Mechanical stack assembly with releasable compression

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical stack assembly with releasable compression. An apparatus provides a cover and a compression mechanism coupled with the cover. The compression mechanism includes an anchor extending through the cover, a lever disposed in a first plane intersecting the cover, and a contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite the cover. The lever and the contact portion are in a biased relationship about a common axis. When a rotational force is applied to the lever, rotational movement of the lever causes the contact portion to be compressed against the cover and allows the lever to be releasably constrained by the first anchor. The compression mechanism may also include two biasing elements coupled with opposite ends of the lever. The two biasing elements are aligned along a common axis. The anchor may include a notch sized to receive a segment of the lever.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mechanical stacking assemblies with releasable compression. Background Art

[0002] Mechanical stack assemblies are structures used to stack electronic components to form compact, integrated electronic systems. These assemblies may utilize various layers, including, for example, a motherboard, printed circuit board, heat sink, and substrate. Screws or similar hardware are often used to secure the layers. In some mechanical stack assemblies, components may need repair or replacement. Furthermore, more uniform heat distribution across some components is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided, comprising: a lid; and a compression mechanism coupled to the lid, comprising: a first anchor extending through the lid; a first lever arranged in a first plane intersecting the lid; and a first contact portion arranged in a second plane opposite to an outer surface of the lid, wherein the first lever and the first contact portion are in a biased relationship about a common axis, wherein when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, rotational movement of the first lever causes the first contact portion to be compressed against the lid and allows the first lever to be releasably constrained by the first anchor.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided, comprising: a lid; a base vertically spaced from the lid; a first anchor extending from the base to an upper end vertically spaced above the lid; and a torsion spring coupled to the lid, the torsion spring comprising: a first lever arranged in a first plane intersecting the lid; and a first contact portion arranged in a second plane opposite the lid, wherein the first lever and the first contact portion are in a biased relationship about a common axis, wherein when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, the lid is compressed by the first contact portion, and wherein the first anchor is configured to releasably constrain the first lever.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device comprising: a cover; a base; a plurality of electronic components arranged between the cover and the base; a compression device for compressing the cover substantially uniformly against the plurality of electronic components; a limiting device for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base; and a restraining device for releasably restraining the compression device when the cover is compressed against the plurality of electronic components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1is an exploded view of an example mechanical stack assembly with a compression mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 Is in assembled arrangement Figure 1 A cross-sectional front top perspective view of a mechanical stack assembly.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cutaway top front perspective view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover omitted.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an assembled mechanical stack assembly including a substrate.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional, top front perspective view of an assembled mechanical stack assembly of FIG. 1 with the lever of the compression mechanism in a fixed position.

[0012] Figures 7A-7B It is a side view of the possible angles of the lever of the compression mechanism in the free position.

[0013] Figures 8A-8D 1 is a diagram illustrating the results of a structural analysis of a simulated long spring of an example compression mechanism.

[0014] Figure 9 is a cutaway, top front perspective view of an assembled mechanical stack assembly having an alternative embodiment of a compression mechanism showing a lever in a fixed position.

[0015] Figure 10 is a sectional perspective view showing Figure 9 More details of the intermediate lever member of the long spring in the compression mechanism.

[0016] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the lever of the compression mechanism in the free position.

[0018] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly.

[0019] Figures 14A-14DDepicted are alternative example compression mechanisms that may be implemented in the examples disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 15 is a flow chart of a possible example process associated with producing a mechanical stack assembly with a compression mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure provides various possible embodiments or examples of systems, methods, devices, and architectures for use in mechanical stack assemblies. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein provide a screwless assembly mechanism in which an elongated spring is designed to provide releasable compression to selected components in a mechanical stack. The releasable feature enables simplified access to the components that apply compression to the elongated spring. Furthermore, the compression provided can be designed for specific measurements on a particular component. Furthermore, the compression mechanism can apply substantially uniform compression to multiple selected components in a mechanical stack.

[0022] For some electronic components in a mechanical stack assembly, repair or replacement requires disassembly of the mechanical stack. Accessing components can be time-consuming and challenging when using multiple screws or similar hardware. Consequently, using machine screws in a mechanical stack assembly can adversely affect maintainability because the user may need additional tools (e.g., a screwdriver) to maintain the assembly. Using multiple machine screws also increases the likelihood of components coming loose in the assembly.

[0023] In one example, Low Power Compression Attached Memory Module (LPCAMM) components are detachable modules that offer increased memory bandwidth and modularity. Modern computers, such as artificial intelligence (AI) computers, have high demand for such features. When used in mechanically stacked assemblies that rely on screws to secure and compress the layers, LPCAMM components receive lower repairability scores compared to user-friendly plug-and-play options, such as small outline dual inline memory modules (SoDIMM) components.

[0024] Heat sinks are often used in mechanical stack assemblies to prevent overheating and improve the handling of memory modules or other heat-sensitive components, such as LPCAMMs. The heat sink is typically compressed against the memory module to provide a thermal path, thereby achieving component cooling. Structural hardware (e.g., screws, brackets) is often screwed into the layers of the assembly to compress the heat sink. The force exerted by the screws or other structural hardware may be applied to the assembly in an uneven manner. As a result, the heat sink's thermal path may be affected, resulting in insufficient cooling.

[0025] Furthermore, if applied improperly, screw torque can negatively impact component functionality. Furthermore, using multiple screws increases the likelihood of applying undue compression to at least one component. Uneven pressure distribution on the LPCAMM assembly can lead to unbalanced pressure at the two edges of the module, potentially resulting in open circuits / higher impedance signal paths. Consequently, a more streamlined assembly mechanism is needed that applies a more uniform compressive force to the assembly.

[0026] The compression mechanism of the mechanical stack assembly disclosed herein can solve many of the above problems (and more). In one or more embodiments, an elongated spring is used to releasably secure the layers of a mechanical stack assembly of an electronic system and apply a selected amount of compressive force to one or more components. The elongated spring can be assembled on a cover (e.g., a shield, a top plate, a heat sink, a thermal pad, etc.). The elongated spring can include one or more levers that can be releasably constrained in a fixed position by one or more corresponding anchors coupled to the base of the assembly when torque is applied. In one example, the anchors include hook-shaped recesses rather than threads. Individual segments of the one or more levers are respectively inserted into the hook-shaped recesses and releasably coupled thereto. The anchors can extend through through-holes in one or more layers, including the cover and a layer having the following components (e.g., a memory module such as an LPCAMM): where pressure is to be distributed over these components.

[0027] The spring also includes one or more contact portions that are vertically aligned with the component to receive the compressive force and are biased toward the lid (or apply a compressive force to the lid) when the lever is constrained in a fixed position. In one example, the one or more levers and contact portions are designed as a torsion spring having multiple biasing elements. The biasing element can be formed as a bend in the spring (e.g., a turn, a coil, etc.) that biases one arm of the lever and another arm (e.g., a contact arm, an outer arm, etc.). In one example, the biasing element is formed at the end of the arm of the lever, and the multiple biasing elements are aligned along a common axis.

[0028] The compression mechanism of the mechanical stack assembly disclosed herein provides several advantages. First, when a releasable compression mechanism as described herein is used instead, the mechanical stack assembly can be assembled without screws or other threaded structural hardware. Compared to mechanical stack assemblies assembled with multiple screws, the use of a single long spring with an anchor limits the number of loose parts. Thus, maintainability can be improved. In addition, one or more levers constraining a single long spring can reduce operating time during factory assembly. A single movement (e.g., 2-3 seconds) can be used to constrain all levers without having to tighten three or more screws (e.g., 10 seconds or more). In addition, the assembly time achieved by utilizing the compression mechanism disclosed herein for memory module (e.g., LPCAMM) assemblies is 4-5 times faster than existing screw-based assemblies.

[0029] The compression mechanism taught herein allows for the application of appropriate and more uniform compressive force to each layer in a mechanical stack assembly. The additional compressive force of the elongated spring described herein (e.g., 82 pounds) relative to existing screws (e.g., 45 pounds) ensures that a minimum load is applied to each pin of the component aligned with the contact portion of the spring. Furthermore, the load can be applied to each component (e.g., a memory module) rather than to the printed circuit board. The elongated spring itself can be designed to achieve any desired number of pressure points, based on, for example, the number of components to be compressed (e.g., LPCAMM components).

[0030] Compression mechanisms having releasability features as disclosed herein may be more consistent and reliable than screws and other threaded structural hardware. For example, if the proper screw torque is not applied, the function of the component receiving the compressive force may be negatively affected.

[0031] The various possible designs of compression mechanisms taught herein do not increase the size of typical mechanical assemblies. Because existing mechanical stack assemblies can be modified to utilize compression mechanisms as disclosed herein with minimal increase in height, width, and depth, the housing of such existing assemblies is not affected. Thus, the compression mechanisms disclosed herein can achieve the same or substantially the same Z height as existing screw-based solutions.

