Fastener system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fastener systems. Generally, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to a threadless fastening system including a fastening washer (including a conical spring), a retaining cup (including one or more washer centering ribs), and an attachment pin, wherein the fastening washer is configured to press fit onto an interface surface of the attachment pin, and wherein the conical spring is configured to create an engagement preload between the fastening washer and the attachment pin body clamp surface.

Description

[0001] Incorporation by invoking any priority claim

[01] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 048,282 entitled “FASTENER SYSTEM”, filed on February 7, 2025, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a fastener system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a self-holding fastening washer and system thereof. This fastener system can be used to attach printed circuit board assemblies to heat sinks. Background Technology

[0003] Many types of fasteners can structurally, thermally, and electrically attach printed circuit board assemblies to heat sinks. However, installing these fasteners can be very time-consuming. These fasteners can also be supplied as discrete parts, which adds further difficulty to the assembly process. Furthermore, these fasteners can have a high failure rate during installation due to fastener detachment, cross-threading, false threads, or changes in engagement preload. Therefore, using such fastening systems can lead to low process yields and / or high failure rates during assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To summarize the present invention and its advantages over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention are described herein. Not all such objects or advantages can be achieved in any particular embodiment of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or practiced in a way that achieves or optimizes one or more advantages taught herein without achieving the other objects or advantages described herein.

[0005] In some aspects, this disclosure provides a threadless fastener system for securing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) to an attachment pin, wherein the attachment pin extends from a heat sink and includes a clamping surface spaced apart from the heat sink. The clamping surface is configured to support the PCBA. The threadless fastener system includes: a fastening washer having a tapered spring and a plurality of interference lobes sized and shaped to clamp to the attachment pin; and a retaining cup sized and shaped to receive the fastening washer, wherein a portion of the retaining cup is disposed between the fastening washer and the PCBA when the plurality of interference lobes are clamped to the attachment pin, wherein the tapered spring generates a thermally stable clamping force on the PCBA between the clamping surface and this portion of the retaining cup when the plurality of interference lobes are clamped to the attachment pin.

[0006] In some aspects, a fastening washer configured for fastening to an attached pin is described. The fastening washer includes: a conical spring having an inner edge and an outer edge; a flat outer edge extending from the outer edge of the conical spring; an integral pressure-bearing surface extending inward from the inner edge; and a plurality of interference lobes arranged inward from the integral pressure-bearing surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fastening washer further includes an opening at the center of the plurality of interference lobes. In some embodiments, the inner and outer edges are circular and concentric. In some embodiments, the fastening washer further includes one or more gaps extending radially through a portion of the conical spring. In some embodiments, the integral pressure-bearing surface is substantially parallel to the flat outer edge. In some embodiments, the plurality of interference lobes are configured to mechanically grip the attachment pin. In some embodiments, the fastening washer further includes stainless steel. In some embodiments, the fastening washer further includes a height from the flat outer edge to the plurality of interference lobes, wherein the height is approximately 2 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the flat outer edge is approximately 13 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the opening is approximately 2.75 mm.

[0008] In some aspects, a threadless fastener system is described. The threadless fastener system includes: a retaining cup having a cup-holding surface; a fastening washer including a conical spring positioned within the retaining cup; and an attachment pin having an interface surface and a pin-body holding surface; wherein an end of the attachment pin is configured to attach to a first component, wherein the fastening washer is configured to hold on the interface surface, and wherein the conical spring is configured to generate a clamping force on a second component positioned between the cup-holding surface and the pin-body holding surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cup clamping surface is spaced apart from the end of the attachment pin. In some embodiments, the interface surface is conductive. In some embodiments, the retaining cup further includes one or more washer centering wedges. In some embodiments, the clamping force is at least 300 N. In some embodiments, the retaining cup further includes a washer pressure-bearing stroke limiting feature. In some embodiments, the retaining cup further includes one or more snap-fit ​​retainers. In one embodiment, the first component is a heat sink, and the heat sink is securely attached to the attachment pin. In some embodiments, the second component is a PCBA. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a threadless fastener system according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The front sectional view shows a threadless fastener system, which includes a retaining cup, a fastening washer, and an attachment pin.

