Mechanical stacking assembly with removable compression

Abstract

A device provides a cover and a compression mechanism coupled to the cover. The compression mechanism includes an armature extending through the cover, a lever disposed in a first plane that traverses the cover, and a contact portion disposed in a second plane that opposes 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 compress against the cover and allows the lever to be releasably held by the first armature. The compression mechanism may further include two biasing members coupled to opposite ends of the lever. The two biasing members are aligned along the common axis.The anchor may include a recess sized to receive a portion of the lever.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Mechanical stacking assemblies are structures used to stack electronic components to form a compact and integrated electronic system. Various layers can be used in these assemblies, which include, for example, motherboards, printed circuit boards, heat spreaders, and substrates. Screws or similar hardware are often used to secure the layers. In certain mechanical stacking assemblies, components of the assembly may need to be repaired or replaced. Furthermore, more even heat distribution across some components is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary mechanical stack assembly with a compression mechanism according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an opened perspective top, front and side view of the mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 1 in an assembled arrangement. Fig. 3 is an opened perspective top, front and side view of the mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 2, in which a cover was omitted. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 2 and including a substrate. Fig. Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an opened perspective top, front and side view of the assembled mechanical stacking assembly of Fig. 2 with levers of the compression mechanism in a fixed position. The Fig. 7A-7B are side views of possible angles for levers of the compression mechanism in a free position. The Fig. 8A-8D are diagrams illustrating results of a structural analysis of a simulated elongated spring of an example compression mechanism. Fig. 9 is an opened perspective top, front and side view of an assembled mechanical stack assembly with an alternative embodiment of a compression mechanism with levers shown in a fixed position. Fig. 10 is an opened perspective view showing more details of an intermediate lever element of an elongated spring in the compression mechanism of Fig. 9 shows. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 9, showing the levers of the compression mechanism in a free position. Fig. 13 is yet another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly of Fig. 9. The Fig. 14A-14D illustrate alternative exemplary compression mechanisms that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. Fig. 15 is a flow diagram of a possible exemplary process associated with producing a mechanical stack assembly with a compression mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present disclosure presents various possible embodiments or examples of systems, methods, devices, and architectures for a compression mechanism used in a mechanical stack assembly. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein provide a screwless assembly mechanism in which an elongated spring is configured to provide releasable compression across selected components in a mechanical stack. The releasability feature enables simplified access to components to which compression is applied by the elongated spring. Additionally, the provided compression may be configured for specific measurements across specific components. Furthermore, the compression mechanism may apply substantially uniform compression across a plurality of selected components in the mechanical stack.

[0003] For some electronic components in a mechanical stack assembly, repair or replacement requires disassembly of the mechanical stack. When multiple screws or similar hardware are used, accessing the components can be time-consuming and challenging. Thus, the use of mechanical screws in mechanical stack assemblies can impair usability, as a user may require additional tools, such as a screwdriver, to service the assembly. The use of multiple mechanical screws also increases the likelihood of loose parts in the assembly.

[0004] For example, Low Power Compression Attached Memory Module (LPCAMM) components are removable modules that offer increased memory bandwidth and modularity. Such features are highly desirable for modern computers, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered computers. Compared to user-friendly plug-and-remove options, such as Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SODIMM) components, LPCAMM components have a lower "repairability rating" when used in mechanical stacking assemblies that rely on screws to secure and compress the layers.

[0005] Heat spreaders are commonly used in mechanical stack assemblies to prevent overheating and improve the processing of memory modules, such as LPCAMM, or other heat-sensitive components. A heat spreader is typically compressed against the memory modules to provide a thermally conductive path for component cooling. Structural hardware (e.g., screws, clamps) is typically screwed into the layers of the assembly to compress the heat spreader. The force exerted by screws or other structural hardware can be applied unevenly across the assembly. Thus, the heat spreader's thermally conductive path could be compromised, resulting in insufficient cooling.

[0006] Additionally, if improperly applied, screw torque could negatively impact component functionality. Furthermore, the use of multiple screws increases the likelihood of insufficient compression being applied to at least one component. Uneven pressure distribution across LPCAMM components can cause uneven pressure on both edges of the module, potentially resulting in an open / higher impedance signal path. Thus, a simplified assembly mechanism that applies a more uniform compression force to components is needed.

[0007] A compression mechanism for mechanical stack assemblies as 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 for an electronic system and apply a selected amount of compression force across one or more components. The elongated spring can be mounted over a cover (e.g., shield, top plate, manifold, thermal seal, etc.). The elongated spring can include one or more levers that, when torque is applied, can be releasably held in a fixed position by one or more corresponding anchors coupled to a base of the assembly. In one example, the anchors include hook-like indentations instead of threads.Respective portions of the one or more levers are inserted into the hook-like recesses and releasably coupled thereto. The anchors can extend through through-holes of one or more layers, including the cover and the layer containing components across which pressure is to be distributed (for example, a storage module such as an LPCAMM).

[0008] The spring also includes one or more contact portions that are vertically aligned with the components intended to receive the compressive force and that are biased against (or exert a compressive force on) the cover when the levers are held in the fixed position. In one example, the one or more levers and contact portions are configured as a torsion spring with a plurality of biasing elements. A biasing element may be formed as a bend (e.g., a curve, a coil, etc.) in the spring that biases one arm of a lever and another arm (e.g., a contact arm, an outer arm, etc.). In one example, biasing elements are formed at the ends of the arms of the levers, and the plurality of biasing elements are aligned along a common axis.

[0009] The compression mechanism for mechanical stack assemblies as disclosed herein offers several advantages. First, a mechanical stack assembly can be assembled without screws or other threaded structural hardware when a releasable compression mechanism as described herein is used instead. The use of a single elongated spring with anchors limits the number of loose parts compared to a mechanical stack assembly assembled with multiple screws. Thus, serviceability can be improved. Furthermore, holding one or more levers with a single elongated spring can reduce operating time during assembly in the factory. A single movement (for example, 2-3 seconds) can be used to hold all levers, rather than tightening three or more screws (for example, 10 or more seconds).Furthermore, using the compression mechanism disclosed herein for a memory module (e.g., LPCAMM) assembly could achieve an assembly time that is 4-5 times faster than an existing screw-based assembly.

[0010] The compression mechanism taught herein allows a suitable and more uniform compression force to be applied to the layers in the mechanical stack assembly. The additional compression force of an elongated spring (e.g., 82 pounds) as described herein, relative to existing screws (e.g., 45 pounds), ensures that a minimal load is applied to each pin of components aligned with a contact portion of the spring. Additionally, the load can be applied across each component (e.g., memory modules) rather than across the printed circuit board. The elongated spring itself can be designed to achieve any selected number of pressure points based, for example, on the number of components to be compressed (e.g., LPCAMM components).

[0011] A compression mechanism with a release feature disclosed herein may be more consistent and reliable than screws and other threaded structural hardware. For example, if the appropriate screw torque is not applied, the functionality of a component that receives the compression force may be negatively impacted.

[0012] The various possible designs of a compression mechanism taught herein do not increase the size of a typical mechanical assembly. Since existing mechanical stack assemblies can be modified to utilize a compression mechanism disclosed herein with minimal or no increase in height, width, and depth, the housing of such existing assemblies would not be affected. Accordingly, the compression mechanism disclosed herein can achieve the same or substantially the same Z-height as existing screw-based solutions.

[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary mechanical stack assembly 100 with compression mechanism 102 according to one example. The mechanical stack assembly 100 further includes cover 130 with through-holes 132a, 132b, and 132c, memory module 140 with through-holes 142a, 142b, 142c, compression connector 150 with through-holes 152a, 152b, 152c, motherboard 160 with through-holes 162a, 162b, 162c, and base 170 with anchors 120a, 120b, 120c. The cover 130 is vertically spaced from the base 170, with the other layers disposed therebetween.

[0014] The compression mechanism 102 includes an elongated spring 104 and armatures 120a, 120b, and 120c (collectively referred to as 120). The elongated spring 104 may be configured as any suitable preloaded structure, such as a torsion spring, a double torsion spring, a triple torsion spring, etc., a rotatable crank, rods, shafts, etc. The elongated spring 104 may be made of any suitable material that can be configured into a preloaded structure that is rotatable from an original (e.g., resting or free) position to a specific angular displacement in response to a torque, and that returns to the original position once the torque is removed.Example materials include, but are not limited to, spring steel, such as stainless steel, string wire, chromium silicon, hard drawn or oil hardened, for example, copper-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, aluminum, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0015] The exemplary elongated spring 104 in Fig. 1 includes three levers 106a, 106b, and 106c (collectively referred to as 106) and two contact portions 110a and 110b, although the number of levers and contact portions and their placement within the elongated spring 104 may vary depending on the specific configuration of the mechanical stack assembly and the components to which a compressive force is to be applied. In general, the levers 106 may be configured with respective pairs of lever arms 107a-107b, 107c-107d, and 107e-107f (collectively referred to as 107) and with respective intermediate lever members 108a, 108b, and 108c (collectively referred to as 108). The intermediate lever members 108 connect respective pairs of lever arms 107a-107b, 107c-107d, 107e-107f to form three-sided, generally rectangular levers 106.However, in other examples, the levers 106 may have any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, U-shapes, curved shapes, wedge shapes, elliptical shapes, trapezoidal shapes, etc., as described herein with reference to FIG. Fig. 14A-14D as further described.

