Press-fit fasteners for securing components together

Abstract

Press-fit fasteners for securing components together are provided. In one embodiment, an electronic system assembly comprises a first component comprising a first hole, a second component comprising 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 contribute at least to securing the second component to the first component after being inserted into the first hole and the second hole. Related press-fit fasteners and methods of manufacturing are disclosed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 203,003, titled “PRESS-FIT FASTENERS FOR SECURING COMPONENTS TOGETHER,” filed on July 2, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to fasteners generally used to secure components together, and more specifically to press-fit fasteners. Background Technology

[0005] Electronic system assemblies may include multiple components, such as a system-on-chip (SOC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), which can be secured together using fasteners. For example, when securing a PCBA to another component (e.g., a heat sink), the fasteners may occupy a certain area of ​​the PCBA, or they may be used for components or wire traces. The installation of certain fasteners, such as screws, may involve relatively complex movements, which can result in a higher failure rate than desirable (e.g., due to cross-threading, stripping, etc.).

[0006] The innovations described in the claims each have multiple modes, and no single innovation is solely responsible for the desirable attributes of the innovation. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some key features of this disclosure will now be briefly described.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is an electronic system assembly, which comprises a first component including a first hole, a second component including a second hole, and a press-fit fastener configured to be inserted into the first hole and the second hole in a single motion. At least a portion of the press-fit fastener is located in the first hole and the second hole. The press-fit fastener contributes at least to securing the first component to the second component.

[0008] The press fastener includes an upper insertable portion and a lower insertable portion, wherein the upper insertable portion is configured to engage with a first hole and the lower insertable portion is configured to engage with a second hole. The upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion of the press fastener may be configured to be compressed when inserted into the first hole and the second hole to apply force to the first hole and the second hole. The upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion of the press fastener may be eyelets.

[0009] The press fastener may have at least one cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the diameter of the first hole and also larger than the diameter of the second hole. The press fastener may have a deformable geometric structure configured to generate an outward force in each of the first hole and the second hole.

[0010] The press fastener may have a body of a defined size to prevent the press fastener from being inserted into the first hole and the second hole beyond a specified depth.

[0011] The press-fit fastener may have an upper portion composed of a grounding point or an electrical terminal blade. The press-fit fastener may include an electrically conductive material.

[0012] The first component may include a plurality of first holes, and the second component may include a plurality of second holes, and the assembly may include a plurality of press-fit fasteners, each configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole among the first holes and the second holes in a single motion. Each of the press-fit fasteners may include a portion located in a corresponding hole among the first holes and the second holes.

[0013] The second component may include a circuit board. The first component may include at least one of a heat sink, a standoff for the heat sink, a bus bar, or the second circuit board.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure is a press fastener for securing components together. The press fastener comprises a body and a lower portion configured to be inserted into a first hole in a first component and a second hole in a second component in a single motion. The press fastener is configured to contribute at least to securing the first component to the second component when the lower portion of the press fastener is positioned in the first hole and the second hole.

[0015] The lower portion may include an upper insertable portion configured to engage with a first hole and a lower insertable portion configured to engage with a second hole. The upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion may be configured to be compressed when inserted into the first hole and the second hole to apply force to the first hole and the second hole. The upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion may be eyelets.

[0016] The press fastener may have at least one cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the diameter of the first hole and also larger than the diameter of the second hole. The press fastener may include a post having a rectangular cross-section, and at least one cross-sectional dimension is measured between opposite corners of the rectangular cross-section.

[0017] The press fastener may have a deformable geometric structure configured to generate an outward force on each of the first hole and the second hole when compressed by the first hole and the second hole.

[0018] The body may be sized to delay the insertion of the press-fit fastener into the first and second holes beyond a specified depth.

[0019] Another aspect of this disclosure is a manufacturing method comprising the step of 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. After being inserted into the first hole and the second hole, the press-fit fastener contributes at least to securing the circuit board to the first component.

[0020] The press fastener may include a first insertable portion and a second insertable portion, and the first insertable portion and the second insertable portion of the press fastener are compressed during insertion to apply force to the first hole and the second hole.