[0013] Figure 3 It comes from Figure 1 A perspective view of the fastening washer.

[0014] Figure 4 It comes from Figure 1 A perspective illustration of the cup.

[0015] Figure 5 It comes from Figure 1 The front sectional view of the attached pin is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals and / or terms may indicate the same or functionally similar elements. It should be understood that the elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it should be understood that some embodiments may include more elements than shown in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements shown in the drawings. In addition, some embodiments may include any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings. The headings are provided for convenience only and do not affect the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0017] In general, one or more aspects of this disclosure relate to a threadless fastener system that may include a self-retaining fastening washer. This threadless fastener system can attach a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) to a heatsink while simultaneously spaced the PCBA from the heatsink. The threadless fastener system can secure the PCBA to an attachment pin. The threadless fastener system can advantageously maintain a set clearance between the PCBA and the heatsink. The threadless fastener system may include a self-retaining fastening washer comprising a conical spring. This threadless fastener system can advantageously improve the speed and accuracy of PCBA assembly on a heatsink, in part because multiple fasteners can be simultaneously clamped, thereby attaching one or more PCBAs to the heatsink. While the description herein is of attaching a threadless fastener system to a heatsink, it should be understood that this threadless fastener system can also be used to attach any first component to any second component using the embodiments or sets of implementation examples described herein.

[0018] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a threadless fastener system 100 according to this disclosure. (See figure) Figure 1The threadless fastener system 100 shown includes a retaining cup 110, a fastening washer 130, and an attachment pin 150. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 is positioned within the retaining cup 110. In some embodiments, when assembled, the attachment pin 150 extends through the center of the fastening washer 130. The threadless fastener system 100 can advantageously connect the printed circuit board assembly 170 to the heat sink 180 from structural, thermal, and electrical perspectives.

[0019] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As illustrated, the threadless fastener system 100 allows the PCBA 170 to be attached to the heatsink 180. Figure 2 As shown, the attachment pin 150 extends from the distal surface of the heat sink 180 toward the proximal end. In some embodiments, the attachment pin 150 is fixedly attached to the heat sink 180. The attachment pin 150 may include a circular or substantially circular perimeter and has a central axis A. The attachment pin 150 may include a clamping surface 162. The clamping surface 162 may be positioned at a distance B from the heat sink 180. In some examples, the distance B may be between 0 mm and 30 mm. In some examples, distance B can be, approximately, or at least: 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, or any range thereof. In some embodiments, the clamping surface 162 may be substantially perpendicular to the central axis A and substantially parallel to the distal surface of the heat sink 180. In some embodiments, the clamping surface 162 may be rectangular, triangular, or include a portion of the circumference of the attachment pin 150. In some embodiments, the PCBA 170 may be positioned on the clamping surface 162. The retaining cup 110 may be positioned at the distal end of the clamping surface 162 and on the side of the PCBA 170 opposite to the clamping surface 162. The fastening washer 130 may be positioned within the retaining cup 110.

[0020] The fastening washer 130 can mechanically grip the interface surface 154 of the attachment pin 150 (e.g., via friction fit and / or interference fit). In some embodiments, the interface surface 154 may be a cylindrical surface away from the clamping surface 162. In some embodiments, the interface surface 154 may be smooth. In some embodiments, part or all of the interface surface 154 may be textured, knurled, ribbed, stepped, etc. The fastening washer 130 may be positioned on the retaining cup washer surface 124 of the retaining cup 110. Parallel to the axis of the attachment pin 150, pressure may be applied in the proximal direction of the fastening washer 130. This pressure may cause the fastening washer 130 to bend a certain clamping distance and clamp onto the interface surface 154. The pressure generates a clamping load on the fastening washer 130, causing the fastening washer 130 to press against the retaining cup 110 and secure the PCBA 170 between the clamping surface 162 and the cup clamping surface 118, which contacts the PCBA 170. Advantageously, the attachment pin 150 supports the PCBA after it is secured together. In some embodiments, the retaining cup washer surface 124 is spaced apart from the cup clamping surface 118 by a distance C. In some examples, the distance C is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the distance C can be, approximately, or at least: 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or any range thereof.