[0016] The contact portions 110a, 110b (collectively referred to as 110) may be configured with respective pairs of contact arms 111a-111b, 111c-111d (collectively referred to as 111) and with respective intermediate contact elements 112a, 112b (collectively referred to as 112). The intermediate contact elements 112 connect respective pairs of contact arms 111a-111b, 111c-111d to form three-sided, generally rectangular contact portions 110. However, in other examples, the contact portions 110 may have any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, U-shapes, curved shapes, wedge shapes, elliptical shapes, trapezoidal shapes, etc., as described herein with reference to the Fig. 14A-14D as further described.

[0017] Biasing elements 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, or 114f (collectively referred to as 114) are provided at the end of each of the lever arms 107. In one example, the biasing elements 114 form a torsion spring (or any other suitable spring type), with each biasing element being shaped as a single bend or curve of a rod (e.g., a bar, shaft, wire, etc.) that operates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., responding to rotational movement of a lever arm by twisting, rotating, etc.). One end of a given biasing element (e.g., 114a) extends into one lever arm (e.g., 107a), and an opposite end of the biasing element extends into another arm that is biased against the lever arm. Thus, each end of a lever 106 is in a biased relationship with another arm. As shown in Fig. 1, the other arm is either a contact arm of an adjacent contact section or an outer arm used to couple the elongated spring 104 to the cover 130. In other examples, the other arm may be a connecting arm (not shown) to another lever or a connecting arm to a contact section.

[0018] In one example, the biasing elements 114 are aligned along a common axis about which the levers can be rotated up to a certain angular deflection. A first biasing element 114a connects the first outer arm 105a to the lever arm 107a of the first lever 106a and biases the first outer arm 105a such that the first biasing element 114a operates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). A second biasing element 114b connects the lever arm 107b of the first lever 106a to the contact arm 111a of the first contact portion 110a and biases the lever arm 107b such that the second biasing element 114b operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise).A third biasing element 114c connects the lever arm 107c of the second lever 106b to the contact arm 111b of the first contact section 110a and biases the lever arm 107c so that the third biasing element 114c operates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). A fourth biasing element 114d connects the lever arm 107d of the second lever 106b to the contact arm 111c of the second contact section 110b and biases the lever arm 107d so that the fourth biasing element 114d operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). A fifth biasing element 114e connects the lever arm 107e of the third lever 106c to the contact arm 111d of the second contact portion 110b and biases the lever arm 107b so that the fifth biasing element 114e operates in the second direction (for example, counterclockwise).A sixth biasing element 114f connects the lever arm 107f of the third lever 106c to the second outer arm 105b and biases the lever arm 107f so that the sixth biasing element 114f operates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In other embodiments, the operating direction (e.g., the twisting direction) of the biasing elements 114 can be only clockwise, only counterclockwise, or any combination thereof.

[0019] The elongated spring 104 can be mounted on the cover 130. The cover 130 can be a shield, a heat spreader, a lid, a plate, or any other suitable structure intended to be compressed onto a printed circuit board (PCB) including integrated circuit components, such as the memory module 140 including memory components (e.g., LPCAMM, etc.), or onto another suitable layer of a mechanical stack assembly. In one example, the cover 130 provides a conductive thermal path to enable cooling of a PCB layer beneath the cover.

[0020] The elongated spring 104 is secured, positioned, and / or aligned on the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 by means of fasteners (e.g., locking mechanisms, fasteners, clips, tabs, clamps, openings, indentations, cavities, etc.) coupled to and / or defined by the structure (e.g., formed, stamped, cast, bent, assembled, etc.) of the cover. Alternatively or additionally, fasteners 118a-118b (collectively referred to as 118) may be rigidly coupled to the cover 130 (e.g., by soldering, welding, screwing, riveting, etc.). Fig. 1, the retainers 118 are formed as curved housing structures that are attached (e.g., mechanically fastened, chemically bonded, mechanically connected, etc.) to opposite sides of the outer surface 134 of the cover 130, or are formed as the structure (e.g., stamped, cast, bent, etc.) of the cover 130. Each retainer 118a, 118b defines an opening therein that is sized to slidably receive a distal portion of a corresponding outer arm 105a, 105b (collectively, 105). The retainers could alternatively be U-clamps, U-braces, U-belts, pipe clamps, pipe straps, pipe bands, tube straps, etc., or any other device or structure sized to receive a distal portion of a corresponding outer arm.

[0021] The compression mechanism 102 also includes anchors 120a, 120b, and 120c (collectively referred to as 120) for releasably holding (e.g., locking, holding, restricting, retaining, etc.) levers 106 in a fixed position, respectively. In one example, the anchors 120 extend from respective lower ends on the base 170 (e.g., plate, base plate, back plate, bottom, bottom cover, etc.) through the cover 130 to respective upper ends 124a, 124b, 124c (collectively referred to as 124) that have a vertical distance (e.g., Z-axis) above the outer surface 134 of the cover 130. In one example, the anchors 120 may be formed as vertical shafts (e.g., rods, cylinders, spacers, etc.) that are coupled to and / or defined by the structure of the base 170 (e.g., stamped, bent, extruded, etc.).Each anchor 120a, 120b and 120c includes a respective upper portion with a recess (e.g., notch, opening, aperture, hook-like cavity, etc.) 122a, 122b, 122c dimensioned to receive a locking portion of an adjacent intermediate lever member 108a, 108b, 108c of the levers 106 to couple the levers 106 to the anchors 120 such that the elongated spring is loaded (e.g., prevented from rotating) and the levers 106 are held in a fixed position until a suitable release force is applied to the levers 106.

[0022] The anchor recesses 122 are arranged in respective upper sections which terminate at upper ends 124 of the anchors. In the example of Fig. 1, the indentations 122 and adjacent upper ends 124 are disposed above the outer surface 134 of the cover 130. In one example, the indentations 122 of the anchors 120 extend sufficiently above the outer surface 134 to receive respective locking portions of the levers 106 to couple the levers 106 to the anchors 120 and hold the levers 106 in a fixed position. When the levers 106 are held in a fixed position by the anchors 120, biasing members 114 are loaded, causing a compressive force to be exerted by the contact portions 110 on the cover 130.

[0023] In one example, the anchors 120 are vertically aligned with respective through-holes of different layers in the mechanical stack. When the anchors are mounted, they 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 held in proper alignment within the mechanical stack. For example, in Fig. 1, the armature 120a extends through the through-holes 162a, 152a, 142a, and 132a of the mainboard 160, the compression connector 150, the memory module 140, and the cover 130, respectively. The armature 120b extends through the through-holes 162b, 152b, 142b, and 132b of the mainboard 160, the compression connector 150, the memory module 140, and the cover 130, respectively. The armature 120c extends through the through-holes 162c, 152c, 142c, and 132c of the mainboard 160, the compression connector 150, the memory module 140, and the cover 130, respectively.

[0024] In some examples, existing mechanical stack assemblies can be easily modified by using other hardware, such as screws, to accommodate the anchors 120 through the existing through-holes in the various layers of the stack. In other examples, the through-holes can be selectively placed to further minimize or avoid any lateral increase in size in the layers of the mechanical stack assembly 100. In further examples, one or more anchors 120 may not extend through every layer, or may not extend through every layer, or may only extend through the cover. For example, one or more anchors 120 may be arranged around the periphery of one or more layers.In still further examples, one or more anchors 120 may extend from lower ends disposed in a layer other than the cover 130 to upper ends 124 through or at the edge of the cover 130 or another layer on which the elongated spring 104 is disposed.

[0025] Another layer of a mechanical stack assembly is a PCB, such as the memory module 140, which includes one or more components to which compression is applied via the cover 130. In this example, four memory components 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d (e.g., LPCAMM) (collectively referred to as 144) are included on the PCB. In one example, each contact arm of the contact areas 110 is vertically aligned with one of the memory components 144 to provide a more even or uniform pressure when the compression mechanism 102 is engaged (e.g., when the levers 106 are held in a fixed position, the biasing elements 114 are loaded).In other examples, the compression mechanism 102 may be used in other mechanical stack assemblies, for example, to compress different types of electronic components and / or electronic circuits (e.g., chips and / or chip packages) (e.g., via the cover 130 or another suitable compressible layer).

