The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 06, 2004
Filed:
May. 11, 2000
Matthew D. Ellis, Allen, TX (US);
George D. Skidmore, Plano, TX (US);
Zyvex Corporation, Richardson, TX (US);
Abstract
A system and method which provide a general-purpose snap connector suitable for coupling microcomponents are disclosed. A snap connector is disclosed that is suitable for performing general assembly, including out-of-plane, 3-D assembly of microcomponents, wherein such microcomponents may be securely coupled together. That is, a snap connector is disclosed which enables microcomponents to be coupled in a manner that constrains undesirable movement of the coupled components relative to each other. Preferably, such a snap connector may be pressure fit with a receptacle (or aperture) of a mating component in a manner that constrains translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the mating component relative to the snap connector. A preferred embodiment provides a “preloaded” snap connector that may be utilized to perform general assembly of microcomponents. An alternative embodiments provides a non-preloaded snap connector suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Still a further alternative embodiment provides a “squeeze” snap connector that is suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Such snap connectors may be implemented as an integrated part of a microcomponent, or they may be implemented as separate, stand-alone snap connectors. For example, a dual-ended snap connector is disclosed herein, which may be coupled to a first microcomponent, and then used to couple the first microcomponent to a second microcomponent.