[0032] Reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1FIG2 is an exploded view of an example mechanical stack assembly 100 with a compression mechanism 102 according to one example. The mechanical stack assembly 100 also includes a lid 130 with through-holes 132a, 132b, and 132c, a memory module 140 with through-holes 142a, 142b, and 142c, a compression connector 150 with through-holes 152a, 152b, and 152c, a motherboard 160 with through-holes 162a, 162b, and 162c, and a base 170 with anchors 120a, 120b, and 120c. The lid 130 is vertically spaced from the base 170, with the other layers positioned therebetween.

[0033] The compression mechanism 102 includes an elongated spring 104 and anchors 120a, 120b, and 120c (collectively, 120). The elongated spring 104 can be configured as any suitable biasing structure, such as a torsion spring, a double torsion spring, a triple torsion spring, or the like, a rotatable crank, a rod, a shaft, or the like. The elongated spring 104 can be made of any suitable material that can be configured as a biasing structure that can rotate from an original (e.g., resting or free) position to a specific angle of deflection in response to torque, and return to the original position once the torque is removed. Example materials include, but are not limited to, spring steel (e.g., stainless steel), musical wire, chrome silicon, hard-drawn or oil-tempered copper-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, aluminum, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0034] Figure 1 The example elongated spring 104 in FIG. 1 includes three levers 106a, 106b, and 106c (collectively, 106) and two contact portions 110a and 110b, but the number of levers and contact portions and their locations within the elongated spring 104 may vary depending on the specific configuration of the mechanical stack assembly and the components to which the compressive force is to be applied. Generally speaking, the levers 106 may be configured with respective pairs of lever arms 107a-107b, 107c-107d, and 107e-107f (collectively, 107), and respective intermediate lever members 108a, 108b, and 108c (collectively, 108). The intermediate lever member 108 connects the respective pairs of lever arms 107a-107b, 107c-107d, and 107e-107f to form a generally rectangular, three-sided lever 106. However, in other examples, the lever 106 may be of any suitable shape, including but not limited to a U-shape, a curved shape, a spline shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc., and reference will be made herein to the shape of the lever 106. Figures 14A-14D This is further described.

[0035] The contact portions 110a, 110b (collectively 110) may be configured with respective pairs of contact arms 111a-111b, 111c-111d (collectively 111) and respective intermediate contact members 112a, 112b (collectively 112). The intermediate contact member 112 connects the respective pairs of contact arms 111a-111b, 111c-111d to form a generally rectangular three-sided contact portion 110. However, in other examples, the contact portion 110 may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to a U-shape, a curved shape, a spline shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc., which will be referred to herein. Figures 14A-14D This is further described.

[0036] A biasing element 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, or 114f (collectively, 114) is disposed at the end of each lever arm 107. In one example, the biasing elements 114 form a torsion spring (or any other suitable spring type), wherein each biasing element is shaped as a single bend or turn of a rod (e.g., a bar, shaft, wire, etc.) that operates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., by twisting, turning, etc. in response to rotational movement of the lever arm). One end of a given biasing element (e.g., 114a) extends into a lever arm (e.g., 107a), and the other end of the biasing element extends into the other arm that is biased against the lever arm. Thus, each end of the lever 106 is in a biased relationship with the other arm. Figure 1 As shown, the other arm is either a contact arm of an adjacent contact portion or an outer arm for coupling the elongated spring 104 to the cover 130. In other examples, the other arm can be a connecting arm to another lever (not shown) or a connecting arm to the contact portion.

[0037] In one example, the biasing elements 114 are aligned along a common axis about which the levers can be rotated to a certain angle of deflection. A first biasing element 114a connects and biases the first outer arm 105a to the lever arm 107a of the first lever 106a, such that the first biasing element 114a operates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). A second biasing element 114b connects and biases the lever arm 107b of the first lever 106a to the contact arm 111a of the first contact portion 110a, such that the second biasing element 114b operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). A third biasing element 114c connects and biases the lever arm 107c of the second lever 106b to the contact arm 111b of the first contact portion 110a, such that the third biasing element 114c operates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The fourth biasing element 114d connects and biases the lever arm 107d of the second lever 106b to the contact arm 111c of the second contact portion 110b, such that the fourth biasing element 114d operates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). The fifth biasing element 114e connects and biases the lever arm 107e of the third lever 106c to the contact arm 111d of the second contact portion 110b, such that the fifth biasing element 114e operates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The sixth biasing element 114f connects and biases the lever arm 107f of the third lever 106c to the second outer arm 105b, such that the sixth biasing element 114f operates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In other embodiments, the biasing elements 114 can operate (e.g., torque) in a direction that is only clockwise, only counterclockwise, or any combination thereof.

[0038] The elongated spring 104 can be assembled on a cover 130. The cover 130 can be a shield, a heat sink, a lid, a plate, or any other suitable structure that is compressed onto a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes an integrated circuit component, such as a memory module 140 that includes a memory component (e.g., an LPCAMM, etc.), or onto another suitable layer of a mechanical stack assembly. In one example, the cover 130 provides a thermally conductive path to allow cooling of the PCB layer below the cover.

[0039] The elongated spring 104 is secured, positioned, and / or aligned on the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 using retainers (e.g., securing mechanisms, fasteners, clips, tabs, clamps, openings, recesses, cavities, etc.) that are coupled to and / or defined by the structure of the cover (e.g., molded, stamped, cast, bent, assembled, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, the retainers 118a-118b (collectively, 118) can be rigidly coupled to the cover 130 (e.g., by welding, forging, screws, rivets, etc.). Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the retainers 118 are shaped as arched shell structures that are secured (e.g., mechanically attached, chemically bonded, mechanically adhered, etc.) to opposite sides of the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 or formed into the structure of the cover 130 (e.g., stamped, cast, bent, etc.). Each retainer 118a, 118b defines an opening therein that is sized to slidably receive the distal end portion of the corresponding outer arm 105a, 105b (collectively, 105). Alternatively, the retainer can be a U-shaped clip, a U-shaped bracket, a U-shaped strap, a pipe clamp, a pipe strap, a tubular strap, etc., or any other device or structure sized to receive the distal end portion of the corresponding outer arm.

[0040] The compression mechanism 102 further includes anchors 120a, 120b, and 120c (collectively, 120) for releasably constraining (e.g., locking, holding, restricting, retaining, etc.) the lever 106 in a fixed position. In one example, the anchors 120 extend from respective lower ends at a base 170 (e.g., a plate, bottom plate, back plate, bottom, bottom cover, etc.) through the cover 130 to respective upper ends 124a, 124b, 124c (collectively, 124), which are vertically spaced (e.g., Z-axis) above the outer surface 134 of the cover 130. In one example, the anchors 120 can be formed to couple with the structure of the base 170 (e.g., stamping, bending, extrusion, etc.) and / or a vertical axis defined thereby (e.g., a rod, cylinder, support, etc.). Each anchor 120a, 120b, and 120c includes a respective upper portion having a recess (e.g., notch, opening, aperture, hook-like cavity, etc.) 122a, 122b, 122c sized to receive the interlocking segments of adjacent intermediate lever members 108a, 108b, 108c of the lever 106 to couple the lever 106 to the anchor 120 such that the elongated spring is loaded (e.g., prevented from rotating) and the lever 106 is constrained in a fixed position until an appropriate release force is applied to the lever 106.

[0041] Anchor notches 122 are located in corresponding upper portions that terminate in upper ends 124 of the anchors. Figure 1 In one example, the recess 122 and the adjacent upper end 124 are disposed above an outer surface 134 of the cover 130. In one example, the recess 122 of the anchor 120 extends sufficiently above the outer surface 134 to receive the interlocking segments of the lever 106, thereby coupling the lever 106 to the anchor 120 and constraining the lever 106 in a fixed position. When the lever 106 is constrained in a fixed position by the anchor 120, the biasing element 114 is loaded, which causes the contact portion 110 to apply a compressive force to the cover 130.

[0042] In one example, the anchors 120 are vertically aligned with the respective through-holes of the various layers in the mechanical stack. When assembled, the anchors extend through the through-holes so that the upper ends 124 are exposed through the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 and the layers of the mechanical stack are maintained in proper alignment within the mechanical stack. For example, in Figure 1 , anchor 120a extends through respective through-holes 162a, 152a, 142a, and 132a of motherboard 160, compression connector 150, memory module 140, and lid 130. Anchor 120b extends through respective through-holes 162b, 152b, 142b, and 132b of motherboard 160, compression connector 150, memory module 140, and lid 130. Anchor 120c extends through respective through-holes 162c, 152c, 142c, and 132c of motherboard 160, compression connector 150, memory module 140, and lid 130.

[0043] In some examples, existing mechanical stack assemblies that use other hardware such as screws can be easily modified to receive anchors 120 through existing through-holes in various layers of the stack. In other examples, the through-holes can be selectively placed to further reduce or avoid any lateral dimensional increase in the layers of the mechanical stack assembly 100. In other examples, one or more anchors 120 may not extend through every layer, or may not extend through any layer, or may only extend through the cover. For example, one or more anchors 120 may be arranged at the periphery of one or more layers. In other examples, one or more anchors 120 may extend from a lower end to an upper end 124 located in a layer other than the cover 130, through or on the periphery of the cover 130 or other layer on which the elongated springs 104 are arranged.