[0021] Advantageously, the threadless fastener system 100 provides creepage distance and electrical clearance for traces on nearby high-voltage electrical components and PCBA 170, because the retaining cup 110 can be electrically insulated and the fastening washer 130 can maintain clearance with the surface of PCBA 170. The retaining cup 110 may include a creepage surface between the fastening washer 130 and the surface of PCBA 170. The threadless fastener system 100 also helps to maintain thermally stable clamping force, enabling the clamping force to be maintained under thermal cycling conditions and various thermal conditions (e.g., extremely high temperatures, extremely low temperatures, and abrupt changes in between).

[0022] In some embodiments, the clamping force may be between 10 N and 1500 N, and the clamping distance may be between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the clamping distance may be at least, or at least about: 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, or any range between these values. In some examples, the clamping force generated is at least, or at least approximately: 10 N, 50 N, 100 N, 150 N, 200 N, 210 N, 220 N, 230 N, 240 N, 250 N, 260 N, 270 N, 280 N, 290 N, 300 N, 310 N, 320 N, 330 N, 340 N, 350 N, 360 N, 370 N, 380 N, 390 N, 400 N, 410 N, 420 N, 430 N, 440 N, 450 N, 460 N, 470 N, 480 N, 490 N, 500 N, 550 N, 600 N, 650 N. 700 N, 750 N, 800 N, 850 N, 900 N, 950 N, 1000 N, 1050 N, 1100 N, 1150 N, 1200 N, 1250 N, 1300 N, 1350 N, 1400 N, 1450 N, 1500 N, or any range between these values. In some examples, the fastening washer 130 can withstand height variations between 0.01 mm and 0.75 mm before a loss of clamping force occurs. In some examples, prior to the loss of clamping force, the height loss in the proximal or distal direction may be at least, or at least about: 0.01 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.75 mm, or any range between these values.

[0023] In some examples, multiple threadless fastener systems 100 can be used to fully attach the PCBA 170 to the heatsink 180. Multiple threadless fastener assemblies can be spaced apart around the surfaces of the PCBA 170 and the heatsink 180 to form a stable connection between the PCBA 170 and the heatsink 180. The PCBA 170 can be assembled to attach to the heatsink 180 using a method including the following steps: Apply adhesive at each location where a retaining cup 110 will be installed. In some embodiments, the retaining cup 110 includes metallic features and can be soldered to the PCBA 170. The washer assembly, including the retaining cup 110 (holding a pre-installed fastening washer 130), can be removed from a reel package via a pick-and-place machine and mounted onto the PCBA 170, thereby placing the washer assembly on the adhesive material. The PCBA 170 can be cured with the adhesive in a reflow oven. In some embodiments, the adhesive material can be cured separately. The production line can receive the PCBA 170 with the washer assembly installed. One or more PCBA 170 assemblies can be placed onto a heatsink 180, which has an attachment pin 150 corresponding to each washer assembly. The attachment pin 150 can be integrally formed with the heatsink 180. The retaining cup 110 of the washer assembly can transmit external pressure to press the PCBA 170 onto the clamping surface 162 of the attachment pin 150 before the fastening washer 130 is installed. This pressure can be used to wet the thermal interface material between the PCBA 170 and the heatsink 180. Each fastening washer 130 is subjected to pressure. This pressure attaches each fastening washer 130 to the attachment pin 150. Advantageously, this assembly method allows each of the fastening washers 130 to be fastened to the attachment pin 150 simultaneously, thereby reducing assembly time. Advantageously, the shape and tolerances of the threadless fastener system 100 described herein also improve the robustness of tolerance superposition between components. The washer assembly can accommodate multiple attachment pins 150 on the heat sink 180. In some embodiments, the different attachment pins can have a variety of heights on the heat sink 180. The fastening washer 130 can float relative to the retaining cup 110, thereby allowing the fastening washer 130 to move freely within the retaining cup 110 relative to the attachment pins 150, thus reducing the chance of misalignment between components of the threadless fastener system 100.

