System and method for coupling microcomponents

An apparatus for coupling microcomponents, comprising:

• at least one engagement member;
• at least one latch mechanism for latching said at least one engagement member to a position for a desired coupling with at least a first microcomponent, wherein said at least one latch mechanism is not reliant on a coupling to a substrate for latching said at least one engagement member;
• and
• at least one release mechanism for releasing said at least one engagement member operable after said engagement member is mated with said at least a first microcomponent.

A connector for coupling two microcomponents, comprising:

• at least one spring active in a direction substantially lateral to at least a first microcomponent;
• said at least one spring each forming an engagement member for penetrating a receptacle of said at least a first microcomponent;
• at least one latch mechanism for latching said engagement members to a position for a desired coupling of said at least a first microcomponent;
• each of said engagement members comprising a barbed end having a retention side for engaging the underside of said at least a first microcomponent when said connector is coupled to said microcomponent;
• and
• at least one constraining surface that is maintained flush against the upperside of said at least a first microcomponent when said connector is coupled with said at least a first microcomponent, wherein said connector is capable of engaging said at least a first microcomponent in a manner that constrains three degrees of translational freedom of said at least a first microcomponent relative to said connector without relying solely on frictional forces for constraining any one of said three degrees of said translational freedom.

An apparatus for coupling and decoupling microcomponents, comprising:

• at least one engagement member for engaging a receptacle of at least a first microcomponent;
• said at least one engagement member implemented to enable said at least one engagement member to be pressure fit with said receptacle to couple said apparatus with said at least a first microcomponent, wherein said apparatus engages said at least a first microcomponent in a manner that constrains three degrees of translational freedom of said at least a first microcomponent relative to said apparatus without relying solely on frictional forces for constraining any one of said three degrees of translational freedom;
• and
• said at least one engagement member further implemented to enable said at least one engagement member to be disengaged from said receptacle to decouple said apparatus from said at least a first microcomponent.