[0044] Another layer of the mechanical stack assembly is a PCB, such as a memory module 140, which includes one or more components to which compression is applied via the lid 130. In this example, four memory components 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d (e.g., LPCAMMs) (collectively, 144) are included on the PCB. In one example, when the compression mechanism 102 is engaged (e.g., the lever 106 is constrained in a fixed position and the biasing element 114 is loaded), each contact arm of the contact portion 110 is vertically aligned with one of the memory components 144 to provide more uniform or uniform pressure. In other examples, the compression mechanism 102 can be utilized in other mechanical stack assemblies, for example, to compress (e.g., via the lid 130 or other suitable compressible layer) different types of electronic components and / or electronic circuits (e.g., die and / or die packages).

[0045] Other layers in the mechanical stack assembly 100 include, for example, compression connectors 150 and motherboard 160. Compression connectors 150 can be designed to create secure and reliable electrical connections between different layers (e.g., memory modules 140 and motherboard 160). Motherboard 160 is the central PCB of the computing system and may include processing units (e.g., central processing unit, graphics processing unit, etc.), random access memory (RAM), storage devices, expansion cards, network interface devices, etc. For simplicity, Figure 1 Components of the main board 160 are not shown.

[0046] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional, top-side perspective view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled arrangement with the levers of the compression mechanism released from the corresponding anchors. Figure 2 , the elongated spring 104 is shown coupled to the cover 130, and the compression mechanism 102 is disengaged (e.g., the lever 106 is released to a free position and the biasing element 114 is unloaded). Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the elongated spring 104 is secured to the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 by retainers 118 having cavities sized to receive the distal ends of the outer arms 105, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 When the outer arm 105 is secured (e.g., held, constrained, etc.) in the retainer 118, the biasing element 114 is restricted from horizontal or vertical movement, including when torque is applied to the lever 106. When torque is applied to the lever 106 (either to the lever arm 107 or to the intermediate lever member 108, or a combination thereof), the retainer 118 allows the biasing element 114 to twist about the central axis of the bend, thereby forming a groove extending through all of the bend.

[0047] When the compression mechanism 102 is assembled on the lid 130, at least a portion of the outer arm 105 and the contact portion 110 are generally arranged in a first plane that is opposite and substantially parallel to the outer surface 134 of the lid 130. At least a portion of the outer arm 105 and the contact portion 110 are in contact with the outer surface 134 of the lid 130 when the compression mechanism 102 is disengaged (e.g., the lever is unconstrained in a free position and the biasing element is unloaded) and when the compression mechanism 102 is engaged (e.g., the lever 106 is constrained in a fixed position and the biasing element 114 is loaded).

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, when the compression mechanism 102 is disengaged, the lever arms of the levers 106a, 106b and 106c are generally arranged in a second plane that intersects the first plane and the cover 130. The bend or turn of the biasing element 114 determines the angle between these planes. The angle measured between the planes when the compression mechanism 102 is disengaged corresponds to the "free angle" of the elongated spring 104. As used herein, the "free angle" is measured between the arms of the torsion spring when the spring is in an unloaded or free position. In the example elongated spring 104, each biasing element 114 forms a free angle of the same size (or substantially the same free angle) between the two arms extending from the biasing element. Figure 2 In the example shown, the arm pairs defining the free angle include lever arm 107a and outer arm 105a, lever arm 107b and contact arm 111a, lever arm 107c and contact arm 111b, lever arm 107d and contact arm 111c, lever arm 107e and contact arm 111d, and lever arm 107f and outer arm 105b.

[0049] The free angle can be adjusted to increase or decrease the pressure applied by the contact portions 110a, 110b when the biasing element is in the loaded position. Although a single bend or turn is illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that any number of turns can be implemented in the biasing element 114 to achieve a desired rotation angle (e.g., angular deflection) measured from the unloaded position and / or the amount of torque applied by the spring for a given angle (e.g., spring rate). In at least one example, the free angle may be between 30° and 45°.

[0050] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional, top-side perspective view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled arrangement. Figure 3 , the lever 106 of the compression mechanism 102 is released from the corresponding anchor 120, and the cover 130 is transparent. Figure 3 The diagram shows possible alignments of the contact portion 110 with components of the memory module 140. Figure 3 In the embodiment, each contact arm 111 is substantially parallel and vertically aligned with its corresponding reservoir assembly 144. When the compression mechanism is engaged, each contact arm 111 applies a compressive force. Thus, each reservoir assembly 144 receives pressure directly from the aligned contact arms. As a result, the compressive force is more evenly distributed across the reservoir assemblies 144.

[0051] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 taken along line AA is shown in the assembled arrangement. In addition to the cover 130, memory module 140, compression connector 150, motherboard 160, and base 170, Figure 4Also included is an example substrate 180 upon which the mechanical stack assembly 100 may optionally be mounted. Figure 4 Three anchor members 120 and recesses 122a-122c therein are shown. A cross-section of contact portion 110 is also shown, along with contact arms 111 (cross-section) and intermediate contact member 112 (non-cross-section). Contact portion 110 is arranged in a plane substantially parallel to cover 130. Furthermore, contact arms 111 and intermediate contact member 112 are positioned opposite and in contact with outer surface 134 of cover 130.

[0052] Figure 4 The contact arms 111 are shown vertically aligned (e.g., in the Z direction) with the memory assemblies 144 of the memory module 140. For example, contact arm 111a is aligned with memory assembly 144a, contact arm 111b is aligned with memory assembly 144b, contact arm 111c is aligned with memory assembly 144c, and contact arm 111d is aligned with memory assembly 144d. When the compression mechanism is engaged and the lever is restrained by the notch 122 of the anchor 120, this configuration allows pressure from each contact arm 111 to be applied to the corresponding memory assembly 144a-144d via the cover 130. As a result, the memory assemblies 144 receive more uniform pressure across the entire memory module 140.

[0053] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 taken along line BB in the assembled arrangement is shown. The second anchor 120b and the recess 122b formed therein are illustrated. The second anchor 120b extends from a lower end at the base 170 through through-holes 162b, 152b, 142b, and 132b of the motherboard 160, compression connector 150, memory module 140, and lid 130, respectively. Figure 5 Also shown are the lever arm 107c (not in cross section) and the intermediate lever member 108b (in cross section) of the second lever 106b. Also shown are the contact arm 111b (not in cross section) of the contact portion 110a. Furthermore, a free angle 116 defined by the lever arm 107c of the second lever 106b and the contact arm 111b of the first contact portion 110a is shown. The free angle 116 occurs when the compression mechanism is disengaged and the lever is not constrained by the corresponding anchor, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second lever 106b and the corresponding second anchor 120b are shown.

[0054] To transition the compression mechanism from disengaged to engaged, a torque is applied to one or more levers 106 to rotate the lever arms 107 about the corresponding biasing elements 114, as indicated by directional arrow 1. When the intermediate lever members 108 are horizontally aligned with respective notches 122 in respective anchors 120 (e.g., when the intermediate lever member 108b is aligned with the notch 122b of the anchor 120b), a horizontal force can then be applied to the one or more levers 106 to move the interlocking segments of each intermediate lever member 108a, 108b, 108c into the horizontally aligned notches 122a, 122b, 122c of the anchors 120a, 120b, 120c. Once the interlocking segments of the intermediate lever members are received in the respective notches, the hook shape of the notches (e.g., angled, curved, etc.) constrains the levers until an appropriate opposing force is applied to the levers 106.

[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional, top-side perspective view of the assembled mechanical stack 100, wherein the lever 106 of the compression mechanism 102 is restrained in a fixed position by the corresponding anchor 120. For clarity, Figure 6 The retainer 118 is omitted. Figure 6 As shown, the interlocking segment of each intermediate lever member 108 is received in and constrained by one of the notches 122 of the corresponding anchor 120a-120c. In this example, the interlocking segment can have the same cross-section (e.g., same shape, same size) as the rest of the intermediate lever member 108. When the lever 106 is in the fixed position as shown, the biasing element 114 is loaded in response to the twisting or bending movement that occurs when the lever is rotated and secured in the fixed position. The angular deflection corresponds to how far the lever arm rotates from the free angle to horizontal alignment with the notch of the corresponding anchor.

[0056] In other examples, the interlocking segments may have a different cross-section than the rest of the intermediate lever member 108. For example, the interlocking segments may be shaped to mate with the upper portion of the anchor, or connected in any other manner that requires the interlocking segments to have a different shape in order to releasably couple with the anchor. In another example, the interlocking segments may be offset relative to the rest of the intermediate lever member, which will be referred to herein. Figures 9-13 This is further described.

[0057] In this example, the outer arm 105 is substantially straight and is retained within the edge of the cover 130. Thus, the distal portion of the outer arm 105 can be received in a retainer located on the edge of the cover 130 (at Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5). In this example, biasing elements 114a, 114f at opposite ends of the elongated spring 104 are coupled to outer arms 105a, 105b, respectively, and are rotated to work in the same direction as adjacent biasing elements 114b, 114e, so that lever arms 107a, 107f intersect with outer arms 105a, 105b, respectively. This design can advantageously limit the lateral (X-direction) footprint of the lid, memory module, and possibly other layers. In other examples, modifications can be made to allow the biasing elements 114a, 114f at opposite ends of the elongated spring 104 to rotate in opposite directions so that the outer lever arms 107a and 107f do not intersect with the outer arms 105a, 105b. For example, one modification includes adjusting the through holes of the lid (and other layers) to allow more room at the end of the lid. Another modification includes extending the lid to allow more room at the end of the lid. Additional modifications may include changing the outer arm design in various ways, one example of which would be directed to Figure 12 Further shown and described.