[0024] Figure 3The illustration shows a perspective view of a fastening washer 130 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the fastening washer 130 may include a conical spring 140, which may include a surface having a frustum shape. In some embodiments, the surface forms a circular inner edge and a circular outer edge. An outer edge 132 may extend outward from the outer edge of the conical spring 140. In some embodiments, the outer edge 132 may extend outward perpendicular to the axis of the fastening washer 130. In some embodiments, the outer edge 132 may be a substantially planar ring. The conical spring 140 may extend inward from the outer edge 132 at an angle. For example, the conical spring 140 may extend from the outer edge 132 at an angle between 15 degrees and 40 degrees.

[0025] An integral pressure-bearing surface 138 may extend inwardly from the inner edge of the conical spring 140. In some embodiments, the pressure-bearing surface 138 may extend inwardly perpendicular to the axis of the fastening washer 130. In some embodiments, the integral pressure-bearing surface 138 may be a substantially planar ring. The integral pressure-bearing surface 138 may be parallel to the outer edge 132. In some embodiments, a plurality of interference lobes 142 may be arranged inwardly from the integral pressure-bearing surface 138. The plurality of interference lobes 142 may extend at an angle to the integral pressure-bearing surface 138. In some examples, the fastening washer 130 includes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more, or any range thereof, of interference lobes 142. An opening 144 may be positioned at the center of the plurality of interference lobes 142. The opening 144 may be a central opening, and its diameter may be approximately equal to or smaller than the diameter of the interface surface 154 of the attachment pin 150 described herein. In some embodiments, the height of the fastening washer 130 may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the height of the fastening washer 130 may be, approximately, or at least: 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, or any range between these values. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the fastening washer 130 may be between 8 mm and 35 mm. In some examples, the outer diameter of the fastening washer 130 may be, approximately, or at least: 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, or any range between these values. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the fastening washer 130 may be between 1 mm and 15 mm.In some examples, the inner diameter of the fastening washer 130 may be, approximately, or at least: 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.75 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.75 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.75 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm. The thickness of the fastening washer 130 may be, approximately, or at least: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, 4 mm, 4.25 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.75 mm, 5.0 mm, or any range between these values. The thickness of the fastening washer 130 may be variable. The fastening washer 130 may include a flap thickness and an outer spring thickness. The flap thickness may be the thickness of the fastening washer 130 near the interference flap 142. The outer spring thickness may be the thickness of the fastening washer 130 near the outer radius. In some examples, the flap thickness is different from the outer spring thickness. In some examples, the flap thickness is greater than the outer spring thickness. In some examples, the leaf blade thickness is less than the outer spring thickness. In some examples, the thickness of the conical spring 140 can vary. In some examples, the thickness of the conical spring 140 can be the same as the outer spring thickness. The thickness of the fastener washer 130 affects the pressure required to clamp and preload the fastener washer 130.

[0026] Advantageously, the outer edge 132 can reduce the pressure required for clamping and pre-tightening the fastener washer 130. The outer edge 132 can be slightly angled distally, thereby forming a smooth surface as the width of the fastener washer 130 expands during installation. Advantageously, the angled outer edge 132 prevents the outer edge of the outer edge 132 from cutting into the retaining cup 110. By increasing the surface contact area between the fastener washer 130 and the retaining cup 110, the outer edge 132 can also advantageously improve the pre-tightening retention of the fastening system 100 over time, thereby reducing the pressure on the retaining cup 110. The reduced pressure can decrease creep or stress relaxation of the retaining cup 110.

[0027] Advantageously, the integral pressure-bearing surface 138 can limit or reduce the lateral load borne by the fastening washer 130 when pressure is applied to it. The integral pressure-bearing surface 138 can also advantageously provide separation between the plurality of interference lobes 142 and the conical spring 140. This can advantageously reduce any deformation of the plurality of interference lobes 142 due to preload on the conical spring 140.