[0026] Other layers in the mechanical stack assembly 100 include, for example, the compression connector 150 and the motherboard 160. The compression connector 150 may be designed to create a secure and reliable electrical connection between different layers (e.g., memory module 140 and motherboard 160). The motherboard 160 is a central PCB for a data processing 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, the motherboard 160 is referred to as Fig. 1 not illustrated with components.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 is an open perspective top, front, and side view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled configuration with levers of the compression mechanism released from corresponding anchors. Fig. 2, the elongated spring 104 is shown coupled to the cover 130, and the compression mechanism 102 is released (e.g., the levers 106 are released in a free position, and the biasing elements 114 are relieved). In Fig. 2, the elongated spring 104 is held on the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 by retainers 118 having cavities dimensioned to receive distal portions of the outer arms 105, as described with reference to Fig. 1. When the outer arms 105 are secured (e.g., held, restrained, etc.) in the mounts 118, the biasing members 114 are restricted from horizontal or vertical movement, including when a torque is applied to the levers 106. The mounts 118 allow the biasing members 114 to rotate about a centerline axis of the bends, which form a groove across all of the bends, when a torque is applied to the levers 106 (either to the lever arms 107 or to the intermediate lever members 108, or to a combination thereof).

[0028] When the compression mechanism 102 is mounted on the cover 130, at least a portion of the outer arms 105 and the contact portions 110 are generally disposed in a first plane that opposes and is substantially parallel to the outer surface 134 of the cover 130. At least a portion of the outer arms 105 and the contact portions 110 are in contact with the outer surface 134 of the cover 130 both when the compression mechanism 102 is released (e.g., when the levers are unrestrained in a free position and the biasing elements are unloaded) and when the compression mechanism 102 is engaged (e.g., when the levers 106 are held in a fixed position and the biasing elements 114 are loaded).

[0029] When the compression mechanism 102 is released, as in Fig. 2, the lever arms of the levers 106a, 106b, and 106c are generally arranged in a second plane that traverses the first plane and the cover 130. The bend or curve of the biasing elements 114 determines the angle between the planes. The angle measured between the planes when the compression mechanism 102 is released corresponds to a "free angle" of the elongated spring 104. As used herein, a "free angle" is measured between the arms of a torsion spring when the spring is in an unloaded or free position. For the exemplary elongated spring 104, each of the biasing elements 114 creates the same size free angle (or substantially the same size free angle) between two arms extended by that biasing element. In the Fig. 2, the pairs of arms defining the free angle include a lever arm 107a and an outer arm 105a, a lever arm 107b and a contact arm 111a, a lever arm 107c and a contact arm 111b, a lever arm 107d and a contact arm 111c, a lever arm 107e and a contact arm 111d, and a lever arm 107f and an outer arm 105b.

[0030] The free angle can be adjusted to increase or decrease the pressure exerted by the contact portions 110a, 110b when the biasing element is in the loaded position. Although a single bend or curve is illustrated in the figures, it should be apparent that any number of curves can be implemented in the biasing elements 114 to achieve the desired angle of rotation (e.g., angular deflection) measured from the unloaded position and / or the amount of torque the spring exerts for the given angle (e.g., spring rate). In at least one example, the free angle can be between 30° and 45°.

[0031] Fig. 3 is an open perspective top, front, and side view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. In Fig. 3, the levers 106 of the compression mechanism 102 are released from corresponding anchors 120, and the cover 130 is transparent. Fig. 3 illustrates a possible alignment of the contact sections 110 with components of the memory module 140. In Fig. 3, each of the contact arms 111 is substantially parallel and vertically aligned with respective storage components 144. When the compression mechanism is engaged, a compression force is exerted by each of the contact arms 111. Thus, each of the storage components 144 receives pressure directly from the aligned contact arm. As a result, the compression force is distributed more evenly across the storage components 144.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled configuration, taken along the line 102 shown in Fig. 2 shown line AA. In addition to the cover 130, the memory module 140, the compression connector 150, the main board 160 and the base 170, Fig. 4 also shows an exemplary substrate 180 on which the mechanical stack assembly 100 can optionally be mounted. Fig. Figure 4 shows the three armatures 120 and the indentations 122a-122c therein. A cross-section of the contact sections 110 is also shown, including the contact arms 111 (in cross-section) and the intermediate contact elements 112 (not in cross-section). A plane in which the contact sections 110 are arranged is substantially parallel to the cover 130. Additionally, the contact arms 111 and the intermediate contact elements 112 face and are in contact with the outer surface 134 of the cover 130.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows the vertical alignment (e.g., in the Z-direction) of the contact arms 111 with respective memory components 144 of the memory module 140. For example, the contact arm 111a is aligned with the memory component 144a, the contact arm 111b is aligned with the memory component 144b, the contact arm 111c is aligned with the memory component 144c, and the contact arm 111d is aligned with the memory component 144d. When the compression mechanism is engaged, and the levers are held by the indentations 122 of the anchors 120, this configuration causes pressure from each of the contact arms 111 to be applied via the cover 130 to a respective memory component 144a-144d. Thus, the memory components 144 receive more even pressure across the memory module 140.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical stack assembly 100 in an assembled configuration, taken along the line Fig. 2. The second anchor 120b and the recess 122b formed in the second anchor are illustrated. The second anchor 120b extends from a lower end at the base 170 through the through-holes 162b, 152b, 142b, and 132b of the motherboard 160, the compression connector 150, the memory module 140, and the cover 130, respectively. Fig. Figure 5 also shows the lever arm 107c (not in cross-section) and the intermediate lever element 108b (in cross-section) of the second lever 106b. The contact arm 111b (not in cross-section) of the contact section 110a is also shown. Additionally, a free angle 116 is shown, which is defined by the lever arm 107c of the second lever 106b and the contact arm 111b of the first contact section 110a. The free angle 116 is present when the compression mechanism is released and the levers are not held by a corresponding anchor, as in Fig. 5 by the second lever 106b and the corresponding second anchor 120b.

[0035] To transition the compression mechanism from disengaged to engaged, torque is applied to one or more levers 106 to cause the lever arms 107 to rotate about respective biasing members 114, as shown by directional arrow 1. When the intermediate lever elements 108 are horizontally aligned with respective indentations 122 in the respective anchors 120 (for example, when the intermediate lever element 108b is aligned with the indentation 122b of the anchor 120b), then a horizontal force can be exerted on one or more of the levers 106 to move a locking portion of each intermediate lever element 108a, 108b, 108c into a horizontally oriented indentation 122a, 122b, 122c of an anchor 120a, 120b, 120c. Once the locking portion of an intermediate lever element is received in a corresponding indentation, the hook shape of the indentation (for example, angled shape, curved shape, etc.) the lever until suitable forces are exerted on the levers 106 in the opposite direction.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 is an open perspective top view, front and side view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 100, in which the levers 106 of the compression mechanism 102 are held in a fixed position by the corresponding anchors 120. The brackets 118 are Fig. 6 omitted for clarity. As in Fig. 6, a locking portion of each of the intermediate lever members 108 is received in and held by one of the indentations 122 of a corresponding anchor 120a-120c. In this example, the locking portions may have the same cross-section (e.g., same shape, same dimensions) as the remaining portions of the intermediate lever members 108. When the levers 106 are in the fixed position, as shown, the biasing members 114 are loaded in response to the twisting or bending movement that occurred when the levers were rotated and secured in the fixed position. The angular deflection corresponds to how far the lever arms are rotated from the free angle so that they are horizontally aligned with the indentations of corresponding anchors.

[0037] In other examples, the locking portions may have a different cross-section than the remaining portions of the intermediate lever members 108. For example, the locking portions could be shaped to mate with the upper portion of the anchor or connected in any other manner that requires a different shape for the locking portion to be releasably coupled to the anchor. In another example, the locking portion may be offset from the remaining portions of the intermediate lever member, as described herein with reference to Fig. 9-13 further described.

[0038] In this example, the outer arms 105 are substantially straight, and remain within the edges of the cover 130. Thus, distal portions of the outer arms 105 can be retained within retainers (shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5) are received at the edges of the cover 130. In this example, the biasing elements 114a, 114f at opposite ends of the elongated spring 104 are coupled to the outer arms 105a, 105b, respectively, and are rotated to operate in the same direction as adjacent biasing elements 114b, 114e, resulting in the lever arms 107a, 107f crossing the outer arms 105a, 105b. This configuration can advantageously limit the lateral (X-direction) footprint of the cover, the memory module, and possibly other layers. In other examples, modifications could be made to allow the biasing members 114a, 114f at opposite ends of the elongated spring 104 to be rotated in opposite directions so that the outer lever arms 107a and 107f do not cross the outer arms 105a, 105b.For example, one modification involves adjusting the through-holes of the cover (and other layers) to allow more space at the ends of the cover. Another modification involves widening the cover to allow more space at the ends of the cover. Further modifications could involve changing the design of the outer arms in various ways, an example of which is described with reference to FIG. Fig. 12 is shown further.

