Table 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical latch classes.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Hook	Rigid connection	Naturally male
	Small misalignment correction	Multiple moving parts
	Passive retention	Point contacts
		Active couple/decouple
Roto-Lock	Rigid connection	Little/no lateral misalignment correction Active couple/decouple
	One moving part
	Passive retention
	Potentially fail-safe
Clamp	Naturally male or female	Multiple moving parts
	Rigid connection	Active couple/decouple
	Fail-safe
	High strength
	Passive retention
	High misalignment correction
Carabiner	High misalignment correction	Naturally female
	Passive couple	Multiple moving parts
	One moving part	May require push force
		Active decouple