[0028] The fastening washer 130 may include a plurality of spring gaps 136 located within the conical spring 140. The spring gaps 136 can advantageously reduce the stiffness of the conical spring 140, which can control the clamping load generated by the fastening washer 130. The spring gaps 136 can prevent small variations in clamping distance from causing large variations in clamping load. The spring gaps 136 may be positioned adjacent to the outer edge 132 and may extend radially inward through a portion or almost all of the width of the conical spring 140. In some embodiments, the width of the radially inward extension of the spring gaps 136 can adjust the stiffness of the conical spring 140. For example, the longer the spring gaps 136 extend radially inward, the lower the stiffness of the conical spring 140. In some embodiments, a small gap 134 may extend radially from each spring gap 136 through the outer edge 132. The narrow width of the small gap 134 can advantageously reduce or prevent partial or complete winding of the fastening washer 130 during assembly, for example, in a bowl-feed device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel (e.g., 301, 304, or 316 stainless steel), titanium, or steel. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 may be magnetic. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 may be work-hardened and / or heat-treated. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 may also be surface-treated (e.g., passivation, electroplating, painting, or anodizing).

[0030] Figure 4The illustration shows a perspective view of a retaining cup 110 according to the present disclosure. The retaining cup 110 is generally cylindrical and includes a cup-holding surface 118 positioned at a proximal end of the retaining cup 110. A retaining cup gasket surface 124 is positioned at a distal end of the cup-holding surface 118. The retaining cup gasket surface 124 may be substantially planar and has a circular wall 122 extending from the distal end of the retaining cup gasket surface 124, thereby forming a cup shape. The inner diameter of the circular wall 122 allows a fastening washer 130 to be positioned within the circular wall 122 in a clearance fit. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the circular wall 122 may be between 9 and 40 mm. In some examples, the inner diameter of the circular wall 122 can be, approximately, or at least: 9 mm, 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, 17 mm, 17.5 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 26 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm, 36 mm, 38 mm, 40 mm, or any range between these values. In some examples, the distal edge of the circular wall 122 can act as a hard stop for clamping the fastening washer 130.

[0031] The height of the circular wall 122 can be limited so that the maximum displacement of the fastening washer 130 is not exceeded when the fastening washer 130 is installed, thereby limiting the force generated during engagement. The height of the circular wall 122 can limit the preload between the fastening washer 130 and the attachment pin 150 by limiting the displacement of the pressure surface. The preload between the fastening washer 130 and the attachment pin 150 can also be limited by the force feedback of the clamping device. The central opening 120 can extend through the center of the retaining cup gasket surface 124.

[0032] Multiple snap-fit ​​retainers 114 can retain the fastening washer 130 within the circular wall 122. In some embodiments, the multiple snap-fit ​​retainers 114 may be spaced apart around the inner perimeter of the circular wall 122. The snap-fit ​​retainers 114 are sized such that the fastening washer 130 can be pressed from the proximal end of the snap-fit ​​retainer 114 to the distal end, thereby securing the fastening washer 130 and preventing it from loosening or falling out of the retaining cup 110. In some examples, each snap-fit ​​retainer 114 may include a sloped proximal end face and a non-smooth distal end face. The snap-fit ​​retainers 114 may be spaced apart near the distal edge of the circular wall 122 such that the snap-fit ​​retainers 114 do not contact the fastening washer 130 when it is pressed into the retaining cup 110. In some examples, the retaining cup includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, or any range thereof, of the snap-fit ​​retainers 114. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 is held in the cup by deforming the circular wall 122 through the application of heat and pressure. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 is held using a tortuous path formed within the circular wall 122. In some embodiments, the fastening washer 130 is secured by a snap-fit ​​retainer inserted into a recess within the circular wall 122.

