Press-fit fasteners for securing components together

Abstract

A press-fit fastener for securing components together is provided. In one aspect, an electronic system assembly includes a first component with a first hole, a second component with a second hole, and a press-fit fastener configured to be inserted into the first hole and the second hole in a single motion. The press-fit fastener is configured to at least contribute to securing the second component to the first component after insertion into the first and second holes. Related press-fit fasteners and methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203,003, filed on July 2, 2021, entitled “PRESS-FIT FASTENERS FOR SECURING COMPONENTS TOGETHER,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to fasteners used to secure components together and, more specifically, to press fit fasteners. [Background technology]

[0003] An electronic system assembly may include multiple components, such as a system on a chip (SOC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), etc., that may be secured together using fasteners. For example, when securing a PCBA to another component (e.g., a heat sink), the fastener may occupy a certain amount of area of ​​the PCBA that might otherwise be used for components or wire traces. Installation of certain fasteners, such as screws, may involve relatively complex movements, which may result in a higher than desired defect rate (e.g., due to cross threads, stripping, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Each claimed innovation has several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some prominent features of this disclosure will now be discussed briefly.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure is an electronic system assembly that includes a first component having a first hole, a second component having a second hole, and a press-fit fastener configured to be inserted in a single motion into the first hole and the second hole. At least a portion of the press-fit fastener is positioned in the first hole and the second hole. The press-fit fastener at least contributes to securing the first component to the second component.

[0006] The press-fit fastener can include an upper insertable portion and a lower insertable portion, where the upper insertable portion is configured to engage with the first hole and the lower insertable portion is configured to engage with the second hole. The upper and lower insertable portions of the press-fit fastener can be configured to compress and exert a force on the first and second holes when inserted into the first and second holes. The upper and lower insertable portions of the press-fit fastener can be eyelets.

[0007] The press-fit fastener can have at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a diameter of the first hole and greater than a diameter of the second hole. The press-fit fastener can have a deformable shape configured to create an outward force in each of the first and second holes.

[0008] The press-fit fastener can have a body that is dimensioned to prevent the press-fit fastener from being inserted into the first and second holes beyond a predetermined depth.

[0009] The press-fit fastener may have an upper end configured as a ground or electrical terminal blade. The press-fit fastener may include an electrically conductive material.

[0010] The first component can include a plurality of first holes, the second component can include a plurality of second holes, and the assembly can include a plurality of press-fit fasteners each configured to be inserted in a corresponding one of the first holes and the second holes in a single motion, each of the press-fit fasteners including a portion positioned in the corresponding one of the first holes and the second holes.

[0011] The second component may include a circuit board. The first component may include at least one of a heat sink, a standoff for a heat sink, a bus bar, or a second circuit board.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a press-fit fastener for securing components together. The press-fit fastener includes a body and a lower portion configured to be inserted in a single motion into a first hole in a first component and a second hole in a second component. The press-fit fastener is configured to at least contribute to securing the first component to the second component when the lower portion of the press-fit fastener is positioned in the first and second holes.

[0013] The lower portion can include an upper insertable portion configured to engage with the first hole and a lower insertable portion configured to engage with the second hole. The upper and lower insertable portions can be configured to compress and exert a force on the first and second holes when inserted into the first and second holes. The upper and lower insertable portions can be eyelets.

[0014] The press-fit fastener can have at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a diameter of the first hole and greater than a diameter of the second hole. The press-fit fastener can include a post having a rectangular cross-section, the at least one cross-sectional dimension being measured between opposing corners of the rectangular cross-section.

[0015] The press-fit fastener can have a deformable shape configured to create an outward force on each of the first and second holes when compressed by the first and second holes.

[0016] The body can be dimensioned to prevent the press-fit fastener from being inserted into the first and second holes beyond a predetermined depth.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing that includes inserting at least a portion of a press-fit fastener through a first hole in a first component and a second hole in a circuit board in a single motion, the press-fit fastener at least contributing to securing the circuit board to the first component after insertion through the first and second holes.

[0018] The press-fit fastener can include a first insertable portion and a second insertable portion, where the first and second insertable portions of the press-fit fastener are compressed during insertion to exert a force on the first and second holes.

