Locking mechanism

Abstract

A locking mechanism 1 comprising a pull stud 11, a bore 12, and at least one input member 114, 115. The bore 12 is configured to receive the pull stud 11. The locking mechanism 1 is configured to retain the pull stud 11 within the bore 12. The locking mechanism 1 is configured such that the pull stud 11 is released from the bore 12 by a user exerting a release force on the at least one input member 114, 115. The pull stud 11 is removable from the bore 12 in a removal direction, d1, and the release force is perpendicular to the removal direction, d1. Applications of the locking mechanism 1 may include, but are not limited to, mounting a sample holder to a sample stage, mounting a camera to a drone, or mounting a navigation marker to a surgical instrument. [Figure 1a]