[0058] Figures 7A-7B is a side view of the possible free angles along the groove of an elongated spring (eg, elongated spring 104) when the compression mechanism is disengaged and the lever of the elongated spring is in the free position. Figure 7A A biasing element 702 (e.g., similar to biasing element 114) is shown having a first end extending into a lever arm 704 (e.g., similar to lever arm 107) and a second end extending into a contact arm 706 (e.g., similar to contact arm 111). Alternatively, the second end of the biasing element can extend into an outer arm (e.g., similar to outer arm 105) or a connecting arm (e.g., connecting the biasing element to another lever arm, contact arm, or outer arm). Figure 7A The example free angle shown along the groove is 45°. Similarly, Figure 7B A biasing element 712, a lever arm 714, and a contact arm 716 (or outer arm or other connecting arm) are shown. Figure 7B The example free angle shown along the groove is 30°.

[0059] The permissible deflection angle (i.e., the permissible degree of displacement) depends on the specific design of the elongated spring. For example, Figures 1-6 The deflection angle of the long spring 104 may be limited by the diameter of the outer arm because the adjacent lever arm crosses the outer arm. Figure 7A The maximum deflection angle of a spring designed as shown with a 45° free angle will be less than 45°, and Figure 7B The maximum deflection angle of the spring shown in the design with a 30° free angle will be less than 30°. However, in other examples, when no lever arm crosses the other arm (e.g., as will be referred to in the example), the maximum deflection angle of the spring will be less than 30°. Figures 9-13As mentioned above), the maximum deflection angle can be less than or equal to the free angle.

[0060] The free angle of the recess can be adjusted based on the specific needs and requirements of the PCB receiving the pressure and / or other layers in the mechanical stack assembly with the PCB to increase or decrease the pressure applied by the contact portion. The load of the elongated spring refers to the force applied by the spring (e.g., the contact portion of the elongated spring) when the biasing element is twisted from its free position. The load of the elongated spring, as described herein, will be proportional to the angle of deflection that allows the lever to be constrained by the corresponding anchor.

[0061] Figures 8A-8D is a diagram illustrating the results of a structural analysis of a simulated elongated spring 804 (eg, similar to elongated spring 104 ) of a compression mechanism as disclosed herein. Figures 8A-8D The diagram shows the results of a structural analysis based on a von Mises stress test of a simulated long spring 804. The von Mises stress is a yield criterion used to determine whether a given material will yield or break.

[0062] Figure 8A Resulting displacements (URES) of various components of simulated elongated spring 804, measured in millimeters, are shown. Simulated elongated spring 804 includes lever 806, lever arm 807, intermediate lever member 808, contact portion 810, contact arm 811, intermediate contact member 812, outer arm 805, and biasing element 814.

[0063] Figure 8B The simulated elongated spring 804 mounted on the simulated lid 830 and the Mises yield are shown. The lever arm, the interlocking segments of the intermediate lever member, and the biasing element exhibit the largest Mises yield (e.g., in the range of +1.057e+03 to +5.286e+02). The contact arm and the intermediate contact member exhibit the smallest Mises yield (e.g., in the range of +4.507e-05 and below).

[0064] Figure 8C yes Figure 8B 808. A cross-sectional view of the interlocking segments of the intermediate lever member 808. The center 809 of the intermediate lever member 808 exhibits a maximum Mises yield (e.g., in the range of +1.029e+03 to +1.513e+03).

[0065] based on Figures 8A-8C As shown in the simulation results, the elongated springs (e.g., elongated spring 104) provided herein provide additional compressive force compared to a typical screw. For example, a torsion spring can exert approximately 82 pounds of compressive force, while a typical screw can exert approximately 45 pounds of compressive force.

[0066] Figure 8DA pressure point analysis simulating an elongated spring 804 and a cover 830 is shown. Figure 8D A simulated lid 830 (without the elongated spring 804) is shown after a simulated test has been performed. On the simulated lid 830, the lighter contrast areas represent the pressure points from the elongated spring 804 when torque is applied to the lever 806. Figure 8D As shown, on the lid 830, the pressure is more evenly distributed where the contact portion 810 applies the compressive force. In fact, compared to the three pressure points of a typical mechanical stack assembly with an LPCAMM memory module, the pressure is more evenly distributed at the lid 830 where the contact portion 810 applies the compressive force. Figure 8D More than eight pressure points were observed in FIG. Thus, when implemented in a mechanical stack assembly with memory modules (e.g., memory module 140), an elongated spring similar to elongated spring 804 would create pressure points on each memory component of the memory module. Furthermore, the specific design of the elongated spring could be modified to ensure that the contact portion is aligned with the component or other area where compressive force is desired and / or required.

[0067] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional front top perspective view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 900. The mechanical stack assembly 900 includes an alternative embodiment of a compression mechanism 902 comprising an elongated spring 904 with levers 906a, 906b, and 906c (collectively 906) and contact portions 910a and 910b (collectively 910). Figure 9 , lever 906 is constrained by respective anchors 920a, 920b, and 920c (collectively 920) and can be released from the anchors in response to an appropriate force. Mechanical stack assembly 900 (e.g., similar to mechanical stack assembly 100) can include a cover 930 and a base 970 (e.g., a cover 930 and a base 970). Figure 11-13 ), the anchor 920 extends from the base 970.

[0068] Although the elongated spring 904 is illustrated with three levers 906 and two contact portions 910 in an alternating arrangement with biasing elements 914a, 914b, 914c, 914d, 914e, 914f (collectively 914) coupled therebetween, the number of levers and contact portions and their placement within the elongated spring 904 may vary depending upon the specific configuration of the mechanical stack assembly and the components to which the compressive force is applied.

[0069] Generally speaking, lever 906 can be similar to lever 106, for example, including respective pairs of lever arms 907a-907b, 907c-907d, and 907e-907f (collectively, 907), and respective intermediate lever members 908a, 908b, and 908c (collectively, 908). Intermediate lever member 908 connects the respective pairs of lever arms 907a-907b, 907c-907d, and 907e-907f to form a generally rectangular, three-sided lever 906. However, in other examples, lever 906 can be of any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a U-shape, a curved shape, a spline shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc., which will be referred to herein. Figures 14A-14D This is further described.

[0070] Each intermediate lever member 908 includes an interlocking segment that is received in a recess formed in one of the anchors 920. The interlocking segments of the intermediate lever members 908 are vertically offset below or under the intermediate lever members 908.

[0071] The contact portion 910 can be similar to the contact portion 110, for example, having respective pairs of contact arms 911a-911b and 911c-911d (collectively referred to as 911) and respective intermediate contact members 912a and 912b (collectively referred to as 912). The intermediate contact member 912 connects the respective pairs of contact arms 911a-911b and 911c-911d to form a generally rectangular three-sided contact portion 910. However, in other examples, the contact portion 910 can be any suitable shape, including but not limited to a U-shape, a curve, a spline shape, an ellipsoid, a trapezoid, etc., which will be referred to herein. Figures 14A-14D Some examples thereof are further described.

[0072] The biasing elements 914 can be similar to the biasing elements 114, wherein a biasing element is provided at the end of each lever arm 907 such that the biasing elements 914 are aligned along a common axis about which the lever can be rotated to a certain angle of deflection. In one example, the biasing elements 914 form a torsion spring (or any other suitable spring type), wherein each biasing element is shaped as a single bend or turn of a rod (e.g., a rod, shaft, wire, etc.) that operates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., by twisting, turning, etc. in response to rotational movement of the lever arm). One end of a given biasing element (e.g., 914a) extends into the lever arm (e.g., 907a), and the other end of the biasing element extends into the other arm that is biased against the lever arm. As Figure 9 As shown, the other arm is either a contact arm of an adjacent contact portion or an outer arm (e.g., 905a) for coupling the elongated spring 904 to the cover 930. In other embodiments, the other arm can be a connecting arm to another lever (not shown) or a connecting arm to the contact portion.

[0073] exist Figure 9 In the long spring 904, each pair of biasing elements 914a-914b, 914c-914d, and 914e-914f coupled to the levers 906a, 906b, and 906c, respectively, can be rotated to operate in opposite directions. The first biasing element 914a connects and biases the first outer arm 905a to the lever arm 907a of the first lever 906a, such that the first biasing element 914a operates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The second biasing element 914b connects and biases the lever arm 907b of the first lever 906a to the contact arm 911a of the first contact portion 910a, such that the second biasing element 914b operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). The third biasing element 914c connects and biases the lever arm 907c of the second lever 906b to the contact arm 911b of the first contact portion 910a, thereby operating the third biasing element 914c in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The fourth biasing element 914d connects and biases the lever arm 907d of the second lever 906b to the contact arm 911c of the second contact portion 910b, thereby operating the fourth biasing element 914d in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). The fifth biasing element 914e connects and biases the lever arm 907e of the third lever 906c to the contact arm 911d of the second contact portion 910b, thereby operating the fifth biasing element 914e in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The sixth biasing element 914f connects and biases the lever arm 907f of the third lever 906c to the second outer arm 905b, thereby operating the sixth biasing element 914f in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). In other embodiments, the operating (eg, twisting) direction of the biasing element 914 may be only clockwise, only counterclockwise, or any combination thereof.