[0039] The Fig. 7A-7B are side views of possible free angles along a groove of an elongated spring, such as the elongated spring 104, when the compression mechanism is released and the levers of the elongated spring are in a free position. Fig. 7A illustrates biasing element 702 (e.g., similar to biasing elements 114) having a first end extending into lever arm 704 (e.g., similar to lever arms 107) and a second end extending into contact arm 706 (e.g., similar to contact arms 111). Alternatively, the second end of the biasing element could extend into an outer arm (e.g., similar to outer arms 105) or a connecting arm (e.g., for connecting the biasing element to another lever arm, a contact arm, or an outer arm). The exemplary free angle along the Fig. 7A is 45°. Similarly, Fig. 7B biasing element 712, lever arm 714 and contact arm 716 (or an outer arm or other connecting arm). The exemplary free angle along the Fig. The groove shown in Figure 7B is 30°.

[0040] The permissible deflection angle (e.g., the degree of permissible misalignment) depends on the specific design of the elongated spring. For example, the deflection angle of the elongated spring 104 of the Fig. 1-6 are limited by the diameter of the outer arms, since the adjacent lever arms cross the outer arms. Thus, the maximum deflection angle of a spring that is Fig. 7A shown free angle of 45°, is smaller than 45°, and the maximum deflection angle of a spring designed with the Fig. 7B would be smaller than 30°. However, in other examples where lever arms do not cross another arm (such as with reference to Fig. 9-13), the maximum deflection angle must be less than or equal to the free angle.

[0041] The free angle of the groove can be adjusted to increase or decrease the pressure exerted by the contact portions based on the specific needs and requirements of a PCB receiving the pressure and / or other layers in a mechanical stack assembly with the PCB. The load of the elongated spring refers to the force exerted by the spring (for example, the contact portions of the elongated spring) when the biasing elements are twisted from a free position. The load of an elongated spring, as described herein, is proportional to the deflection angle that allows the levers to be held by corresponding anchors.

[0042] The Fig. 8A-8D are diagrams illustrating results of a structural analysis of simulated elongated spring 804 (e.g., similar to elongated spring 104) of a compression mechanism disclosed herein. Fig. Figures 8A-8D illustrate the structural analysis results based on Von Mises stress testing of the simulated elongated spring 804. Von Mises stress is a yield criterion for determining whether a given material will yield or fracture.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8A shows the resulting displacement (URES) of the various parts of the simulated elongated spring 804, measured in millimeters. The simulated elongated spring 804 includes levers 806, lever arms 807, intermediate lever elements 808, contact sections 810, contact arms 811, intermediate contact elements 812, outer arms 805, and biasing elements 814.

[0044] Fig. Figure 8B shows the simulated elongated spring 804 mounted on the simulated cover 830 and the Mises yield points. The lever arms, the intermeshing portions of the intermediate lever elements, and the bias elements exhibit the largest Mises results (e.g., in the range of +1.057e+03 to +5.286e+02). The contact arms and intermediate contact elements exhibit the smallest Mises results (e.g., in the range of +4.507e-05 and below).

[0045] Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a locking portion of an intermediate lever member 808 of Fig. 8B Center 809 of the intermediate lever element 808 shows the largest Mises result (for example in the range from +1.029e+03 to +1.513e+03).

[0046] Based on the data provided in the Fig. According to the simulation results shown in Figures 8A-8C, an elongated spring as proposed herein (e.g., elongated spring 104) provides additional compression force compared to a typical screw. For example, a torsion spring can exert a compression force of approximately 82 pounds, whereas a typical screw can exert a compression force of approximately 45 pounds.

[0047] Fig. Figure 8D illustrates a pressure point analysis of the simulated elongated spring 804 and the cover 830. Fig. Figure 8D shows the simulated cover 830 (without the elongated spring 804) after the simulated test has been performed. On the simulated cover 830, lighter contrast areas represent pressure points from the elongated spring 804 when a torque was applied to the levers 806. As in Fig. 8D, the pressure is more evenly distributed across the cover 830 where the contact portions 810 have applied a compressive force. In fact, in Fig. 8D, more than eight pressure points were observed, compared to three pressure points of a typical mechanical stack assembly with LPCAMM memory modules. Thus, an elongated spring similar to elongated spring 804, when implemented in a mechanical stack assembly with a memory module, such as memory module 140, results in pressure points over each memory component of the memory module. Furthermore, the specific design of the elongated spring can be modified to ensure that the contact portions are aligned with components or other areas where a compression force is desired and / or required.

[0048] Fig. 9 is an opened perspective top, front, and side view of assembled mechanical stack assembly 900. Mechanical stack assembly 900 includes an alternative embodiment of compression mechanism 902, which includes elongated spring 904 with levers 906a, 906b, and 906c (collectively, 906) and contact portions 910a and 910b (collectively, 910). Fig. 9, the levers 906 are held by respective anchors 920a, 920b, and 920c (collectively referred to as 920) and are releasable from the anchors in response to suitable forces. The mechanical stack assembly 900 (e.g., similar to the mechanical stack assembly 100) may include cover 930 and base 970 (in the Fig. 11-13) from which the anchors 920 extend.

[0049] Although the elongated spring 904 is illustrated as having three levers 906 and two contact portions 910 in an alternating arrangement with biasing elements 914a, 914b, 914c, 914d, 914e, 914f (collectively referred to as 914) coupled therebetween, the number of levers and contact portions and their placement within the elongated spring 904 may vary depending on the particular configuration of the mechanical stack assembly and the components to which a compressive force is to be applied.

[0050] In general, the levers 906 may be similar to the levers 106, such as including respective pairs of lever arms 907a-907b, 907c-907d, and 907e-907f (collectively referred to as 907) and respective intermediate lever members 908a, 908b, and 908c (collectively referred to as 908). The intermediate lever members 908 connect respective pairs of lever arms 907a-907b, 907c-907d, and 907e-907f to form three-sided, generally rectangular levers 906. However, in other examples, the levers 906 may have any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, U-shapes, curved shapes, wedge shapes, elliptical shapes, trapezoidal shapes, etc., as described herein with reference to the Fig. 14A-14D as further described.

[0051] The intermediate lever elements 908 each include a locking portion that is received in a recess formed in one of the anchors 920. The locking portions of the intermediate lever elements 908 are offset vertically downward or below the intermediate lever elements 908.

[0052] The contact portions 910 may be similar to the contact portions 110, such as having respective pairs of contact arms 911a-911b and 911c-911d (collectively referred to as 911) and respective intermediate contact elements 912a and 912b (collectively referred to as 912). The intermediate contact elements 912 connect respective pairs of contact arms 911a-911b and 911c-911d to form three-sided, generally rectangular contact portions 910. However, in other examples, the contact portions 910 may have any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, U-shapes, curved shapes, wedge shapes, elliptical shapes, trapezoidal shapes, etc., some examples of which are described herein with reference to the Fig. 14A-14D are further described.

[0053] The biasing elements 914 may be similar to the biasing elements 114, with a biasing element provided at the end of each of the lever arms 907 such that the biasing elements 914 are aligned along a common axis about which the levers can be rotated to a certain angular deflection. In one example, the biasing elements 914 form a torsion spring (or any other suitable spring type), with each biasing element shaped as a single bend or curve of a rod (e.g., a bar, shaft, wire, etc.) that operates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., responding to rotational movement of a lever arm by twisting, rotating, etc.).One end of a given biasing member (e.g., 914a) extends into a lever arm (e.g., 907a), and an opposite end of the biasing member extends into another arm that is biased against the lever arm. As shown in . Fig. 9, the other arm is either a contact arm of an adjacent contact section or an outer arm (e.g., 905a) used to couple the elongated spring 904 to the cover 930. In other embodiments, the other arm may be a connecting arm (not shown) to another lever or a connecting arm to a contact section.

[0054] In the elongated spring 904 of Fig. 9, each pair of biasing members 914a-914b, 914c-914d, and 914e-914f, coupled to levers 906a, 906b, and 906c, respectively, can be rotated to operate in opposite directions. A first biasing member 914a connects a first outer arm 905a to the lever arm 907a of the first lever 906a and biases the outer arm 905a so that the first biasing member 914a operates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). A second biasing element 914b connects the lever arm 907b of the first lever 906a to the contact arm 911a of the first contact portion 910a and biases the lever arm 907b so that the second biasing element 914b operates in the first direction (for example, clockwise).A third biasing element 914c connects the lever arm 907c of the second lever 906b to the contact arm 911b of the first contact section 910a and biases the lever arm 907c so that the third biasing element 914c operates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). A fourth biasing element 914d connects the lever arm 907d of the second lever 906b to the contact arm 911c of the second contact section 910b and biases the lever arm 907d so that the fourth biasing element 914d operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). A fifth biasing element 914e connects the lever arm 907e of the third lever 906c to the contact arm 911d of the second contact portion 910b and biases the lever arm 907e so that the fifth biasing element 914e operates in the second direction (for example, counterclockwise).A sixth biasing element 914f connects the lever arm 907f of the third lever 906c to a second outer arm 905b and biases the lever arm 907f such that the sixth biasing element 914f operates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). In other embodiments, the operating direction (e.g., the twisting direction) of the biasing elements 914 may be only clockwise, only counterclockwise, or any combination thereof.

