical connector for solar arrays

A connector is provided that permits locking between a pin and a housing a canted coil spring yet permit separation by allowing turning of the canted coil spring so that the canted coil spring can compress along the minor axis. In one example, the connector incorporates two grooves on the pin to allow the rotation. In another example, the connector incorporates two grooves in the bore of the housing to allow the rotation. The connector may be used in a number of applications or industries, such as for aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries, to name a few.

Growing community of inventors

Mission Viejo, CA, United States of America

Kyle J Smith