[0019] The method may further include inserting each of the plurality of additional press-fit fasteners into respective holes in the first component and the circuit board in a single motion.

[0020] Each claimed innovation has several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some prominent features of this disclosure will now be discussed briefly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electronic system assembly including a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electronic system assembly including an embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electronic system assembly including another embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 2A]1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4E] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4F] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4G] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 4H] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly including a press-fit fastener and its components according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured to secure components together in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured to secure components together in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured to secure components together in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a busbar including a plurality of press-fit fasteners configured to secure a circuit board to a component in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a busbar including a plurality of press-fit fasteners configured to secure a circuit board to a component in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 7C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a press-fit fastener configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and associated assembly according to aspects of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of certain embodiments. However, the innovations described herein may be embodied in many different ways, for example, as based on and encompassed by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, in which like reference numbers and / or terms may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It may be understood that the elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It may further be understood that certain embodiments may include more elements than shown in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, some embodiments may incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tandem press-fit fasteners that can provide various advantages over other fasteners. For example, the use of press-fit fasteners can also leverage the use of the same press-fit machine for connector blades to install the press-fit fasteners. The press-fit fasteners disclosed herein can provide dual functionality as connector blades / connector terminals as well as fasteners. The press-fit fasteners described herein can provide reliable joints, faster cycle times, and opportunities for increased board density compared to other fastener types. Increased board density allows for closer component spacing, resulting in smaller power printed circuit board assemblies.

[0034] One technique for assembling electronic system assemblies (e.g., processing systems or other systems that include electrical components) is top-down manufacturing, which can involve fastening components that form the system starting with the bottom layer in a stack and successively fastening the next bottom layer / component to the system using one or more fasteners. A common fastener type that can be used to fasten components together is a screw having male threads configured to engage with complementary female threads in a matching component configured to receive the screw.

[0035] The screws used to fasten components together can have male threads that are complementary to the female threads of the corresponding standoffs. The screws can be used to fasten multiple layers in an electronic system assembly, for example, screws can be used to fasten a circuit board to a heat sink, a component to a circuit board, and / or a lid to a system. The use of screws for fasteners in electronic system assemblies has several drawbacks. For example, a loose screw that is not properly fastened to a corresponding standoff can short out high voltage components in the system. Once the cover is fastened to the system, it can be difficult to detect the presence of a loose screw. There can also be several manufacturing challenges associated with the use of screws, for example, cross threading, stripping, and / or slower cycle times. Additionally, the screws can have a minimum clearance distance specification from the screw head to ensure that the screw does not contact components or wire traces on the circuit board. Additionally, the volume or packaging space directly above the screw head is rarely used in various applications.

[0036] Despite the drawbacks, there are several advantages to using screws to secure components within a system. For example, screws are conductive and therefore may be useful for high current and / or ground connections. If properly installed, screws can make connections between components with little or no reliability concerns. Also, screws are reusable and can be removed and replaced without the need to discard the screw.

[0037] Aspects of this disclosure relate to fasteners that may be used to address one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with threaded fasteners. An embodiment of this disclosure relates to a press-fit fastener that may be inserted into a shaped receiving aperture such that the fastener may be secured when placed in the aperture. There are at least two types of press-fit fasteners that may be used to secure components together. The press-fit fastener may include a post configured to be inserted into a mating aperture, the post having a size larger than the aperture in at least one dimension. The press-fit fastener may include a deformable shape configured to create an outward force on the mating aperture when compressed by the aperture.

[0038] The press-fit fasteners described herein can be used to fasten, secure, or "stitch" a variety of different components together using a single motion. Components that can be fastened using press-fit fasteners include, but are not limited to, circuit boards (e.g., PCBAs, daughter boards, laminated PCBAs, etc.), heat sinks, bus bars, metal plates, sheet metal plates, and / or other metal components. As an example, a press-fit fastener can secure a PCBA to a heat sink. A heat skin can have standoffs. As another example, a press-fit fastener can secure two PCBAs together. As another example, a press-fit fastener can secure a PCBA to a bus bar or metal plate. As yet another example, a press-fit fastener can secure a sheet metal plate or other metal component together.