[0055] The outer arms 905a, 905b are configured to allow the biasing elements 914a, 914f to be rotated such that the lever arms 907a, 907f do not cross adjacent outer arms 905a, 905b. In this example, the outer arms 905a and 905b each include first longitudinal extensions 901a, 901b, lateral extensions 903a, 903b, and second longitudinal extensions 990a, 990b. The first longitudinal extensions 901a, 901b are located proximate the respective biasing elements 914a, 914f and are arranged laterally outward from respective edges of the cover 930. The second longitudinal extensions 990a, 990b are laterally offset from the first longitudinal extensions 901a, 901b by the lateral extensions 903a, 903b such that the second longitudinal extensions 990a, 990b are vertically aligned with the cover 930.In other configurations where a greater distance extends between the edge of the edges of the cover 930 and the anchors 920a, 920c that are closest to the edge of the cover 930 (e.g., when the cover is larger, when the anchors are placed farther from the edge of the cover, etc.), the lateral extensions may be omitted so that the second longitudinal extensions 990a, 990b are not laterally offset from the first longitudinal extensions 901a, 901b.

[0056] The elongated spring 904 can be secured, positioned, and / or aligned on the outer surface 934 of the cover 930 with fasteners (e.g., securing mechanisms, fasteners, clips, tabs, clamps, openings, indentations, cavities, etc.) coupled to and / or defined by the structure of the cover 930 (e.g., molded, stamped, cast, bent, assembled, etc.), as described hereinabove with reference to the cover 130. In the Fig. 9, openings 918a and 918b (collectively referred to as 918) are formed in the cover 930 and are dimensioned to slidably receive a portion of the second longitudinal extensions 990a and 990b (collectively referred to as 990), respectively, of the outer arms 905. The second longitudinal extensions 990 include proximal portions 992b, angled portions (e.g., angled portion 994b, shown in Fig. 13) and distal sections (for example, distal section 996b, shown in Fig. 13). The angled portions provide vertical offsets from the proximal portions 992a, 992b to allow the distal portions (e.g., distal portion 996b) to be received in respective openings 918a, 918b in the cover 930.

[0057] The compression mechanism 902 also includes anchors 920 (e.g., similar to anchors 120) for releasably holding (e.g., locking, holding, restricting, retaining, etc.) respective levers 906 in a fixed position. In one example, the anchors 920 extend from respective lower ends on a base (e.g., bottom plate, base plate, back plate, bottom, bottom cover, base cover, etc.) through the cover 930 to respective upper ends (e.g., to upper end 924a, shown in Fig. 9, and to the upper end 924b, shown in the Fig. 11-12) that have a vertical distance (e.g., Z-axis) above the cover 930. In one example, the anchors 920 may be formed as vertical shafts (e.g., spacers, rods, cylinders, etc.) that are coupled to and / or defined by the structure of the base 970 (e.g., stamped, bent, extruded, etc.).

[0058] Each anchor 920a, 920b, and 920c includes a respective upper portion having a recess (e.g., notch, opening, aperture, hook-like cavity, etc.) dimensioned to receive a locking portion of an adjacent intermediate lever member 908a, 908b, 908c of the levers 906 to couple the levers 906 to the anchors 920 such that the elongated spring is loaded (e.g., prevented from rotating) and the levers 906 are held in a fixed position until a suitable release force is applied to the levers 906. The upper portions of the anchors terminate at upper ends of the anchor that are vertically spaced above the cover 930. When the levers 906 are held in a fixed position by the anchors 920, biasing elements 914 are loaded and a compressive force is exerted on the cover 930 by the contact portions 910.In the compression mechanism 902, the upper ends 924 are substantially horizontally aligned with an upper edge or upper surface of the levers 906 when the levers are held in the fixed position. Exemplary anchors (e.g., anchor 920b) including a recess (e.g., recess 922) and an upper end (e.g., upper end 924b) are shown in FIGS. Fig. 11-12 illustrates.

[0059] Fig. 10 is an open perspective cutaway view showing more details of the intermediate lever member 908b, including the extension link 980 formed therein. The intermediate lever member 908b includes the first intermediate extension 988, the second intermediate extension 989, and the extension link 980 disposed between the first and second intermediate extensions 988 and 989. The extension link 980 includes the first transition portion 982, the second transition portion 984, and the offset portion 986 that is vertically offset from the first and second intermediate extensions 988 and 989 by the first and second transition portions 982 and 984, respectively, disposed at opposite ends of the offset portion 986. The offset portion 986 may be a locking portion sized to be received within a recess of the adjacent anchor 920b.The vertical offset of the offset portion 986 allows the height of the anchor 920b to be reduced. In one example, the offset portion 986 is flattened to allow a further reduction in the height of the anchor 920b.

[0060] The design of the intermediate lever element 908b with the extension link 980 can result in a reduction in the thickness (e.g., Z-height) of the armatures by 0.5 to 1.0 mm or potentially more. Thus, the upper end 924b of the armature 920b can be substantially horizontally aligned with an upper edge or surface of the elongated spring 904. Thus, the highest point in the mechanical stack assembly 900 can be defined by the diameter of the elongated spring 904 (or the levers 906 of the elongated spring 904). The extension link 980 is representative of other extension links formed in the other intermediate lever elements 908a and 908c of the elongated spring 904. However, the placement of the extension links along the respective intermediate lever elements 908 can vary (e.g., closer to one lever arm or to the other lever arm, in the middle, etc.).

[0061] It should be noted that references to the first intermediate extension 988 and the second intermediate extension 989 may include the first lever arm (e.g., the first lever arm 907c) and the second lever arm (e.g., the second lever arm 907d) of the particular lever (e.g., lever 906b). For example, alternative configurations of the levers (e.g., curved, arched, U-shaped, etc.) may include curved lever arms extending from respective biasing members to opposite ends of the extension link (e.g., extension link 980).

[0062] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly taken along line CC of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 shows the lever 906b held in a fixed position by the armature 920b. Fig. 11 further illustrates possible layers of the mechanical stack assembly 900 including the cover 930, memory module 940 with memory component 944b (e.g., LPCAMM), compression connector 950, motherboard 960, and base 970. The second anchor 920b and the recess 922b formed in the second anchor are illustrated.

[0063] The second anchor 920b extends from a lower end on the base 970 through through holes of the motherboard 960, the compression connector 950, the memory module 940, and the cover 930, respectively. Fig. 11 also shows the lever arm 907c (not in cross-section) and the third portion 986 of the extension link 980 of the intermediate lever element 908b (in cross-section) of the second lever 906b. The third portion 986 is disposed in the recess 922b of the armature 920b, which holds the second lever 906b in a fixed position. The contact arm 911b (not in cross-section) of the contact portion 910a is also shown. The angle of the lever 906b is in the fixed position at maximum deflection.

[0064] As in Fig. 11, the upper end 924b of the armature 920b is horizontally aligned with an upper surface or upper edge of the second lever 906b (or at least the intermediate extensions 988, 989 of the intermediate lever member 908b) when the second lever is in the fixed position. In some scenarios, the upper ends of the armatures 920 may have a vertical distance below the upper surface or upper edge of the levers 906 (or at least the intermediate extensions of the intermediate members 908) when the levers 906 are in a fixed position. In the fixed position, the upper edge or surface of the second lever (or at least the intermediate extensions 988, 989) has a vertical distance above the outer surface 934 of the cover 930 that corresponds to the diameter of the shaft, rod, wire, etc. from which the elongated spring 904 is formed.Thus, for implementations where the Z-height of the mechanical stack assembly 900 is critical, the anchors 920 can be sized so that the height of the assembly is defined by the diameter of the elongated spring 904 rather than by the anchors. For example, the diameter of the elongated spring 904 can be in a range of 0.5-2 millimeters (mm) (for example, for thin laptops or other thin devices). For thicker devices (for example, workstations, gaming laptops, etc.), the diameter of the elongated spring 904 could be up to 3 mm or possibly more. In some scenarios, the levers 906 can be formed to have a different diameter than the contact portions 910 and / or the outer arms 905.

