Convertible Force Latching System

A convertible force latching system for an electrical connector comprising

• a first connector body with a first mating face on one side thereof, the first mating surface positioned substantially around a first electrical contact;
• the first connector body comprising a first and a second series of magnets, with at least one magnet in each series, each magnet with a north pole and a south pole, the first and second series arranged in a circle with magnets of the first and second series in an alternating pattern within the first connector body, wherein the magnets of the first series are oriented in a first direction and the magnets of the second series oriented in a second direction opposite the first;
• a second connector body with a second mating face on one side thereof and a motion guide, the second mating surface positioned substantially around a second electrical contact;
• the second mating surface shaped to be complementary to the first mating surface and the first electrical contact;
• and
• the second connector body comprising a third and a fourth series of magnets, of at least one magnet in each series, each magnet with a north pole and a south pole, the third and fourth series arranged in a circle with magnets of the third and fourth series in an alternating pattern within the second connector body, wherein the magnets of the third series are oriented in a first direction and the magnets of the fourth series oriented in a second direction opposite the first,
• wherein in a first arrangement, the first and second series of magnets are aligned with the third and fourth series of magnets, respectively, in a first position such that the first and second series of magnets are attracted to the third and fourth series of magnets;
• wherein in a second arrangement, the first and second series of magnets are aligned with the fourth and third series of magnets, respectively, in a second position such that the first and second series of magnets are repelled by the third and fourth series of magnets;
• and
• wherein user interaction along a predetermined motion path as determined by the motion guide, shifts the arrangement of the first and second series of magnets from the first position to the second position.