Printed circuit board retaining device
AssigneeLumination LLC
InventorsMark J. Mayer, Alan B. Toot
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A retaining device holds a printed circuit board to a structure that has channels for receiving the retaining device. The retaining device includes a body having portions configured for receipt into the channels of the structure, flexible portions and protuberances protruding away from a first surface adjacent each flexible portion. A method for holding the PCB to the heat sink is disclosed. A lighting assembly that includes the retaining device is also disclosed.
Claims19
A device for retaining a printed circuit board to a structure that has channels for receiving the device, the device comprising a body having portions configured for receipt into a channel of a structure and a protuberance extending away from a first surface of the body;
- wherein the body further includes a flexible tab and the protuberance is located on the flexible tab.
A method for holding a printed circuit board against a structure comprising:
- facing a first surface of a printed circuit board toward a first surface of a structure;
- placing a protuberance of a retaining device in contact with a second surface of the printed circuit board, the second surface being opposite the first surface;
- applying a force on the retaining device in a direction towards the printed circuit board resulting in a portion of the retaining device flexing;
- moving the retaining device such that a portion of the retaining device is received into a channel of the structure and the portion of the retaining device remains flexed;
- and
- removing the force from the retaining device, whereby the flexed portion of the retaining device exerts a force on the printed circuit board.
A light assembly comprising:
- a printed circuit board;
- an LED mounted to the printed circuit board;
- a structure having a mounting surface contacting the printed circuit board and a first channel spaced from the mounting surface;
- a cam including a first flexible portion and a protuberance disposed on or adjacent the first flexible portion, the protuberance contacting the printed circuit board, the cam having a portion configured for receipt in the first channel of the structure.
The assembly of 12, wherein the cam has a height that is less than a height of the LED.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.