[0065] To transition the compression mechanism from disengaged to engaged, a torque is applied to one or more levers 906 to cause the lever arms 907 to slide laterally away from the anchors 920. This releases the torque applied to the third portions (e.g., third portion 986) of the extension links (e.g., extension link 980) of the intermediate lever members 908, and thus the levers 906 can rotate about the corresponding biasing members 914 to a free position. Additionally, a free angle 916 is shown, defined by the lever arm 907c of the second lever 906b and the contact arm 911b of the first contact portion 910a. The free angle 916 exists when the compression mechanism is disengaged and the levers are not held by a corresponding anchor.

[0066] Fig. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 900, taken along line CC of Fig. 9, but instead of showing the levers 906 in a fixed position, Fig. 12 the levers in a free position. To transition the compression mechanism 902 from released to engaged, a torque is applied to one or more levers 906 to cause the lever arms 907 to rotate about corresponding biasing members 914, as shown by directional arrow 1. When the portions of the intermediate lever members 908 are horizontally aligned with respective indentations 922 in respective anchors 920 (e.g., when the third portion 986 of the extension link 980 in the intermediate lever member 908b is aligned with the indentation 922b of the anchor 920b), then a horizontal force can be applied to one or more of the levers 906 to move the offset portions of the extension links of the intermediate lever members 908 into horizontally aligned indentations 922 of the anchors 920.Once the offset portion of an extension link of an intermediate lever member is received in a corresponding recess, the hook shape of the recess (e.g., angled shape, curved shape, etc.) holds the lever until appropriate forces are applied in the opposite direction to the levers 906.

[0067] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled mechanical stack assembly 900 taken along line DD of Fig. 9. In Fig. 13, the levers 906 are held in a fixed position by anchors 920. The lever arm 907f of the third lever 906c is Fig. 13, and is held in the fixed position by the third anchor 920c Fig. 13 further shows the exemplary layers of the mechanical stack assembly 900 including the cover 930, the memory module 940 with a memory component 944d (e.g., LPCAMM), the compression connector 950, the motherboard 960, and the base 970.

[0068] An exemplary coupling of the outer arm 905b of the elongated spring 904 with the cover 930 is shown in Fig. 13. The second longitudinal extension 990b of the second outer arm 905b includes the 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 cover 930. The angled portion 994b is sized to be received in the second opening 918b and traverse the outer surface 934 of the cover 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 in the second opening 918b.The distal portion is inserted into the second opening 918b and maneuvered such that the proximal portion rests on the outer surface 934 of the cover 930, the angled portion 994b traverses the outer surface 934 of the cover 930, and the distal portion 996b is mounted below and substantially parallel to the outer surface 934 of the cover 930. The second longitudinal extension 990a (partially shown in FIG. Fig. 9) of the first outer arm 905a may be similarly configured, and may be similarly mounted on the opposite side of the cover 930 in the first opening 918a

[0069] The Fig. 14A-14D illustrate alternative exemplary elongated springs for a compression mechanism that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. The elongated springs in the Fig. 14A-14D are illustrated in line drawings for simplicity. However, it should be understood that the elongated spring could be formed from a rod, bar, shaft, wire, etc., with a selected diameter (or different diameters for different parts of the spring). Any of the exemplary features and / or aspects of the Fig. 14A-14D may be used in conjunction with or instead of any of the examples disclosed herein. In the Fig. 14A-14D, representative reference numerals are provided on selected elements for convenience, and these reference numerals are intended to apply to other similar elements shown in the FIGURE.

[0070] In Fig. 14A illustrates an exemplary elongated spring 1400 with outer arms 1405, three levers 1402, two contact sections 1406, and six biasing elements 1409. The levers 1402 and the contact sections 1406 are triangular shapes. Each lever 1402 includes two converging lever arms 1403 and an intermediate lever element 1404 connecting the converging ends of the two lever arms 1403. Each contact section 1406 includes two converging contact arms 1407 and an intermediate contact element 1408 connecting the converging ends of the two contact arms. Each biasing element 1409 is disposed either between a lever arm 1403 and a contact arm 1407, or between a lever arm 1403 and an outer arm 1405.

[0071] In Fig. 14B illustrates an exemplary elongated spring 1410 having outer arms 1415, three levers 1412, two contact portions 1416, and six biasing elements 1419. The levers 1412 and the contact portions 1416 are triangular shapes. Each lever 1412 includes two converging lever arms 1413 and an intermediate lever element 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 element 1418 connecting two ends of the two contact arms of the contact portion 1416. Each biasing element 1419 is disposed either between a lever arm 1413 and a contact arm 1417, or between a lever arm 1413 and an outer arm 1415.

[0072] In Fig. 14C illustrates an exemplary elongated spring 1420 having outer arms 1425, two levers 1422, three contact portions 1426, and four biasing elements 1429. The levers 1422 and the contact portions 1426 are triangular shapes. Each lever 1422 includes two substantially parallel lever arms 1423 and an intermediate lever element 1424 connecting two ends of the two lever arms 1423 of the lever 1422. Each contact portion 1426 includes two substantially parallel contact arms 1427 and an intermediate contact element 1428 connecting two ends of the two contact arms of the contact portion 1426. Each biasing element 1429 is disposed between a lever arm 1423 and a contact arm 1427. Bend or curve 1421 of the elongated spring connects the outer arms 1425 to adjacent contact arms without a biasing element disposed therebetween.

[0073] In Fig. 14D illustrates an exemplary elongated spring 1430 having outer arms 1435, two levers 1432, three contact portions 1436, and four biasing elements 1439. The levers 1432 and the contact portions 1436 are triangular shapes. Each lever 1432 includes two substantially parallel lever arms 1433 and an intermediate lever element 1434 connecting two ends of the two lever arms 1433 of the lever 1432. Each contact portion 1436 includes two converging contact arms 1437 and an intermediate contact element 1438 connecting two converging ends of the two contact arms 1437 of the contact portion 1436. Each biasing element 1439 is disposed between a lever arm 1433 and a contact arm 1437. Bend or curve 1431 of the elongated spring connects the outer arms 1435 to adjacent contact arms without a biasing element disposed therebetween.

[0074] In each of the above examples, any number of variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any suitable number of levers (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more), any suitable number of contact portions (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more), and any suitable combination thereof may be configured in an elongated spring. In another example, some configurations may include adjacent levers and / or adjacent contact portions. In still further examples, one or more intermediate arms may 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 still further examples, the length of the lever arms may be a shorter length than the contact arms (as shown in the examples herein), the same length as the contact arms, or a greater length than the contact arms. In still further examples, the levers and / or the contact portions could have alternative shapes, including, but not limited to, an arc shape, a U-shape, a diverging shape (e.g., diverging lever arms, diverging contact arms), an S-shape, or any other alternative shape that allows at least a portion of the contact arms and / or intermediate contact elements to be vertically aligned with electronic components or other elements to be compressed in the mechanical stack assembly by the compression mechanism.

[0075] In addition, the Fig. 14A-14D, the outer arms 1405, 1415, 1425 and 1435 are substantially straight extensions of respective biasing elements coupled to lever arms (for example, the Fig. 14A-14B), or from one end of a contact arm (for example, the Fig. 14C-14D). However, the outer arms may be configured in any suitable manner and / or shape (e.g., outer arms 905, etc.) to achieve the intended purpose of coupling the elongated spring to a cover such that the common axis of the biasing members is substantially fixed when the levers are rotated and releasably retained by the anchors.

[0076] Fig.15 is a flowchart of example process 1500 associated with creating examples disclosed herein. The example process may be used to produce, manufacture, assemble, and / or upgrade examples of a mechanical stack assembly and / or a computing device and / or a PCB disclosed herein. Thus, the example process 1500 may be implemented during manufacturing, assembly, or update and / or upgrade processes for computing devices, mechanical stack assemblies, and / or PCBs.

[0077] At 1502, an elongated spring (e.g., elongated spring 104, 904) is produced with levers (e.g., levers 106, 906), contact portions (e.g., contact portions 110, 910), biasing elements (e.g., biasing elements 114, 914), and outer arms (e.g., outer arms 105, 905). In this example, three levers and two contact portions alternate, with two outer arms 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 another arm, where the other arm could be connected to another lever, contact portion, or outer arm.

[0078] At 1504, a cover is manufactured or retrofitted with brackets (e.g., brackets 118, openings 918) to secure the elongated spring to the cover (e.g., cover 130, 930). The brackets may be coupled to or defined by the structure of the cover. For example, the brackets may be housing structures (e.g., bracket 118) attached or formed on opposite sides of an outer surface (e.g., 134) of the cover. In another example, the brackets may be formed as openings (e.g., openings 918) formed on opposite sides of the outer surface of the cover. The brackets are dimensioned to receive distal portions (e.g., distal portion 996b) of the outer arms.