[0033] The retaining cup 110 may also include a plurality of centering wedges 116. The plurality of centering wedges 116 may be positioned proximal to the retaining cup washer face 124 and distal to the distal face of the snap-fit ​​retainer 114. In some embodiments, the centering wedges 116 may be spaced apart around the inner periphery of the circular wall 122. The centering wedges 116 may position the fastening washer 130 such that the opening 144 is substantially concentric with the central opening 120 of the retaining cup 110. The centering wedges 116 may be integrally formed with the retaining cup 110. The centering wedges 116 may be flexibly attached to the circular wall 122. In some examples, the retaining cup 110 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, or any number thereof, of centering wedges 116. Advantageously, the centering wedge 116 can position the opening 144 of the fastening washer 130 relative to the center opening 120 of the retaining cup 110, while also providing a clearance between the outer edge of the fastening washer 130 and the circular wall 122 of the retaining cup 110, thereby allowing tolerance variations among the retaining cup 110, fastening washer 130, PCBA 170, and attachment pin 150 during the assembly of the threadless fastener system 100.

[0034] In some examples, the retaining cup 110 may be formed of a non-conductive moldable material capable of withstanding high and low temperatures. For example, flame-retardant polymers such as PBT, PP, silicone, or nylon (e.g., PA 66, PA 6, recycled PA 66).

[0035] Figure 5The illustration shows an attachment pin 150 according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment pin 150 has a generally circular perimeter and includes a guide end 158 positioned proximally. In some examples, the guide end 158 has a rounded or flattened end. In some examples, the guide end 158 has a pointed end. In some examples, the tilt angle of the guide end 158 is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. For example, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, or any range between these values.

[0036] Away from the inlet end 158, the attachment pin 150 may include a series of cylindrical portions with different diameters and a common central axis. Each cylindrical portion may extend over a portion of the length of the attachment pin 150. This stepped cylindrical shape can advantageously prevent the attachment pin 150 from bending. The inlet end 158 may pass through the central opening 120 of the retaining cup 110 and the opening 144 of the fastening washer 130.

[0037] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the centering surface 156 can be positioned at the distal end of the guide end 158 of the attachment pin 150. The diameter of the centering surface 156 can be designed to clearance fit with the center opening 120 of the retaining cup 110 and the opening 144 of the fastening washer 130. The centering surface 156 can orient and center the fastening washer 130 relative to the axis of the attachment pin 150.

[0038] Away from the centering surface 156, the attachment pin 150 may include an interface surface 154. The diameter of the interface surface 154 may be designed to interfere with the opening 144 of the fastening washer 130. In some embodiments, the diameter of the interface surface 154 may be between 1 mm and 20 mm. In some examples, the diameter of the interface surface 154 can be, approximately, or at least: 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm. mm, or any range between these values. Interface surface 154 can be configured to displace the plurality of interference lobes 142 of the fastening washer 130. In some embodiments, interface surface 154 may include a surface treatment to increase surface roughness and increase the gripping force between interface surface 154 and interference lobes 142. In some embodiments, interface surface 154 may include machined ridges or knurled surfaces to increase the gripping force between interface surface 154 and interference lobes 142.

[0039] The attachment pin 150 may include a transition surface located between the centering surface 156 and the interface surface 154, so that a smooth transition is achieved from the smaller diameter of the centering surface 156 to the larger diameter of the interface surface 154.

[0040] The pin 150 may include a through-face 152 at the distal end of the interface surface 154. The through-face 152 may extend through the PCBA 170 and into the retaining cup 110. The diameter of the through-face 152 may be designed to clearance fit with the opening in the PCBA 170 and the central opening 120 of the retaining cup 110. The diameter of the through-face 152 may also be designed to have a larger interference fit than the interface surface 154. Advantageously, the larger diameter through-face 152 can be used to permanently displace the interference flap 142 surrounding the opening 144 of the fastening washer 130 during overpressure operation. Overpressure operation can eliminate the interference fit between the washer central opening 144 and the pin interface surface 154, and allow the fastening washer 130 to be removed from the previously fastened connection.