[0039] Press-fit fasteners can be used to mechanically secure two or more components together. In certain applications, press-fit fasteners can also be used to make electrical connections between components (e.g., grounding points, electrical signal transfer, etc.). The top or end of the press-fit fastener can also function as an electrical terminal (e.g., blade, sliding contact, etc.). The top or end of the press-fit fastener can be of various shapes and sizes to accommodate different assembly conditions or specifications (e.g., bus bars, blade terminals, etc.).

[0040] In some embodiments, the press-fit fasteners can have eyelet geometries that can also be modified to accommodate assembly tolerances and design needs (e.g., square cross-section pins, asymmetric tandem eyelets, etc.). The "stitching" action or single motion used to install the press-fit fastener can be completed in several ways to ensure proper insertion of the press-fit fastener into the component. Such actions can include, but are not limited to, using force and displacement measurements to determine when the first and second eyelets are fully compressed, using hard stops on the press-fit fastener to stop movement of the press-fit fastener when the hard stops contact the first of the components, using a set displacement stroke and tight tolerance control of the thickness of the component to insert the press-fit fastener to a specified depth, and / or using computer vision from the perspective of the insertion operation to determine the proper insertion depth.

[0041] 1A is a perspective view of an example of an electronic system assembly 100 including a press-fit fastener 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1A, the electronic system assembly 100 includes a component 102 (e.g., a heat sink, a standoff for a heat sink, a bus bar, a metal plate, another circuit board such as a daughter board or a laminate circuit board, etc.), a circuit board 104, a number of standoffs 106 and 108, a number of press-fit fasteners 110, and a number of posts 112. The standoffs 106 and 108 are configured to space the circuit board 104 from the component 102. The press-fit fastener 110 can be used to secure or "stitch" the circuit board 104 to the component 102 in a single motion.

[0042] The circuit board 104 includes one or more electronic components thereon, each of the one or more electronic components including an electronic circuit or circuit element. The circuit board 104 may include alignment holes 114 configured to mate with the posts 112 to align the circuit board 104 with the components 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, the circuit board 104 includes two alignment holes 114, and the electronic system assembly 100 includes two posts 112 configured to engage with the alignment holes 114. However, the number of posts 112 and corresponding alignment holes 114 is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. The electronic system assembly 100 may include no posts 112 and alignment holes 114, one post 112 and alignment hole 114, or three or more posts 112 and alignment holes 114. The circuit board 104 may further include a plurality of holes 116 configured to align with corresponding holes 118 formed in the standoffs 106. 1B. Each hole 116 can correspond to a respective hole 118. A number of press-fit fasteners 110 can be inserted into the holes 116 and 118 and coupled to the standoffs 106 to secure the circuit board 104 to the component 102.

[0043] 1B is a perspective view of an example of an electronic system assembly 100 including an embodiment of a press-fit fastener 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the electronic system assembly 100 of FIG. 1B includes a component 102 (e.g., a heat sink, a standoff for the heat sink, a bus bar, another circuit board, etc.), a circuit board 104, a number of standoffs 106 and 108, a number of press-fit fasteners 110, and a post 112.

[0044] By using the press-fit fasteners 110 instead of other fasteners (e.g., screws), the assembly of the electronic system assembly 100 can be performed using a simpler and faster process of forcing the fasteners 110 into the holes 116 and 118, which can be performed in a single motion. Additionally, manufacturing equipment may have a press-fit machine used to install connector blades that can be used for installation of the press-fit fasteners 110. The use of the press-fit fasteners 110 can provide one or more of a reliable joint, faster cycle time, and an opportunity for increased board density. In one example, the screws used to fasten the circuit board can have a diameter of about 6.275 mm, although in some embodiments, the width of the head of the press-fit fastener (see, e.g., head 302 in FIG. 3A, where the width is measured from left to right in the figure) may be less than about half the diameter of the screw. Thus, the area of ​​the circuit board 104 occupied by the press-fit fastener 110 can be significantly smaller than a similar circuit board configured to be fastened to a component using other fasteners, and the space saved by using the press-fit fastener 110 can be used to place additional components / traces that increase board density. The press-fit fastener 110 can be formed of a conductive material. Thus, such a press-fit fastener 110 can form an electrical connection between a component fastened with the press-fit fastener 110 and a component in electrical contact with an exposed press-fit fastener head (cross or other shape). The conductive press-fit fastener 110 can carry signals between components. The conductive press-fit fastener 110 can provide a ground connection between components.