[0079] At 1506, anchors (e.g., anchors 120, 920) are formed on or coupled to a layer in a mechanical stack, such as a base (e.g., base 170, 970). The anchors extend vertically upward from the base and are sized to pass through through-holes in one or more layers to be included in the mechanical stack. Additionally, the anchors are vertically sized to extend beyond the outer surface of the cover when the other layers are disposed between the base and the cover. In some examples, the upper ends of the anchors extend beyond the contact portions of the elongated spring that is attached to the cover.In other examples, the upper ends of the anchors are substantially horizontally aligned with an upper edge or surface of the levers (or at least the intermediate extensions of the intermediate lever members) when the levers are held by the anchors. The anchors each include a recess (e.g., a hook cavity, a notch, an opening, etc.). The recess of a given anchor is shaped to receive a locking portion of an adjacent lever to couple the adjacent lever to the given anchor and hold the adjacent lever in a fixed position.

[0080] At 1508, the layers of the mechanical stack are assembled onto the base. In one example, the layers include the cover, 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 seal, etc., or any combination thereof. In this example, the through-holes of the motherboard may be aligned with the anchors. The motherboard may then be lowered onto the base through the anchors and coupled to the base. The through-holes of the compression connector may be aligned with the anchors. The compression connector may then be lowered onto the motherboard and coupled to the base through the anchors. The through-holes of the memory module may be aligned with the anchors.The memory module can then be lowered onto the compression connector and coupled to the base by the anchors.

[0081] At 1510, the elongated spring is coupled to the cover via the retainers. For example, distal portions of the outer arms of the elongated spring may be slidably inserted into the retainers formed on or coupled to the outer surface of the cover. In another example, distal portions of the outer arms of the elongated spring may be inserted into the openings in the cover to couple the elongated spring to the cover.

[0082] In 1512, the cover can be added to the mechanical stack. The cover's through holes are aligned with the anchors on the base. The cover, along with the elongated spring coupled to the cover, can then be lowered onto the memory module (or a thermal seal) and coupled to the base by the anchors.

[0083] At 1514, after the stack is assembled, a rotational force (for example, a torque) can be applied to one or more of the levers to rotate the levers toward the outer surface of the cover. When one lever is rotated, the other levers can 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 each be horizontally aligned with the anchor recesses.

[0084] At 1516, a lateral force is applied to the deflected levers to insert extension links of intermediate lever elements (e.g., 208, 908) into recesses of corresponding anchors and fix them within the recesses to hold the levers in a fixed position such that the levers are releasably coupled to the anchors. To release the levers, opposing forces may be applied. In some cases, a rotational force may be applied to free the inserted portions of the levers from the recesses, and then an opposing lateral force may be applied to remove the inserted portions of the levers from the recesses. Once the inserted portions have been removed from the anchors, the rotational force may be removed (if still present), and the levers rotate back to the free position.The forces applied to the levers can be performed by a human, a machine, or a combination thereof. In one example, a user can push the levers down and into the recesses of the armature.

[0085] Once the mechanical stack is assembled and the elongated spring is held in a fixed position by the anchors, a reverse process can be used to remove the cover and access the memory module or other layers (for example, to replace / repair selected memory components, etc.).

[0086] It should be noted that some, none, or all of the activities described with reference to process 1500 may be performed or supported by humans. Additionally, some or all of the activities may be performed or supported by machines (e.g., automated, semi-automated, manual, or any suitable combination thereof).

[0087] A compression mechanism (e.g., compression mechanisms 102, 902) may be implemented with any suitable mechanical stack assembly utilizing compression. In some scenarios, existing mechanical stacks may be modified or retrofitted to implement a compression mechanism as disclosed herein. To modify an existing stack, for example, screws may be removed to expose through-holes in the stack layers, brackets may be coupled to a cover, or a new cover with brackets formed therein may be manufactured, anchors may be coupled to a base (e.g., in the threaded holes that typically receive screws), or a new base with anchors formed therein may be produced, and an elongated spring may be coupled to the cover via the brackets.The layer may then be assembled as described in process 1500. Although compression mechanisms 102, 902 have been described herein with reference to stacks that include memory modules (e.g., LPCAMM), it should be appreciated that numerous other types of mechanical stacks could be modified, retrofitted, or organically designed to implement a compression mechanism 102, 902. As a non-limiting example, land grid array (LGA)-based applications may be replaced with a compression mechanism as disclosed herein.

[0088] With reference to this specification, in general, unless expressly stated otherwise, the use of the terms "at least one of" and "one or more of" refers to any combination of the named elements, sections, levers, supports, openings, conditions, activities, devices, etc. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y, and Z" shall mean one of the following: 2) at least one X, but not Y and not Z; 3) at least one Y, but not X and not Z; 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.

[0089] Additionally, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are intended to distinguish the specific elements (e.g., elements, levers, sections, parts, extensions, anchors, brackets, openings, arms, biasing elements, upper ends, lower ends, devices, etc.) they modify, but are not intended to indicate any type of order, rank, importance, timing, or hierarchy. For example, "first X" and "second X" are intended to denote two separate X elements, not necessarily constrained by any order, rank, importance, timing, or hierarchy of the two elements.

[0090] 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 therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the above use of "embodiment" and other exemplary language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example, but may refer to different and specific embodiments, as well as potentially to the same embodiment.

[0091] The embodiments presented herein are provided by way of example only, and are intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. It is also important to note that the activities in the foregoing flowcharts and diagrams illustrate only some of the possible activities that may be performed by a human and / or by a machine. Some of these activities may be omitted, or these activities may be modified or substantially changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the timing of these operations may be substantially changed. For example, the timing and / or sequence of certain activities relative to other activities may be changed to be performed before, after, or in parallel with other activities, or based on any suitable combination thereof.The foregoing operational sequences have been presented for purposes of example and discussion. Substantial flexibility is provided by the embodiments described herein in that any suitable arrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be provided without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. OTHER NOTES AND EXAMPLES

[0092] The following examples relate to embodiments according to this specification. Embodiments of the system, apparatus, and method may include one of the following examples or a combination thereof.

[0093] The following examples relate to embodiments according to this specification. Example A1 provides a device including a cover and a compression mechanism coupled to the cover. The compression mechanism includes a first anchor extending through the cover, a first lever disposed in a first plane traversing the cover, and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite an outer surface of the cover. The first lever and the first contact portion are in a biased 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 cover and allows the first lever to be releasably retained by the first anchor.

[0094] Example A2 includes the subject matter of Example A1, and the first anchor includes an upper portion having a recess dimensioned to receive a first portion of the first lever.

[0095] Example A3 includes the subject matter of Example A2, and the indentation receives the first portion of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to oppose the outer surface of the cover and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first portion into the indentation.

[0096] Example A4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A3, and the first anchor is dimensioned 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 portion of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor.

[0097] Example A5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A4, and the first portion is disposed between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever.

[0098] Example A6 comprises the subject matter of Example A5, and the first section is offset vertically below the first extension and the second extension.

[0099] Example A7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A2-A3, and the first portion is oriented substantially horizontally along an intermediate element of the first lever.

[0100] 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.

[0101] Example A9 includes the subject matter of Example A8, and the compression mechanism further includes a first biasing member coupled to one end of the first lever and a second biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are aligned along the common axis.

[0102] Example A10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A8-A9, and the first lever arm and the second lever arm are either substantially parallel or converging.

[0103] Example A11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A10, and a lower end of the first anchor is coupled to a base having a vertical distance below the cover.

[0104] Example A12 includes the subject matter of Example A11, and a 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 a second contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a second integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base.

[0105] 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 disposed in the first plane, a second contact portion disposed in the second plane, a third biasing member coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever, and a fourth biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the second lever, and a second pivotal movement of the second lever about the common axis biases the second contact portion against the cover and allows the second lever to be releasably retained by the second anchor.

[0106] Example A14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples A1-A13, and a circuit board is disposed between the cover and a base.

[0107] Example A15 includes the subject matter of A14, and the cover is a heat spreader.

[0108] Example A16 includes the subject matter of A14, and a heat spreader is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0109] Example B1 provides a system including a cover, a base vertically spaced from the cover, a first anchor extending from the base to an upper end vertically spaced above the cover, and a torsion spring coupled to the cover. The torsion spring includes a first lever disposed in a first plane traversing the cover and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite the cover, and the first lever and the first contact portion are in a preloaded relationship about a common axis. When a rotational force is applied to the first lever, the cover is compressed by the first contact portion, and the first anchor is configured to releasably retain the first lever.

[0110] Example B2 includes the subject matter of Example B1, and the first anchor includes an upper portion having a recess dimensioned to receive a first portion of the first lever.

[0111] Example B3 includes the subject matter of Example B2, and the indentation receives the first portion 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 portion into the indentation.