[0041] At the distal end of the penetration surface 152, the attachment pin 150 may include a clamping surface 162. In some embodiments, the clamping surface 162 may be perpendicular to the central axis of the attachment pin 150. The diameter of the clamping surface 162 is large enough to allow the PCBA 170 to be positioned on the clamping surface 162 as the penetration surface 152 passes through it. In some examples, the clamping surface 162 may be conductive.

[0042] The attachment pin 150 may include an attachment element 160 at its distal end. The attachment element 160 may be attached to the heat sink 180. In some examples, the attachment pin 150 may be integrally molded with the heat sink 180. In some examples, the attachment element 160 may be co-molded with the heat sink 180. In some examples, the attachment element 160 may be press-fitted to the heat sink. In some examples, the attachment element 160 may be pressed into the heat sink with an interference fit. In some examples, the attachment element 160 may be glued to the heat sink with adhesive or joined by any common metal joining technique, such as brazing, soldering, and various forms of welding (e.g., resistance welding, spin welding, or friction stir welding).

[0043] In some examples, the through-face 152 may include one or more parallel fastening surfaces. This fastening surface may be a flat, parallel surface that can be clamped with a tool. The fastening surface may be clamped to assist in assembling the attachment element 160 into the heat sink 180, for example, when screwing the attachment element 160 into the heat sink 180. In some examples, the clamping surface 162 may be integrally formed with a press-fit nut, which may be an assembly of the heat sink 180. The attachment element 160 of the attachment pin 150 may be attached to the press-fit nut. In some examples, the attachment element 160 may be screwed or pressed into the heat sink 180.

[0044] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit this disclosure to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed herein. Thus, it will be apparent that various alternative forms, embodiments, and / or modifications (whether expressly described or implied herein) are possible in accordance with this disclosure. By describing embodiments of this disclosure in this way, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] In the foregoing specification, this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications or other implementations of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this description should be considered exemplary, and its purpose is to teach those skilled in the art to manufacture and use various embodiments of the disclosed fastening system. It should be understood that the forms shown and described herein should be considered representative embodiments. Elements or materials representatively illustrated and described herein may be replaced by equivalent elements or materials. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the description of this disclosure. Expressions such as “including,” “comprising,” “incorporated,” “consisting of,” “having,” and “is” used to describe and claim this disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., allowing for the presence of parts, components, or elements not explicitly described. Singular references should also be interpreted to refer to plural forms.

[0046] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be understood in an exemplary and explanatory manner and should in no way be construed as limiting this disclosure. All references to connection relationships (e.g., connected, associated, coupled, etc.) are used only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and should not constitute limitations, in particular, not limitations regarding the location, orientation, or use of the elements disclosed herein. Therefore, references to connection relationships (if any) should be interpreted broadly. Moreover, such references to connection relationships do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected to each other.

[0047] In addition, all numerical terms (such as, but not limited to, “first,” “second,” “one,” “another,” or any other common and / or numerical terms) should be regarded only as identifiers to assist the reader in understanding the various elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of this disclosure, and should not constitute any limitation, in particular, should not limit the order or priority of any element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification relative to other elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications.

[0048] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the figures / attachments can also be implemented in a more independent or integrated manner, or even removed in some cases, to suit the needs of a particular application.

[0049] For clarity, the term "horizontal" as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area where the described equipment is used or the described method is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term "floor" may be used interchangeably with the term "ground." The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction just defined. Terms such as "above," "below," "bottom," "top," "side," "front," "back," "lateral," "higher," "lower," "upper," "above," and "below" are defined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0050] The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” etc., are synonyms and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner, without excluding additional elements, features, actions, operations, and the like. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in an inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense), such that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in that list.

[0051] While certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that many aspects of the systems shown and described herein can be combined and / or modified in different ways to form more embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. A wide variety of designs and methods are possible. No feature, structure, or step disclosed herein is necessary or indispensable.

[0052] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It should be understood that not all such advantages can be achieved according to any particular embodiment. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be embodied or practiced in a way that achieves one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein.