[0045] 1B , the press-fit fastener 110 includes two eyelets disposed next to each other. Each eyelet of the press-fit fastener 110 is an insertable portion that can be compressed upon insertion to exert a force on a hole. The two eyelets of the press-fit fastener 110 can be configured to engage one of the holes 116 of the circuit board 104 and one of the holes 118 of the standoffs 106, respectively. The eyelets of the press-fit fastener 110 can be configured to be compressed when inserted into the holes of the circuit board 104 and the standoffs 106 to exert a force on the holes, thereby securing the circuit board 104 to the component 102.

[0046] Figure 1C is a perspective view of an example electronic system assembly 100 including another embodiment of a press-fit fastener 113 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 1A, the electronic system assembly 100 of Figure 1C includes a component 102 (e.g., a heat sink, a standoff for the heat sink, a bus bar, another circuit board, etc.), a circuit board 104, a number of standoffs 106 and 108, a number of press-fit fasteners 113, and a post 112. The electronic system assembly 100 of Figure 1C includes the press-fit fastener 113 in place of the press-fit fastener 110 of the electronic system assembly 100 of Figure 1A.

[0047] 1C, the press-fit fastener 113 includes a post having a rectangular or square cross-section. The press-fit fastener 113 further includes a cross-sectional dimension measured between opposite corners of the cross-section that is greater than the diameter of each of the holes 116 in the circuit board 104 and the holes in the standoffs 106. The press-fit fastener 113 can have a deformable shape configured to create an outward force on each of the holes in the circuit board 104 and the standoffs 106 when compressed by the holes.

[0048] 2A-2D show embodiments of press-fit fasteners according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a press-fit fastener 202. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a press-fit fastener 203. FIG. 2C shows the press-fit fastener 202 positioned above a circuit first component 204 and a second component 206 prior to fastening the components 204 and 206 together. The first component 204 can be, for example, a circuit board. FIG. 2D shows the first component 204 fastened to the second component 206 via the press-fit fastener 202. The press-fit fastener 202 of FIG. 2A can be similar to the press-fit fastener 110 shown in FIG. 1B, and the press-fit fastener 203 of FIG. 2B can be similar to the press-fit fastener 113 shown in FIG. 1C.

[0049] The embodiment of Figure 2A is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2C and 2D, except that the press-fit fastener 202 of Figure 2A may have a different shaped head or body (e.g., a cruciform head). The head shape may be designed for use as a blade terminal or another electrical contact for a tertiary connection (e.g., to a connector on a wire harness), as shown, for example, in Figures 7A-8C, but the inner cross-sectional shape of the eyelet is different in the embodiment of Figure 2A and the embodiment shown in Figures 2C and 2D. However, Figures 2A, 2C, and 2D are described together herein due to their similarities.

[0050] The press-fit fastener 202 includes two eyelets disposed next to each other, the eyelets having substantially the same size and shape. As shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, the first component 204 includes a first hole 210 and the second component 206 includes a second hole 212. The second component 206 can be any suitable component, such as a heat sink, a bus bar, a circuit board, or a standoff. The press-fit fastener 202 can be inserted into the first hole 210 and the second hole 212 with a single pressing motion. The size and shape of the eyelets can be the same for both eyelets. Alternatively, the size and / or shape of the eyelets can be different between the two eyelets to accommodate the mating holes.