[0112] Example B4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B3, and the first anchor is dimensioned such that the upper end of the first anchor is substantially horizontally aligned with, or a vertical distance below, an upper surface of the first lever when the first portion of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor.

[0113] Example B5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B4, and the first portion is disposed between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever.

[0114] Example B6 includes the subject matter of Example B5, and the first section is offset vertically below the first extension and the second extension.

[0115] Example B7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B2-B3, and the first portion is oriented substantially horizontally along an intermediate member of the first lever.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Example B9 includes the subject matter of Example B8, and the torsion spring further includes a first biasing member coupled to one end of the first lever and a second biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are aligned along the common axis.

[0118] Example B10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B8-B9, and the first lever arm and the second lever arm are either substantially parallel or converging.

[0119] Example B11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B10, and a 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 a second contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a second integrated circuit component positioned between the cover and the base.

[0120] 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 disposed in the first plane, a second contact portion disposed in the second plane, a third biasing member coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever, and a fourth biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the second lever, and a second pivotal movement of the second lever about the common axis biases the second contact portion against the cover and enables the second lever to be releasably retained by the second anchor.

[0121] Example B13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B13, and a circuit board is disposed between the cover and a base.

[0122] Example B14 includes the subject matter of B13, and the cover is a heat spreader.

[0123] Example B15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples B1-B13, and a heat spreader is disposed between the cover and the base.

[0124] Example C1 provides an apparatus including a cover, a base, a plurality of electronic components disposed between the cover and the base, means for compressing the cover substantially uniformly against the plurality of electronic components, means for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base, and means for releasably retaining the means for compressing when the cover is compressed against the plurality of electronic components.

[0125] Example C2 includes the subject matter of Example C1, and the means for compressing includes an elongated spring and a plurality of anchors extending from the base.

[0126] Example C3 includes the subject matter of Example C2, and the elongated spring includes a plurality of levers and a plurality of contact portions biased against the plurality of levers.

[0127] Example C4 includes the subject matter of Example C3, and the plurality of anchors are configured to releasably hold the plurality of levers in a fixed position in which the plurality of contact portions compress the cover against the plurality of electronic components.

[0128] Example C5 includes the subject matter of Example C4, and a first lever of the plurality of levers includes a first portion that is received within a recess of a first anchor of the plurality of anchors when the plurality of levers are releasably held in the fixed position.

[0129] Example C6 includes the subject matter of Example C5, and the first portion is disposed between a first extension and a second extension of the first lever, and the first portion is vertically offset from the first extension and the second extension.

[0130] Example C7 includes the subject matter of Example C5, and the first portion is aligned horizontally along an intermediate element of the first lever.

[0131] Example C8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples C2-C7, and the means for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base includes a plurality of through-holes in the cover.

[0132] Example C9 includes the subject matter of Example C8, and the plurality of through-holes are sized to receive the plurality of anchors, respectively.

[0133] Example C10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples C1-C9, and further includes a means for coupling the means for compressing to the cover.

[0134] Example C11 includes the subject matter of Example C10, and the means for compressing includes a first outer arm.

[0135] Example C12 includes the subject matter of Example C11, and the means for coupling includes an opening in the cover, and the opening is sized to receive a distal portion of the first outer arm.

[0136] Example C13 includes the subject matter of Example C11, and the means for coupling includes an opening formed in the cover, and the opening is dimensioned to receive a distal portion of the first outer arm.

[0137] Example M1 provides a method including assembling multiple layers of a mechanical stack assembly on a base plate, the multiple layers including a cover and a first circuit board, coupling an elongated spring to the cover, the elongated spring including 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 to cause the plurality of contact portions to apply a compressive force to a top 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.

[0138] Example M2 includes the subject matter of Example M1, and further includes manufacturing the elongated spring having the plurality of levers and the plurality of contact portions.

[0139] Example M3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M2, and further includes making the cover with a first bracket and a second bracket disposed on opposite sides of the cover.

[0140] Example M4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M3, and further includes forming the one or more anchors on a base plate.

[0141] Example M5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M3, and further includes coupling the one or more anchors to the base plate.

[0142] Example M6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M5, and further includes inserting respective portions of the plurality of levers into respective indentations in the one or more anchors.

[0143] Example M7 includes the subject matter of Example M6, and the lateral force is to be applied while the rotational force is applied, and the respective portions of the plurality of levers are substantially horizontally aligned with the respective indentations of the one or more anchors.

[0144] Example M8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M7, and 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 indentation of a first anchor of the one or more anchors.

[0145] Example M9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M8, and applying the rotational force to the plurality of levers causes a first contact arm of a first contact portion of the plurality of contact portions to exert a first compressive force across a first electronic component on the first circuit board, and further causes a second contact arm of a second contact portion of the plurality of contact portions to exert a second compressive force across a second electronic component on the first circuit board.

[0146] Example M10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M9, and the elongated spring is a torsion spring including a plurality of biasing elements aligned along a common axis.

[0147] Example M11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples M1-M10, and the plurality of layers includes a heat spreader.

Claims

[1] Device comprising: a cover; and a compression mechanism coupled to the cover, which includes: a first anchor extending through the cover; a first lever arranged in a first plane which traverses the cover; and a first contact portion disposed in a second plane opposite an outer surface of the cover, the first lever and the first contact portion being 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 cover and allows the first lever to be releasably retained by the first anchor. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the first anchor includes an upper portion having a recess dimensioned to receive a first portion of the first lever. [3] The device of claim 2, wherein the indentation receives the first portion of the first lever when the rotational force causes the first lever to oppose the outer surface of the cover and a lateral force is applied to the first lever to move the first portion into the indentation. [4] The device of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the first anchor is dimensioned 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 portion of the first lever is received in the recess of the first anchor. [5] Device according to one of claims 2-4, wherein the first portion is arranged between a first extension of the first lever and a second extension of the first lever. [6] The device of claim 5, wherein the first portion is offset vertically below the first extension and the second extension. [7] Device according to one of claims 2-3, wherein the first portion is aligned substantially horizontally along an intermediate element of the first lever. [8] Device according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the first lever comprises: a first lever arm; and a second lever arm. [9] The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the compression mechanism further comprises: a first biasing member coupled to one end of the first lever; and a second biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, the first biasing member and the second biasing member being aligned along the common axis. [10] Device according to one of claims 8-9, wherein the first lever arm and the second lever arm are either substantially parallel or converging. [11] The device of any of claims 1-10, wherein a lower end of the first anchor is coupled to a base having a vertical distance below the cover. [12] The device of claim 11, wherein a first contact arm of the first contact portion is vertically aligned with a first integrated circuit component 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 component positioned between the cover and the base. [13] Device according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising: a second anchor extending through the cover; a second lever arranged in the first plane; a second contact portion disposed in the second plane; a third biasing member coupled between the first contact portion and one end of the second lever; and a fourth biasing member 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 against the cover and enables the second lever to be releasably retained by the second anchor. [14] System comprising: a cover; a base having a vertical distance from the cover; a first anchor extending from the base to an upper end having a vertical distance above the cover; and a torsion spring coupled to the cover, the torsion spring including: a first lever arranged in a first plane which traverses 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 when a rotational force is applied to the first lever, the cover is compressed by the first contact portion, and wherein the first anchor is configured to releasably retain the first lever. [15] The system of claim 14, wherein the first anchor includes an upper portion having a recess dimensioned to receive a first portion of the first lever. [16] The system of claim 15, wherein the indentation receives the first portion 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 portion into the indentation. [17] The system of any of claims 14-16, wherein the first lever includes a first arm and a second arm, the torsion spring further comprising: a first biasing member coupled to one end of the first lever; and a second biasing member coupled to an opposite end of the first lever, the first biasing member and the second biasing member being aligned along the common axis. [18] A system according to any one of claims 14-17, further comprising: a printed circuit board disposed at least partially between the cover and the base. [19] The system of claim 18, further comprising: a heat spreader disposed between the cover and at least a portion of the circuit board. [20] The system of any of claims 14-18, wherein the cover is a heat spreader. [21] Device comprising: a cover; a base; a plurality of electronic components arranged between the cover and the base; means for compressing the cover substantially uniformly against the plurality of electronic components; means for limiting lateral movement of the cover relative to the base; and means for releasably retaining the means for compressing when the cover is compressed against the plurality of electronic components. [22] The device of claim 21, wherein the means for compressing includes an elongated spring and a plurality of anchors extending from the base. [23] The device 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] Apparatus according to any one of claims 21-23, further comprising: a means for coupling the means for compressing to the cover. [25] The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the means for compressing includes a first outer arm, the means for coupling including either a bracket attached to the cover and dimensioned to receive a distal portion of the first outer arm, or an opening formed in the cover and dimensioned to receive the distal portion of the first outer arm.

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