[0053] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand based on this disclosure that it also covers any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations, adjustments, and / or alterations (e.g., aspects in different embodiments). Limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the examination of the application, which should be interpreted as non-exclusive. Moreover, the actions of the disclosed processes and methods can be modified in any way (by reordering actions and / or inserting additional actions and / or deleting actions). Therefore, the specification and examples are to be considered illustrative only, and their true scope and spirit are indicated by the claims and their full scope of equivalents.

[0054] Unless otherwise expressly stated or understood in the context, conditional language used herein (such as "can," "may," "may," "for example," etc.) is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states, while other embodiments do not include these features, elements, and / or states. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments are required in any way to include features, elements, modules, and / or states, nor is it intended to imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining (whether entered or prompted by the author) whether such features, elements, and / or states are included in any particular embodiment or whether they will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0055] The scope disclosed herein also covers any and all overlapping portions, subranges, and combinations thereof. Languages ​​such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” etc., include the listed numbers.

Claims

1. A threadless fastener system for securing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) to an attachment pin, the attachment pin extending from a heat sink and including a clamping surface spaced apart from the heat sink and configured to support the PCBA, the system comprising: A fastening washer having a conical spring and a plurality of interference lobes, the plurality of interference lobes being sized and shaped to clamp the attachment pin; as well as A retaining cup, which is sized and shaped to receive the fastening washer, wherein a portion of the retaining cup is positioned between the fastening washer and the PCBA when the plurality of interference lobes are clamped to the attachment pin; When the plurality of interference lobes are clamped to the attachment pin, the conical spring generates a thermally stable clamping force on the PCBA between the portion of the retaining cup and the clamping surface.

2. A fastening washer configured for securing to an attached pin, the fastening washer comprising: A conical spring having an inner edge and an outer edge; A flat outer edge, the flat outer edge extending from the outer edge of the tapered spring; An integral pressure-bearing surface, the integral pressure-bearing surface extending inward from the inner edge; as well as Multiple interference lobes are arranged inward from the integral pressure-bearing surface.

3. The fastening washer according to claim 2 further includes an opening at the center of the plurality of interference lobes.

4. The fastening washer according to claim 2, wherein the inner edge and the outer edge are circular and concentric.

5. The fastening washer of claim 2 further includes one or more gaps extending radially through a portion of the conical spring.

6. The fastening washer according to claim 2, wherein the integral pressure-bearing surface is substantially parallel to the flat outer edge.

7. The fastening washer of claim 2, wherein the plurality of interference lobes are configured to mechanically grip the attachment pin.

8. The fastening washer according to claim 2, wherein the fastening washer further comprises stainless steel.

9. The fastening washer of claim 2, wherein the fastening washer further includes a height from the flat outer edge to the plurality of interference lobes, wherein the height is approximately 2 mm.

10. The fastening washer according to claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the flat outer edge is approximately 13 mm.

11. The fastening washer according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the opening is approximately 2.75 mm.

12. A threadless fastener system, comprising: A retaining cup having a cup-holding surface; A fastening washer, the fastening washer including a tapered spring positioned within the retaining cup; as well as A connecting pin, the connecting pin having an interface surface and a pin body clamping surface; The end of the attachment pin is configured to attach to the first component, the fastening washer is configured to clamp on the interface surface, and the conical spring is configured to generate a clamping force on the second component positioned between the cup clamping surface and the pin clamping surface.

13. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the cup clamping surface is spaced apart from the end of the attached pin by a certain distance.

14. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the interface surface is conductive.

15. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the retaining cup further comprises one or more washer centering wedges.

16. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the clamping force is at least 300 N.

17. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the retaining cup further comprises a washer pressure travel limiting feature.

18. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the retaining cup further comprises one or more snap-fit ​​retainers.

19. The threadless fastener system of claim 12, wherein the first component is a heat sink, and the heat sink is fixedly attached to the attachment pin.

20. The threadless fastener system of claim 19, wherein the second component is a PCBA.

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