[0051] The press-fit fastener 203 of FIG. 2B includes a body portion and a lower portion that is sized to fit within a hole of a component being secured by the press-fit fastener 203. The upper portion of the press-fit fastener 203 may be sized to prevent or impede the press-fit fastener 203 from being inserted into the hole beyond a predetermined depth. At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 203 may be larger than a corresponding dimension of the hole prior to insertion into the hole. The lower portion of the press-fit fastener 203 includes two insertable portions, each of which may be compressed during insertion to exert a force on the hole. Further details of one embodiment of the press-fit fastener 203 of FIG. 2B are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0052] 2C and 2D illustrate a manufacturing method using a press-fit fastener 202. These figures show a portion of the press-fit fastener 202 being inserted through a first hole 210 of a first component 204 and a second hole 212 of a second component 206 in a single motion. After being inserted through the first hole 210 and the second hole 212, the press-fit fastener 202 at least contributes to securing the components 204 and 206 to one another. As shown, the press-fit fastener 202 includes a first insertable portion and a second insertable portion, which are compressed during insertion to exert a force on the first and second holes 210 and 212, respectively. The method can include inserting a plurality of additional press-fit fasteners into additional holes of the components 204 and 206 such that the plurality of press-fit fasteners secure the components 204 and 206 to one another. Each of these additional press-fit fasteners can be inserted into at least two holes in a single motion. Any suitable number of press-fit fasteners may be used to secure the two components together, for example, Figure 1A shows an embodiment with four press-fit fasteners.

[0053] 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a press-fit fastener 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A shows a top view of the press-fit fastener 300. Fig. 3B shows the press-fit fastener 300 installed to secure a circuit board 310 to a component 312.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3A, the press-fit fastener 300 can include a body (or head) 302 and a lower portion including two eyelets 304 and 306 connected via a joint (or ball) 308. The body 302 of the press-fit fastener 300 can be dimensioned to prevent the press-fit fastener 300 from being inserted into a hole in a component beyond a predetermined depth (e.g., the length of the lower portion). The upper portion of the body 302 can further function as a ground point or an electrical terminal blade for an external connector assembly or harness. As shown in FIG. 3B, the thickness of the circuit board 310 and the component 312 can be different. Thus, the length of the first eyelet 304 can be different (e.g., shorter as shown) than the length of the second eyelet 306. The length of the first eyelet 304 can correspond to the thickness of the circuit board 310, and the length of the second eyelet 306 can correspond to the thickness of the component 312. In some implementations, when the press-fit fastener 300 is installed, a portion of the bottom end of the press-fit fastener 300 (eg, the bottom end of the eyelet 306 ) can protrude from the bottom of the component 312 .

[0055] 4A-4H show an embodiment of an assembly including press-fit fasteners 402 and 416 according to aspects of the disclosure. FIGS. 4A-4D show a first embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a circuit board 404 and a component 406 that can be connected by a press-fit fastener 402. FIG. 4B shows the press-fit fastener 402 in place prior to fully inserting the press-fit fastener 402 to secure the circuit board 404 and the component 406 together. FIG. 4C shows the circuit board 404 secured to the component 406 via the press-fit fastener 402. FIG. 4D shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the press-fit fastener 402 when secured to a standoff 414.

[0056] Figures 4E-4H show a second embodiment. Figure 4E shows a circuit board 404 and a component 406 that can be connected by a press-fit fastener 416. Figure 4F shows the press-fit fastener 416 positioned above the circuit board 404 and the component 406 before the press-fit fastener 416 is fully inserted to secure the boards 404 and 406 together. Figure 4G shows the circuit board 404 secured to the component 406 via the press-fit fastener 416. Figure 4D shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the press-fit fastener 416 when secured to the standoff 414.

[0057] 4A-4D, the press-fit fastener 402 is configured to be inserted through both a first hole 410 in a circuit board 404 and a second hole 412 in a standoff 414 of a component 406 using a single pressing action. For example, the first and second holes 410, 412 can be aligned with one another (e.g., using alignment post 420 and hole 422 as shown in FIG. 4A ) and then the press-fit fastener 402 can be pressed into both holes 410, 412 in a single pressing action. The use of a single pressing action may be faster, easier, and / or less complicated than implementations using two or more pressing actions, thus resulting in more efficient manufacturing.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the press-fit fastener 402 includes two eyelets arranged next to each other. These eyelets may be referred to as tandem eyelets. The press-fit fastener 402 may be referred to as a tandem press-fit fastener. The lower eyelet of the press-fit fastener 402 is configured to be inserted through a first hole 410 into a second hole 412, and the upper eyelet is configured to be inserted into the first hole 410. This may result in a cold weld at the location where the press-fit fastener 402 is deformed. The eyelet of the press-fit fastener 402 is configured to be compressed when inserted into one of the holes 410 and 412. The compression of the eyelet when inserted into the holes 410 and 412 may cause the press-fit fastener 402 to elastically deform and exert a force on the corresponding hole 410 or 412, which helps to maintain the press-fit fastener 402 in the holes 410 and 412. The press-fit fasteners 402 may include a conductive material. The longest dimension of the press-fit fasteners 402 may be less than the diameter of a quarter coin. Figure 4C shows the tandem press-fit pins fully pressed into the PCBA until they reach the hard stop (cross).