[0074] The outer arms 905a, 905b are configured to allow the biasing elements 914a, 914f to rotate so that the lever arms 907a, 907f do not intersect adjacent outer arms 905a, 905b. In this example, the outer arms 905a, 905b each include a first longitudinal extension 901a, 901b, a transverse extension 903a, 903b, and a second longitudinal extension 990a, 990b. The first longitudinal extension 901a, 901b is positioned adjacent to the respective biasing elements 914a, 914f and laterally outward from the respective edge of the lid 930. The second longitudinal extension 990a, 990b is laterally offset from the first longitudinal extension 901a, 901b by the transverse extension 903a, 903b, such that the second longitudinal extension 990a, 990b is vertically aligned with the lid 930. In other configurations, when the distance between the edge of the cover 930 and the anchors 920a, 920c closest to the edge of the cover 930 is greater (e.g., when the cover is larger, when the anchors are positioned farther from the edge of the cover, etc.), the lateral extensions can be omitted such that there is no lateral offset between the second longitudinal extensions 990a, 990b and the first longitudinal extensions 901a, 901b.

[0075] The elongated spring 904 can be secured, positioned, and / or aligned on the outer surface 934 of the cover 930 using retainers (e.g., securing mechanisms, fasteners, clips, tabs, clamps, openings, notches, cavities, etc.) that are coupled to and / or defined by the structure of the cover 930 (e.g., molded, stamped, cast, bent, assembled, etc.), as previously described herein for the cover 130. Figure 9 In the example shown, openings 918a and 918b (collectively 918) are formed in the cover 930 and are sized to slidably receive a portion of a second longitudinal extension 990a and 990b (collectively 990) of the outer arm 905, respectively. The second longitudinal extension 990 includes a proximal portion 992b, an angled portion (e.g., Figure 13 994b) and the distal portion (e.g., Figure 13 The angled portion provides a vertical offset from the proximal portions 992a, 992b to enable the distal portion (e.g., distal portion 996b) to be received in the corresponding openings 918a, 918b in the cover 930.

[0076] The compression mechanism 902 also includes anchors 920 (e.g., similar to the anchors 120) for releasably restraining (e.g., locking, holding, restricting, retaining, etc.) the levers 906 in a fixed position. In one example, the anchors 920 extend from respective lower ends at a base (e.g., a bottom plate, a base plate, a back plate, a bottom, a bottom cover, a base cover, etc.) through the cover 930 to respective upper ends (e.g., Figure 9 The upper end 924a and Figure 11-12 ), which are vertically spaced (e.g., Z-axis) above the cover 930. In one example, the anchor 920 can be formed to couple with a structure (e.g., stamping, bending, extrusion, etc.) of the base 970 and / or a vertical axis (e.g., a standoff, rod, cylinder, etc.) defined thereby.

[0077] Each anchor 920a, 920b, and 920c includes a respective upper portion with a recess (e.g., a notch, an opening, an aperture, a hook-like cavity, etc.) sized to receive the interlocking segments of the adjacent intermediate lever members 908a, 908b, 908c of the lever 906 to couple the lever 906 to the anchor 920 such that the elongated spring is loaded (e.g., prevented from rotating) and the lever 906 is constrained in a fixed position until an appropriate release force is applied to the lever 906. The upper portion of the anchor terminates at an upper end of the anchor that is vertically spaced above the cover 930. When the lever 906 is constrained in the fixed position by the anchor 920, the biasing element 914 is loaded and a compressive force is applied to the cover 930 by the contact portion 910. In the compression mechanism 902, when the lever is constrained in the fixed position, the upper end 924 is substantially horizontally aligned with an upper edge or upper surface of the lever 906. Figure 11-12 An example anchor (eg, anchor 920b) including a notch (eg, notch 922) and an upper end (eg, upper end 924b) is illustrated in FIG.

[0078] Figure 10FIG2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing further details of intermediate lever member 908b including an extension link 980 formed therein. Intermediate lever member 908b includes a first intermediate extension 988, a second intermediate extension 989, and extension link 980 disposed between first and second intermediate extensions 988, 989. Extension link 980 includes a first transition portion 982, a second transition portion 984, and an offset portion 986. Offset portion 986 is vertically offset from first and second intermediate extensions 988, 989, with first and second transition portions 982, 984 disposed at opposite ends of offset portion 986, respectively. Offset portion 986 may be an interlocking segment sized to be received in a recess in an adjacent anchor 920b. The vertical offset of offset portion 986 allows for a reduction in the height of anchor 920b. In one example, offset portion 986 is flattened to further reduce the height of anchor 920b.

[0079] The design of the intermediate lever member 908b with the extension link 980 may result in a reduction in the thickness (e.g., Z height) of the anchor member by 0.5 to 1.0 mm, or possibly more. Thus, the upper end 924b of the anchor member 920b may be substantially horizontally aligned with the upper edge or surface of the elongated spring 904. Thus, the highest point in the mechanical stack assembly 900 may be defined by the diameter of the elongated spring 904 (or the lever 906 of the elongated spring 904). The extension link 980 is representative of the other extension links formed in the other intermediate lever members 908a and 908c of the elongated spring 904. However, the placement of the extension links along each intermediate lever member 908 may vary (e.g., closer to one lever arm or the other, in the middle, etc.).

[0080] It should be noted that reference to the first intermediate extension 988 and the second intermediate extension 989 may respectively include a first lever arm (e.g., first lever arm 907c) and a second lever arm (e.g., second lever arm 907d) of a particular lever (e.g., lever 906b). For example, alternative lever designs (e.g., curved, arched, U-shaped, etc.) may include curved lever arms extending from respective biasing elements to opposite ends of an extension link (e.g., extension link 980).

[0081] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly taken along line CC. Figure 11 Lever 906b is shown constrained in a fixed position by anchor 920b. Figure 11Also illustrated are possible layers of a mechanical stack assembly 900, including a lid 930, a memory module 940 with a memory component 944b (e.g., an LPCAMM), a compression connector 950, a motherboard 960, and a base 970. A second anchor 920b and a recess 922b formed therein are illustrated.

[0082] The second anchor 920 b extends from a lower end at the base 970 through respective through-holes of the mainboard 960 , the compression connector 950 , the memory module 940 , and the cover 930 . Figure 11 Also shown are lever arm 907c (not in cross-section) of second lever 906b and third portion 986 (in cross-section) of extended link 980 of intermediate lever member 908b. Third portion 986 is disposed in recess 922b of anchor 920b, which constrains second lever 906b in a fixed position. Also shown are contact arm 911b (not in cross-section) of contact portion 910a. The angle of lever 906b is at maximum deflection in the fixed position.

[0083] like Figure 11 As shown, when the second lever is in the fixed position, the upper end 924b of the anchor 920b is horizontally aligned with the upper surface or upper edge of the second lever 906b (or at least the intermediate extensions 988, 989 of the intermediate lever member 908b). In some scenarios, when the lever 906 is in the fixed position, the upper end of the anchor 920b may be vertically spaced below the upper surface or upper edge of the lever 906b (or at least the intermediate extensions of the intermediate lever member 908). In the fixed position, the upper edge or surface of the second lever (or at least the intermediate extensions 988, 989) is vertically spaced above the outer surface 934 of the cover 930 by a distance equal to the diameter of the shaft, rod, wire, etc. forming the elongated spring 904. Thus, for implementations where the Z height of the mechanical stack assembly 900 is critical, the anchor 920 can be sized so that the height of the assembly is defined by the diameter of the elongated spring 904 rather than the anchor. As an example, the diameter of the elongated spring 904 can be in the range of 0.5-2 millimeters (mm) (e.g., for thinner laptops or other thinner devices). For thicker devices (e.g., workstations, gaming laptops, etc.), the diameter of the elongated spring 904 can be up to 3 mm or possibly larger. In some scenarios, the lever 906 can be formed to have a different diameter than the contact portion 910 and / or the outer arm 905.

[0084] To transition the compression mechanism from engagement to disengagement, torque is applied to one or more levers 906, causing the lever arms 907 to slide laterally away from the anchors 920. This releases the torque applied to the third portion (e.g., third portion 986) of the extension link (e.g., extension link 980) of the intermediate lever member 908, allowing the levers 906 to rotate about their respective biasing elements 914 to a free position. Furthermore, a free angle 916 defined by the lever arm 907c of the second lever 906b and the contact arm 911b of the first contact portion 910a is shown. The free angle 916 exists when the compression mechanism is disengaged and the levers are not constrained by their respective anchors.

