US 6,445,588 B1 · Apparatus and method for securing a printed circuit board to a base plate

Abstract

A PC board assembly employs an apparatus and method for securing a PC board to a base plate. Multiple compression force distributors are each attached at one end to the PC board. Each compression force distributor is preferably implemented as a compressible standoff that includes two end portions and a compressible body portion. The compressible body portion transfers a compression force applied to one end portion to the other end portion for application to the PC board. The PC board is positioned upon the base plate and the compression force is applied to the standoffs. During application of the compression force, the compressible body portions of the standoffs compress in only one direction toward the base plate, thereby distributing the compression force to the PC board to secure the board to the base plate. The method and apparatus may also be used to secure electrical components to the base plate.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An apparatus for use in securing at least one of a printed circuit board and an electrical component to a base plate, the apparatus comprising:

a first end portion that includes a substantially planar outer surface, the substantially planar outer surface of the first end portion being contactable by a source of a compression force;
a second end portion that includes a substantially planar outer surface, the substantially planar outer surface of the second end portion being contactable by the at least one of the printed circuit board and the electrical component;
and
a compressible body portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion, the compressible body portion transferring the compression force applied to the first end portion to the second end portion for application to the at least one of the printed circuit board and the electrical component, wherein the compressible body portion compresses in one direction without increasing in size in any other direction.

1 more element

A printed circuit board assembly comprising:

a base plate;
a printed circuit board positioned upon the base plate, the printed circuit board including at least one cutout area;
at least one electrical component positioned within the at least one cutout area of the printed circuit board such that the at least one electrical component rests upon the base plate;
a cover that applies a compression force toward the base plate when the cover is in a closed position;
and
a plurality of compressible standoffs positioned between the cover and the printed circuit board and between the cover and the at least one electrical component, the plurality of compressible standoffs transferring the compression force applied by the cover to the printed circuit board and the at least one electrical component such that the printed circuit board and the at least one electrical component are secured to the base plate, each of the plurality of compressible standoffs compressing in one direction without increasing in size in any other direction.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and method for securing a printed circuit board to a base plate

Life of this patent

Apparatus and method for securing a printed circuit board to a base plate

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22