[0059] Depending on the implementation, the upper and lower eyelets of the press-fit fastener 402 may have substantially the same width, or the lower eyelet may have a smaller width than the upper eyelet of the press-fit fastener 402. In some other embodiments, the lower eyelet may have a larger width than the upper eyelet, as long as it can be inserted through the hole 410.

[0060] 4E-4H , each of the press-fit fasteners 416 is configured to be inserted into both a first hole 410 of the circuit board 404 and a second hole 412 of the standoff 414 of the component 406 using a single pressing action. For example, the first hole 410 and the second hole 412 may be aligned with one another (e.g., using alignment post 420 and hole 422 as shown in FIG. 4E ). The press-fit fastener 416 may then be pressed into both holes 410 and 412 with a single pressing action. The use of a single pressing action / action may be faster, easier, and / or less complicated than implementations using two or more pressing actions, thus resulting in more efficient manufacturing.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4E, 4F, 4G, and 4H, the press-fit fastener 416 includes a lower portion that is sized to fit within the holes 410 and 412. The upper portion of the press-fit fastener 416 may be sized to prevent the fastener 416 from being inserted into the holes 410 and 412 beyond a predetermined depth. At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416 may be larger than a corresponding dimension of the holes 410 and 412 prior to insertion therein. For example, the distance between opposite corners of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416 may be larger than the diameter of the holes 410 and 412 prior to insertion. In the embodiment of Figures 4E-4H, the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416 may have two different cross-sectional diameters, including a distal end having a smaller diameter than a proximal end of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416. The distal end of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416 can be sized to guide the press-fit fastener 416 into the holes 410 and 412, while the proximal end of the lower portion of the press-fit fastener 416 can be sized to deform when the fastener 416 is inserted into at least the hole 410, and the force resulting from the deformation secures the press-fit fastener 416 in the holes 410 and 412.

[0062] 5A-5C illustrate an embodiment of a press-fit fastener 502 configured to secure components together according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the press-fit fastener 502. FIG. 5B is a side view of the press-fit fastener 502. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the press-fit fastener 502 inserted into a hole 506 of a component 504. With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the press-fit fastener 502 can include an upper portion 502A and a lower portion 502B. The upper portion 502 can be a body portion. The lower portion 502B of the press-fit fastener 502 can be sized to fit within the hole 506 of the component 504. The upper portion 502A of the press-fit fastener 502 can be sized to prevent the fastener from being inserted into the hole 506 beyond a predetermined depth (e.g., the length of the lower portion 502B). The upper portion 502A of the body can also be used as a ground point or electrical terminal blade for an external connector assembly or harness.

[0063] At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion 502B of the press-fit fastener 502 may be larger than a corresponding dimension of the hole 506 prior to insertion. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the distance between opposing corners of the lower portion 502B of the press-fit fastener 502 may be larger than the diameter of the hole 506 prior to insertion. This larger dimension of the press-fit fastener 502 may cause the lower portion 502B of the press-fit fastener 502 to deform as the press-fit fastener 502 is inserted into the hole 506. In certain embodiments, the force of inserting the press-fit fastener 502 into the hole 506 may result in a cold weld at the location 508 where the press-fit fastener 502 is deformed, thereby securing the press-fit fastener 502 in the hole 506. This cold weld may also occur in other embodiments, including eyelet-type press-fit fasteners described herein (e.g., see at least FIGS. 2A and 2C-4D and corresponding discussion). Cold welding can be used to improve the long-term reliability of a joint. Thus, cold welding of a press-fit fastener can result from the use of any of the press-fit fasteners described herein, depending on the particular implementation. The securing of the press-fit fastener 502 to the component 504 can be achieved using other shapes of both the press-fit fastener 502 and the hole 506 of the component 504. Thus, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the illustrated geometries and any other suitable shapes / geometry can be used for the press-fit fastener 502 and / or the hole 506 of the component 504 without departing from the disclosure.