[0085] Figure 12 It is along Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 900 is taken along line CC, but Figure 12 The levers 906 are not shown in a fixed position, but rather in a free position. To transition the compression mechanism 902 from disengaged to engaged, a torque is applied to one or more levers 906 to rotate the lever arms 907 about the corresponding biasing elements 914, as indicated by directional arrow 1. When the third portion of the intermediate lever member 908 is horizontally aligned with a respective notch 922 in a respective anchor 920 (e.g., when the third portion 986 of the extension link 980 in the intermediate lever member 908b is aligned with the notch 922b of the anchor 920b), a horizontal force can then be applied to the one or more levers 906 to move the offset portion of the extension link of the intermediate lever member 908 into the horizontally aligned notch 922 of the anchor 920. Once the offset portion of the extension link of the intermediate lever member is received in the corresponding notch, the hook shape of the notch (e.g., angled, curved, etc.) constrains the lever until an appropriate opposing force is applied to the lever 906.

[0086] Figure 13 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 900 taken along line DD. Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , the lever 906 is constrained in a fixed position by the anchor 920. The lever arm 907f of the third lever 906c is Figure 13 , and is constrained in a fixed position by a third anchor 920c. Figure 13 Also shown are example layers of a mechanical stack assembly 900 , including a lid 930 , a memory module 940 with a memory component 944 d (eg, an LPCAMM), a compression connector 950 , a mainboard 960 , and a base 970 .

[0087] Figure 13, an example coupling of the outer arm 905b of the elongated spring 904 and the lid 930 is illustrated. A second longitudinally extending portion 990b of the second outer arm 905b includes a proximal portion 992b, an angled portion 994b, and a distal portion 996b. The proximal portion 992b is substantially parallel to and engages the outer surface 934 of the lid 930. The angled portion 994b is sized to be received within the second opening 918b and intersects the outer surface 934 of the lid 930. The angled portion 994b extends between the proximal portion 992b and the distal portion 996b. Thus, the angled portion 994b vertically offsets the distal portion 996b from the proximal portion 992b. The distal portion 996b is sized to be received within the second opening 918b. The distal portion is inserted into the second opening 918b and maneuvered so that the proximal portion rests on the outer surface 934 of the cover 930, the angled portion 994b intersects the outer surface 934 of the cover 930, and the distal portion 996b is secured below and substantially parallel to the outer surface 934 of the cover 930. The second longitudinal extension 990a of the first outer arm 905a (at Figure 9 ) may be similarly configured and may be similarly secured in the first opening 918a on the opposite side of the cover 930.

[0088] Figures 14A-14D Depicts an alternative example long spring for a compression mechanism that may be implemented in the examples disclosed herein. For simplicity, the diagram is shown in line form. Figures 14A-14D However, it will be appreciated that the elongated spring may be formed from a bar, rod, shaft, wire, etc. having a selected diameter (or different diameters for different portions of the spring). Figures 14A-14D Any example features and / or aspects of may be utilized in combination with or in place of any example disclosed herein. Figures 14A-14D In the examples shown in FIG, representative reference numbers are provided on selected elements for simplicity, and these reference numbers are intended to apply to other similar elements shown in the drawings.

[0089] exist Figure 14A , an example elongated spring 1400 is illustrated having an outer arm 1405, three levers 1402, two contact portions 1406, and six biasing elements 1409. The levers 1402 and contact portions 1406 are three-sided. Each lever 1402 includes two converging lever arms 1403 and an intermediate lever member 1404 connecting the converging ends of the two lever arms 1403. Each contact portion 1406 includes two converging contact arms 1407 and an intermediate contact member 1408 connecting the converging ends of the two contact arms. Each biasing element 1409 is located between a lever arm 1403 and a contact arm 1407, or between a lever arm 1403 and an outer arm 1405.

[0090] exist Figure 14B , an example elongated spring 1410 is illustrated having an outer arm 1415, three levers 1412, two contact portions 1416, and six biasing elements 1419. The levers 1412 and contact portions 1416 are three-sided. Each lever 1412 includes two converging lever arms 1413 and an intermediate lever member 1414 connecting the converging ends of the two lever arms 1413. Each contact portion 1416 includes two substantially parallel contact arms 1417 and an intermediate contact member 1418 connecting the two ends of the two contact arms of the contact portion 1416. Each biasing element 1419 is located between a lever arm 1413 and a contact arm 1417, or between a lever arm 1413 and an outer arm 1415.

[0091] exist Figure 14C , an example elongated spring 1420 is illustrated having an outer arm 1425, two levers 1422, three contact portions 1426, and four biasing elements 1429. The levers 1422 and contact portions 1426 are three-sided. Each lever 1422 includes two substantially parallel lever arms 1423 and an intermediate lever member 1424 connecting the two lever arms 1423 of lever 1422 at both ends. Each contact portion 1426 includes two substantially parallel contact arms 1427 and an intermediate contact member 1428 connecting the two contact arms of contact portion 1426 at both ends. Each biasing element 1429 is positioned between a lever arm 1423 and a contact arm 1427. The bends or turns 1421 of the elongated spring connect the outer arm 1425 to the adjacent contact arm without a biasing element disposed therebetween.

[0092] exist Figure 14D , an example elongated spring 1430 is illustrated having an outer arm 1435, two levers 1432, three contact portions 1436, and four biasing elements 1439. The levers 1432 and contact portions 1436 are three-sided. Each lever 1432 includes two substantially parallel lever arms 1433 and an intermediate lever member 1434 connecting the ends of the two lever arms 1433 of lever 1432. Each contact portion 1436 includes two converging contact arms 1437 and an intermediate contact member 1438 connecting the converging ends of the two contact arms 1437 of contact portion 1436. Each biasing element 1439 is positioned between a lever arm 1433 and a contact arm 1437. A bend or turn 1431 in the elongated spring connects the outer arm 1435 to an adjacent contact arm without a biasing element disposed therebetween.

[0093] In each of the above examples, there are any number of variations within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any appropriate number of levers (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more), any appropriate number of contact portions (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more), and any appropriate combination thereof, can be configured in the elongated spring. In another example, some configurations can include adjacent levers and / or adjacent contact portions. In other examples, one or more intermediate arms can be used to connect a lever to an adjacent contact portion, a lever to an adjacent lever, a lever to an adjacent outer arm, a contact portion to an adjacent contact portion, or a contact portion to an adjacent outer arm. In other examples, the length of the lever arm can be shorter than the length of the contact arm (as shown in the examples herein), the same as the length of the contact arm, or longer than the length of the contact arm. In further examples, the lever and / or contact portion can have alternative shapes, including but not limited to an arched shape, a U-shape, a diverging shape (e.g., a diverging lever arm, a diverging contact arm), an S-shape, or any other alternative shape that allows at least a portion of the contact arm and / or intermediate contact member to be vertically aligned with an electronic component or other element to be compressed by the compression mechanism in a mechanical stack assembly.

[0094] also, Figures 14A-14D The outer arms 1405, 1415, 1425, and 1435 are shown as being coupled to respective biasing elements (e.g., Figures 14A-14B ) or from the end of the contact arm (e.g. Figures 14C-14D However, the outer arms may be configured in any suitable manner and / or shape (e.g., outer arm 905, etc.) to achieve the intended purpose of coupling the elongated spring to the cover such that the common axis of the biasing elements is substantially fixed when the lever is rotated and releasably constrained by the anchor.

[0095] Figure 15 1 is a flow chart of an example process 1500 associated with producing the examples disclosed herein. The example process may be used to produce, manufacture, assemble, and / or modify the examples disclosed herein on a mechanical stack assembly and / or a computing device and / or a PCB. Thus, the example process 1500 may be implemented during the production, assembly, or update and / or modification of a computing device, mechanical stack assembly, and / or PCB.

[0096] At 1502, an elongated spring (e.g., elongated spring 104, 904) is produced with a lever (e.g., lever 106, 906), a contact portion (e.g., contact portion 110, 910), a biasing element (e.g., biasing element 114, 914), and an outer arm (e.g., outer arm 105, 905). In this example, three levers and two contact portions alternate, and the two outer arms are formed on or coupled to opposite ends. A biasing element is formed on or coupled between each lever and an adjacent contact portion, outer arm, or other arm, where the other arm can be connected to another lever, contact portion, or outer arm.

[0097] At 1504, a cover is produced or modified with a retainer (e.g., retainer 118, opening 918) to secure the elongated spring to the cover (e.g., cover 130, 930). The retainer can be coupled to or defined by the structure of the cover. For example, the retainer can be a housing structure (e.g., retainer 118) attached to or formed on opposite sides of the outer surface (e.g., 134) of the cover. In another example, the retainer can be formed as an opening (e.g., opening 918) formed on opposite sides of the outer surface of the cover. The retainer is sized to receive the distal portion (e.g., distal portion 996b) of the outer arm.

