Abstract: A latching system includes a hub with one or more openings defined in the hub. Each opening includes a latching feature to which a fastener is releasably coupled. The latching feature may be configured to couple to only a single fastener provided from one side of the hub. Alternately, the latching feature may be configured to couple to two fasteners, one from each side of the hub, at the same time. The fastener includes prongs that are configured to be sufficiently separated from one another, when a removal tool is inserted between them, to facilitate the release of the fastener from the latching feature and the removal of the fastener from the opening. A flange may be held in place between the hub and a portion of the coupled fastener.

Abstract: A latching system includes a hub with one or more openings defined in the hub. Each opening includes a latching feature to which a fastener is releasably coupled. The latching feature may be configured to couple to only a single fastener provided from one side of the hub. Alternately, the latching feature may be configured to couple to two fasteners, one from each side of the hub, at the same time. The fastener includes prongs that are configured to be sufficiently separated from one another, when a removal tool is inserted between them, to facilitate the release of the fastener from the latching feature and the removal of the fastener from the opening. A flange may be held in place between the hub and a portion of the coupled fastener.

Abstract: An electrical socket design for a pin and socket connector is provided that increases the spring rate of a tine of the socket by displacing material away from a neutral plane of the tine, which increases the tine's moment of inertia. Increasing the moment of inertia increases the spring rate and thereby increases the contact force of the tine on the pin. The material can be readily displaced by a coining process, which can be implemented in a manufacturing process with minimal changes and can also readily accommodate design adjustments.

Abstract: A fastener that consists of two components that snap into engagement with one another and that can be used to hold two or more pieces of material together. Each identical part includes a hole or opening running through it that allows for the parts to be disconnected or disengaged from one another. Thus, the fastener can be reused by re-engaging the multiple parts.