[0064] 6A and 6B illustrate one embodiment of a bus bar 601 including a plurality of press-fit fasteners 604 configured to secure a circuit board 602 to a component 606 in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 6A is a top view of the bus bar 601 in a first state. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the bus bar 601 bent before the press-fit fasteners 604 are inserted into holes 608 and 610 in standoffs 612 of the circuit board 602 and the component 606. FIG. 6A illustrates the press-fit fasteners 604 connected to the bus bar 601 before bending.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6A, the bus bar 601 includes a number of press-fit fasteners 604. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bus bar 601 and the press-fit fasteners 604 may be formed from the same material. For example, the bus bar 601 and the press-fit fasteners 604 may be cut from a single piece of sheet metal to form the shape shown in FIG. 6A. The bus bar 601 may be bent along a number of bend lines (not shown) such that the press-fit fasteners 604 face downward as shown in FIG. 6B. Each of the press-fit fasteners 604 may be inserted into corresponding holes 608 and 610 formed in the circuit board 602 and the standoffs 612, thereby securing the circuit board 602 to the component 606. Cold welding may occur due to interference between the fasteners and the holes. The component 606 may be a heat sink in certain applications.

[0066] Each of the press-fit fasteners 604 can have two eyelets configured to be compressed when inserted into one of the holes 608 and 610. Compression of the eyelets when inserted into the holes 608 and 610 can cause the press-fit fasteners 604 to elastically deform and exert a force on the holes 608 and 610, thereby helping to maintain the press-fit fasteners 604 within the holes 608 and 610, thereby securing the circuit board 602 to the component 606. In some embodiments, the shape of each of the eyelets can be substantially similar to the shape of the eye of a needle.

[0067] 7A-7C illustrate an embodiment of a press-fit fastener 702 configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the press-fit fastener 702 includes a body (or head) 704 and a number of lower portions 706, e.g., three lower portions 706 in the illustrated embodiment, each of which includes two eyelets. As shown in FIG. 7C, each of the lower portions 706 can be inserted into corresponding holes 712 and 714 formed in a circuit board 708 and a component 710, respectively. The press-fit fastener 702 can be used to form an electrical connection between the circuit board 708 and the component 710, and the body 704 of the press-fit fastener 702 can function as an electrical terminal or ground point (e.g., for a connector harness, flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCBA) / ribbon cable, etc.). In certain applications, the component 710 can be a second circuit board. The press-fit fasteners 702 can provide the electrical connection between the circuit boards in such applications.

[0068] 8A-8C show another embodiment of a press-fit fastener 802 configured for use as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal according to aspects of the disclosure. The embodiment of the press-fit fastener 802 shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C may be substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C, with a differently shaped body 804 and a different number of lower portions 806 (e.g., two in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). The body 804 of the press-fit fastener 802 may be shaped to connect to a ground point or an electrical connector. The body 804 is generally fork-shaped. Each of the lower portions 806 may be inserted into corresponding holes 812 and 814 formed in a circuit board 808 and a component 810. In certain applications, the component 810 may be a second circuit board. The press-fit fastener 802 may provide an electrical connection between the circuit boards in such applications. conclusion

[0069] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the exact form or specific field of use disclosed. Thus, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, are contemplated in light of the present disclosure. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0070] In the above specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or embodied in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, this description should be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art how to make and use the various embodiments of the disclosed press-fit fastener assembly. It should be understood that the forms of the disclosure shown and described herein should be construed as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those typically shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. The terms "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "have," "is," and the like, used to describe and claim the disclosure, are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements not expressly described. Also, references to the singular are to be construed as relating to the plural as well.