[0098] At 1506, an anchor (e.g., anchor 120, 920) is formed on or coupled to a layer in the mechanical stack, such as a base (e.g., base 170, 970). The anchor extends vertically upward from the base and is sized to pass through a through-hole in one or more layers to be included in the mechanical stack. Furthermore, when other layers are arranged between the base and the lid, the anchor is vertically sized to extend past the outer surface of the lid. In some examples, the upper end of the anchor extends past the contact portion of an elongated spring secured to the lid. In other examples, when the lever is constrained by the anchor, the upper end of the anchor is substantially horizontally aligned with the upper edge or surface of the lever (or at least the intermediate extension of the intermediate lever member). Each anchor includes a recess (e.g., a hook-shaped cavity, a notch, an opening, etc.). The recess of a given anchor is shaped to receive an interlocking segment of an adjacent lever to couple the adjacent lever to the given anchor and constrain the adjacent lever in a fixed position.

[0099] At 1508, the layers of the mechanical stack are assembled to the base. In one example, these layers include a lid, a memory module (e.g., memory module 140, 940), a compression connector (e.g., compression connector 150, 950), a motherboard (e.g., motherboard 160, 960), a thermal pad, etc., or any combination thereof. In this example, the through-holes of the motherboard can be aligned with the anchors. The motherboard can then be lowered onto the base and coupled to the base via the anchors. The through-holes of the compression connector can be aligned with the anchors. The compression connector can then be lowered onto the motherboard and coupled to the base via the anchors. The through-holes of the memory module can be aligned with the anchors. The memory module can then be lowered onto the compression connector and coupled to the base via the anchors.

[0100] At 1510, the elongated spring is coupled to the lid via a retainer. For example, the distal end portion of the outer arm of the elongated spring may be slidably inserted into a retainer formed on or coupled to the outer surface of the lid. In another example, the distal end portion of the outer arm of the elongated spring may be inserted into an opening in the lid to couple the elongated spring to the lid.

[0101] At 1512, a lid can be added to the mechanical stack. The through holes of the lid are aligned with the anchors on the base. The lid, along with the elongated springs coupled to the lid, can then be lowered onto the memory module (or thermal pad) and coupled to the base via the anchors.

[0102] At 1514, after the stack is assembled, a rotational force (e.g., torque) can be applied to one or more levers to rotate the levers toward the outer surface of the lid. When one lever is rotated, the other levers may also rotate, but additional torque may need to be applied to one or more of the other levers to ensure that all levers have sufficient angular deflection to align horizontally with the notches of the anchors.

[0103] At 1516, a lateral force is applied to the deflected lever to insert the extension link of the intermediate lever member (e.g., 208, 908) into the recess of the corresponding anchor and fix it within the recess, so that the lever is constrained in a fixed position, thereby making the lever releasably coupled to the anchor. To release the lever, a reverse force can be applied. In some cases, a rotational force can be applied to disengage the inserted portion of the lever from the recess, and then a reverse lateral force can be applied to remove the inserted portion of the lever from the recess. Once the inserted portion is removed from the anchor, the rotational force (if still present) can be removed and the lever rotated back to a free position. The force applied to the lever can be performed by a human or a machine, or by a combination thereof. In one example, a user can push the lever downward to push it into the recess of the anchor.

[0104] Once the mechanical stack is assembled and the elongated springs are restrained in a fixed position by the anchors, the reverse process can be used to remove the cover and access the memory module (eg, replace / repair selected memory components, etc.) or other layers.

[0105] It should be noted that some or all of the activities described with reference to process 1500 may be performed or assisted by humans, or none of them may be performed or assisted by humans. Additionally, some or all of the activities may be performed or assisted by machines (e.g., automated, semi-automated, manual, or any suitable combination of these).

[0106] The compression mechanism (e.g., compression mechanism 102, 902) can be implemented using any suitable mechanical stack assembly that utilizes compression. In some scenarios, an existing mechanical stack can be modified or retrofitted to implement the compression mechanism disclosed herein. For example, to modify an existing stack, screws can be removed to reveal through-holes in the stacked layers, retainers can be coupled to the lid, or a new lid can be produced with retainers formed therein, anchors can be coupled to the base (e.g., in threaded holes that typically receive screws), or a new base can be produced with anchors formed therein, and elongated springs can be coupled to the lid via retainers. The layers can then be assembled as described in process 1500. While the compression mechanism 102, 902 has been described herein with reference to a stack including memory modules (e.g., LPCAMMs), it should be understood that many other types of mechanical stacks can be modified, retrofitted, or organically designed to implement the compression mechanism 102, 902. In one non-limiting example, a land grid array (LGA)-based application can be replaced with the compression mechanism disclosed herein.

[0107] With regard to the general context of this specification, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the phrases “at least one of” and “one or more of” refer to any combination of the listed elements, parts, levers, retainers, openings, conditions, activities, devices, etc. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y, and Z” are intended to mean any of the following: 1) at least one X, but not Y and not Z; 2) at least one Y, but not X and not Z; 3) at least one Z, but not X and not Y; 4) at least one X and at least one Y, but not Z; 5) at least one X and at least one Z, but not Y; 6) at least one Y and at least one Z, but not X; or 7) at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0108] Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are intended to distinguish the specific items they modify (e.g., elements, levers, parts, members, extensions, anchors, retainers, openings, arms, biasing elements, upper ends, lower ends, devices, etc.), and are not intended to indicate any type of order, ranking, importance, chronology, or hierarchy. For example, "first X" and "second X" are intended to designate two separate X elements that are not necessarily subject to any order, ranking, importance, chronology, or hierarchy of the two elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0109] In the foregoing specification, a detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of "an embodiment" and other exemplary language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example, but may refer to different and distinct embodiments, as well as potentially the same embodiment.

[0110] The embodiments given herein are provided as examples only and are intended to be non-exclusive and non-restrictive. It should also be noted that the activities in the previous flow charts and schematic diagrams illustrate only some possible activities that humans and / or machines may perform. Some of these activities may be omitted when appropriate, or these activities may be significantly modified or changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the timing of these operations may also be significantly changed. For example, the timing and / or order of certain activities may be changed relative to other activities to be performed before, after, or in parallel with other activities, or based on any appropriate combination of these. The previous operational flows are provided for example and discussion. The embodiments described herein provide ample flexibility in that any appropriate arrangement, chronological order, configuration, and timing mechanism may be provided without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0111] Additional Notes and Examples

[0112] The following examples pertain to embodiments according to the present specification. System, device, and method embodiments may include one or a combination of the following examples.

[0113] The following examples pertain to embodiments according to the present specification. Example A1 provides a device comprising a lid and a compression mechanism coupled to the lid. The compression mechanism comprises a first anchor extending through the lid, a first lever disposed in a first plane intersecting the lid, and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite an outer surface of the lid. The first lever and the first contact portion are in an offset relationship about a common axis, and when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, rotational movement of the first lever causes the first contact portion to be compressed against the lid and allows the first lever to be releasably restrained by the first anchor.

[0114] Example A2 includes the subject matter of Example A1, wherein the first anchor includes an upper portion with a notch sized to receive the first segment of the first lever.

[0115] Example A3 includes the subject matter of Example A2, wherein the recess receives the first segment of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to oppose the outer surface of the lid and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first segment into the recess.

[0116] Example A4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A3, and the first anchor is sized such that when the first segment of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor, the upper end of the first anchor is substantially horizontally aligned with or vertically spaced below the upper surface of the first lever.

[0117] Example A5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A4, wherein the first segment is disposed between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever.

[0118] Example A6 includes the subject matter of Example A5, wherein the first segment is vertically offset below the first extension and the second extension.

[0119] Example A7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A3, wherein the first segment is substantially horizontally aligned along the intermediate member of the first lever.

[0120] Example A8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A7, and the first lever includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm.

[0121] Example A9 includes the subject matter of Example A8, and the compression mechanism further includes a first biasing element coupled to one end of the first lever and a second biasing element coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, and the first biasing element and the second biasing element are aligned along the common axis.

[0122] Example A10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A8-A9, wherein the first lever arm and the second lever arm are substantially parallel or converging.

[0123] Example A11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A10, wherein a lower end of the first anchor is coupled to a base spaced vertically below the cover.

[0124] Example A12 includes the subject matter of Example A11, wherein the first contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a first integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base, and the second contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a second integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base.

[0125] Example A13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A12, and further includes a second anchor extending through the cover, a second lever arranged in the first plane, a second contact portion arranged in the second plane, a third biasing element coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever, and a fourth biasing element coupled to an opposite end of the second lever, and a second rotational movement of the second lever about the common axis biases the second contact portion toward the cover and allows the second lever to be releasably restrained by the second anchor.

[0126] Example A14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A13, wherein the printed circuit board is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0127] Example A15 includes the subject matter of Example A14, wherein the cover is a heat sink.

[0128] Example A16 includes the subject matter of Example A14, wherein a heat sink is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0129] Example B1 provides a system comprising a lid, a base vertically spaced from the lid, a first anchor extending from the base to an upper end vertically spaced above the lid, and a torsion spring coupled to the lid. The torsion spring comprises a first lever disposed in a first plane intersecting the lid and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite the lid, wherein the first lever and the first contact portion are biased about a common axis. When a rotational force is applied to the first lever, the lid is compressed by the first contact portion, and the first anchor is configured to releasably restrain the first lever.

[0130] Example B2 includes the subject matter of Example B1, wherein the first anchor includes an upper portion with a notch sized to receive the first segment of the first lever.

[0131] Example B3 includes the subject matter of Example B2, wherein the recess receives the first segment of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to oppose the lid and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first segment into the recess.

[0132] Example B4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B3, and the first anchor is sized such that when the first segment of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor, the upper end of the first anchor is substantially horizontally aligned with or vertically spaced below the upper surface of the first lever.

[0133] Example B5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B4, wherein the first segment is disposed between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever.

[0134] Example B6 includes the subject matter as described in Example B5, wherein the first segment is vertically offset below the first extension and the second extension.

[0135] Example B7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B3, wherein the first segment is substantially horizontally aligned along the intermediate member of the first lever.

[0136] Example B8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B7, and the first lever includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm.

[0137] Example B9 includes the subject matter of Example B8, and the torsion spring further includes a first biasing element coupled to one end of the first lever and a second biasing element coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, and the first biasing element and the second biasing element are aligned along the common axis.

[0138] Example B10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B8-B9, and the first lever arm and the second lever arm are substantially parallel or converging.

[0139] Example B11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B10, wherein the first contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with the first integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base, and the second contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with the second integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base.

[0140] Example B12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B11, and further includes a second anchor extending through the cover, a second lever arranged in the first plane, a second contact portion arranged in the second plane, a third biasing element coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever, and a fourth biasing element coupled to an opposite end of the second lever, and a second rotational movement of the second lever about the common axis biases the second contact portion toward the cover and allows the second lever to be releasably restrained by the second anchor.

[0141] Example B13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B13, wherein the printed circuit board is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0142] Example B14 includes the subject matter of Example B13, wherein the cover is a heat sink.

[0143] Example B15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B13, wherein a heat sink is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0144] Example C1 provides a device comprising: a cover; a base; a plurality of electronic components arranged between the cover and the base; a compression device for compressing the cover substantially uniformly against the plurality of electronic components; a limiting device for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base; and a restraining device for releasably restraining the compression device when the cover is compressed against the plurality of electronic components.

[0145] Example C2 includes the subject matter of Example C1, and the compression device comprises an elongated spring and a plurality of anchors extending from the base.

[0146] Example C3 includes the subject matter of Example C2, wherein the elongated spring includes a plurality of levers and a plurality of contact portions biased against the plurality of levers.

[0147] Example C4 includes the subject matter of Example C3, wherein the plurality of anchors are configured to releasably constrain the plurality of levers in a fixed position in which the plurality of contact portions compress the cover against the plurality of electronic components.

[0148] Example C5 includes the subject matter of Example C4, wherein a first lever of the plurality of levers includes a first segment that is received within a recess of a first anchor of the plurality of anchors when the plurality of levers are releasably constrained in the fixed position.

[0149] Example C6 includes the subject matter of Example C5, wherein the first segment is disposed between a first extension and a second extension of the first lever, and the first segment is vertically offset from the first extension and the second extension.

[0150] Example C7 includes the subject matter as described in Example C5, wherein the first segment is horizontally aligned along the middle member of the first lever.

[0151] Example C8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples C2-C7, wherein the limiting means for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base comprises a plurality of through-holes in the cover.

[0152] Example C9 includes the subject matter of Example C8, wherein the plurality of through-holes are sized to receive the plurality of anchors, respectively.

[0153] Example C10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples C1-C9, and further includes coupling means for coupling the compression means to the cover.

[0154] Example C11 includes the subject matter of Example C10, and the compression device includes a first outer arm.

[0155] Example C12 includes the subject matter of Example C11, wherein the coupling device comprises an opening in the cover, and the opening is sized to receive the distal portion of the first outer arm.

[0156] Example C13 includes the subject matter of Example C11, wherein the coupling device includes an opening formed in the cover, and the opening is sized to receive the distal portion of the first outer arm.

[0157] Example M1 provides a method comprising assembling multiple layers of a mechanical stack assembly to a substrate, the multiple layers comprising a cover and a first printed circuit board, coupling an elongated spring to the cover, the elongated spring comprising a plurality of levers and a plurality of contact portions, adding the cover to the mechanical stack assembly via one or more anchors, applying a rotational force to the plurality of levers so that the plurality of contact portions apply a compressive force to an upper surface of the cover, and applying a lateral force to the plurality of levers to releasably couple the plurality of levers to the one or more anchors, respectively.

[0158] Example M2 includes the subject matter of Example M1, and further includes producing the elongated spring having the plurality of levers and the plurality of contact portions.

[0159] Example M3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M2, and further includes producing the cover with first and second retainers disposed on opposing sides of the cover.

[0160] Example M4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M3, and further includes forming the one or more anchors on a substrate.

[0161] Example M5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M3, and further includes coupling the one or more anchors to the substrate.

[0162] Example M6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M5, and further includes inserting segments of the plurality of levers into recesses in the one or more anchors.

[0163] Example M7 includes the subject matter of Example M6, and the lateral force is applied when the rotational force is being applied and the segments of the plurality of levers are substantially horizontally aligned with the notches of the one or more anchors.

[0164] Example M8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M7, wherein the lateral force is applied to a first lever of the plurality of levers when the first lever is substantially horizontally aligned with a first notch of a first anchor of the one or more anchors.

[0165] Example M9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples M1-M8, and applying the rotational force to the multiple levers causes the first contact arm of a first contact portion of the multiple contact portions to apply a first compressive force to a first electronic component on the first printed circuit board, and also causes the second contact arm of a second contact portion of the multiple contact portions to apply a second compressive force to a second electronic component on the first printed circuit board.

[0166] Example M10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M9, wherein the elongated spring is a torsion spring comprising a plurality of biasing elements aligned along a common axis.

[0167] Example M11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M10, and the plurality of layers includes a heat sink.

Claims

1. A device comprising: cover; as well as A compression mechanism coupled to the cover comprises: a first anchor extending through the cover; a first lever disposed in a first plane intersecting the cover; and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite an outer surface of the lid, wherein the first lever and the first contact portion are in a biased relationship about a common axis, wherein when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, rotational movement of the first lever causes the first contact portion to be compressed against the lid and allows the first lever to be releasably restrained by the first anchor.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first anchor includes an upper portion with a notch sized to receive the first segment of the first lever.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The recess receives the first segment of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to act against the outer surface of the lid and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first segment into the recess.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein The first anchor is sized such that an upper end of the first anchor is substantially horizontally aligned with or vertically spaced below an upper surface of the first lever when the first segment of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein The first segment is arranged between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The first segment is vertically offset below the first extension and the second extension.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The first segment is aligned substantially horizontally along the intermediate member of the first lever.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first lever comprises: a first lever arm; and Second lever arm.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein The compression mechanism further comprises: a first biasing element coupled to one end of the first lever; and A second biasing element is coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, wherein the first biasing element and the second biasing element are aligned along the common axis.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein The first lever arm and the second lever arm are substantially parallel or converging.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: A lower end of the first anchor is coupled to a base spaced vertically below the cover.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein A first contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a first integrated circuit package positioned between the cover and the base, wherein a second contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a second integrated circuit package positioned between the cover and the base.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a second anchor extending through the cover; a second lever disposed in the first plane; a second contact portion arranged in the second plane; a third biasing element coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever; as well as A fourth biasing element is coupled to an opposite end of the second lever, wherein a second rotational movement of the second lever about the common axis biases the second contact portion toward the cover and allows the second lever to be releasably restrained by the second anchor.

14. A system comprising: cover; a base spaced vertically from the cover; a first anchor member extending from the base to an upper end vertically spaced above the cover; as well as a torsion spring coupled to the cover, the torsion spring comprising: a first lever disposed in a first plane intersecting the cover; and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite the cover, wherein the first lever and the first contact portion are in a biased relationship about a common axis, wherein the cover is compressed by the first contact portion when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, and wherein the first anchor is configured to releasably restrain the first lever.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first anchor includes an upper portion with a notch sized to receive the first segment of the first lever.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The recess receives the first segment of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to oppose the cover and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first segment into the recess.

17. The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The first lever comprises a first arm and a second arm, and wherein the torsion spring further comprises: a first biasing element coupled to one end of the first lever; and A second biasing element is coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, wherein the first biasing element and the second biasing element are aligned along the common axis.

18. The system of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: A printed circuit board is disposed at least partially between the cover and the base.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: A heat sink is disposed between the cover and at least a portion of the printed circuit board.

20. The system of any one of claims 14-18, wherein: The cover is a heat sink.

21. An apparatus comprising: cover; base; a plurality of electronic components disposed between the cover and the base; compression means for substantially uniformly compressing the cover against the plurality of electronic components; a limiting device for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base; as well as A restraining device is provided for releasably restraining the compression device when the cover is compressed against the plurality of electronic components.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The compression device includes an elongated spring and a plurality of anchors extending from the base.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: The elongated spring includes a plurality of levers and a plurality of contact portions biased against the plurality of levers.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: Coupling means for coupling the compression means to the cover.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein: The compression device includes a first outer arm, wherein the coupling device includes a retainer attached to the cover and sized to receive the distal portion of the first outer arm, or an opening formed in the cover and sized to receive the distal portion of the first outer arm.

Images