[0071] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be construed in an exemplary and explanatory sense, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure in any way. All joint references (e.g., attached, secured, coupled, connected, etc.) are used only to aid the reader in understanding the present disclosure, and do not create any limitations with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein in particular. Thus, any reference to joints, if any, should be interpreted broadly. Moreover, such a reference to a joint does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected to each other. Moreover, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first", "second", "third", "primary", "secondary", "main", or any other ordinary and / or numerical terms, should be interpreted only as identifiers to aid the reader in understanding the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and in particular may not create any limitations with respect to the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to or over other elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications.

[0072] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner as may be useful according to a particular application, or may even be removed or rendered inoperative in certain cases.

Claims

1. a first component having a first hole; a second component having a second hole; a press-fit fastener configured to be inserted into the first hole and the second hole in a single operation, at least a part of the press-fit fastener being located in the first hole and the second hole, and the press-fit fastener contributing at least to fixing the first component to the second component, and a press-fit fastener; the press-fit fastener includes an upper insertable portion and a lower insertable portion, the upper insertable portion having a first cross-sectional dimension and being configured to engage with the first hole, and the lower insertable portion having a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional dimension and being configured to engage with the second hole; the press-fit fastener has a deformable shape configured to generate an outward force in each of the first and second holes, an electronic system assembly.

2. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower insertable portions of the press-fit fastener are eyelets.

3. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-sectional dimensions is larger than the diameter of the first hole and larger than the diameter of the second hole.

4. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener has a body dimensioned to prevent the press-fit fastener from being inserted into the first and second holes beyond a predetermined depth.

5. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener has an upper end portion configured as a ground point or an electrical terminal blade.

6. the first component includes a plurality of first holes, the plurality of first holes including the first hole, the second component includes a plurality of second holes, the plurality of second holes including the second hole, The assembly includes a plurality of press-fit fasteners configured to be inserted in a single operation into respective corresponding ones of the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes, each of the plurality of press-fit fasteners including a portion positioned in a respective corresponding one of the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes, the electronic system assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of press-fit fasteners include the press-fit fasteners.

7. The electronic system assembly of claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener includes a conductive material.

8. The electronic system assembly of claim 1, wherein the second component includes a circuit board.

9. The electronic system assembly of claim 8, wherein the first component includes at least one of a heat sink, a standoff for a heat sink, a bus bar, or a second circuit board.

10. In a press-fit fastener for fixing components to each other, a body, and a lower portion configured to be inserted in a single operation into a first hole of a first component and a second hole of a second component, the lower portion of the press-fit fastener being configured to at least contribute to fixing the first component to the second component when the lower portion of the press-fit fastener is positioned in the first and second holes, comprising: a lower portion. The lower portion is an upper insertable portion having a first cross-sectional dimension and configured to engage the first hole, and a lower insertable portion having a second cross-sectional dimension different from the first cross-sectional dimension and configured to engage the second hole, comprising: a lower insertable portion. The upper and lower insertable portions are configured to be compressed when inserted into the first and second holes to exert a force on the first and second holes, a press-fit fastener.

11. The press-fit fastener of claim 10, wherein the upper and lower insertable portions are eyelets.

12. The press-fit fastener according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-sectional dimensions is larger than the diameter of the first hole and larger than the diameter of the second hole.

13. The press-fit fastener according to claim 12, further comprising a post having a rectangular cross-section, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-sectional dimensions is measured between corner portions on both sides of the rectangular cross-section.

14. The press-fit fastener according to claim 10, wherein the body is dimensioned to prevent the press-fit fastener from being inserted into the first and second holes beyond a predetermined depth.

15. A step of inserting at least a part of a press-fit fastener into a first hole of a first component and a second hole of a circuit board in a single operation, the press-fit fastener at least contributing to fixing the circuit board to the first component after insertion into the first hole and the second hole, The press-fit fastener includes an upper insertable portion having a first cross-sectional dimension and configured to engage with the first hole, and a lower insertable portion having a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional dimension and configured to engage with the second hole. A manufacturing method, wherein the first and second insertable portions of the press-fit fastener are compressed during the insertion so as to exert a force on the first and second holes.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of inserting each of a plurality of additional press-fit fasteners into respective holes of the first component and the circuit board in a single operation.

17. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first component includes a standoff for a heat sink, and the second component includes a printed circuit board assembly.

18. The electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener includes a conductive material and is configured as a ground point.

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