[0021] The method may further include the step of inserting each of a plurality of additional press-fit fasteners into each of the holes of the first component and the circuit board in a single motion.

[0022] The innovations described in the claims each have multiple modes, and no single innovation is solely responsible for the desirable attributes of the innovation. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some key features of this disclosure will now be briefly described. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly including press-fit fasteners according to embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly including one embodiment of press-fit fasteners according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 1c is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly including another embodiment of press-fit fasteners according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate embodiments of press-fit fasteners according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate another embodiment of a press-fit fastener according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 4a-4h illustrate embodiments of assemblies including press-fit fasteners and their components according to embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 5a-5c illustrate embodiments of a press-fit fastener configured to secure components together according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate an embodiment of a bus bar comprising a plurality of press-fit fasteners configured to secure a circuit board to a component according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 7a-7c illustrate an embodiment of a press-fit fastener and an associated assembly configured to be used as an electrical terminal or a sliding terminal according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate other embodiments of a press-fit fastener configured to be used as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal and an associated assembly according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The following detailed description of specific embodiments provides various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein may be implemented in a number of different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, references are made to drawings in which the same reference numerals and / or terms may refer to identical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood that the elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it will be understood that specific embodiments may include more elements than depicted in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements depicted in the drawings. Additionally, some embodiments may incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to tandem press-fit fasteners that can provide various advantages over other fasteners. For example, the use of press-fit fasteners may leverage the same press-fit machine used for connector blades to install the press-fit fasteners. The press-fit fasteners disclosed herein may provide a dual function as fasteners as well as connector blades / connector terminals. The press-fit fasteners described herein may provide increased board density opportunities, faster cycle times, and stable joints compared to other types of fasteners. Increased board density enables tighter spacing of components, which results in smaller power printed circuit board assemblies.

[0026] One technique for assembling electronic system assemblies (e.g., processing systems or other systems containing electrical components) is top-down manufacturing, which may involve fixing components forming a system starting from the lowest layer in a stack and then using one or more fasteners to sequentially fix the lowest layer / component in the system. A common type of fastener that can be used to fix components together is a screw having a male thread configured to engage with a complementary female thread in a matching component configured to receive the screw.

[0027] Screws used to fasten components together may feature external threading complementary to internal threading on corresponding standoffs. Screws can be used to fasten multiple layers in an electronic system assembly; for example, screws may be used to fasten a circuit board to a heat sink, to fasten components to a circuit board and / or to fasten leads to a system. There are some disadvantages to using screws for fasteners in electronic system assemblies. For example, loose screws that are not properly fastened into corresponding standoffs can potentially short-circuit high-voltage components within the system. Once the cover is fastened to the system, it may be difficult to detect whether there are loose screws. There may also be some manufacturing challenges associated with using screws, such as cross-threading, stripping, and / or slower cycle times. Additionally, screws may be equipped with minimum clearance specifications from the screw head to ensure that they do not come into contact with components or wire traces on the circuit board. Furthermore, volume or packaging space directly above the screw head is used extremely rarely in various applications.

[0028] Despite the disadvantages, using screws to secure components within a system offers some advantages. For example, screws can be electrically conductive and thus useful for high-current connections and / or ground connections. When properly installed, screws can provide connections between components with little to no reliability concerns. Additionally, screws are reusable and can be removed and replaced without the need for disposal.

[0029] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to fasteners that can be used to address one or more of the above disadvantages associated with screw-type fasteners. The embodiments of this disclosure relate to press-fit fasteners that can be inserted into a receiving opening formed so that the fastener can be secured when placed into the opening. There are at least two types of press-fit fasteners that can be used to secure components together. The press-fit fasteners may include a post configured to be inserted into a corresponding opening, wherein the post has a size larger than the opening in at least one dimension. The press-fit fasteners may include a deformable geometry configured to generate an outward force on the corresponding opening when compressed by the opening.

[0030] The press fasteners described herein may be used to secure, attach, or "stitch" various different components together using a single motion. Components that may be secured using press fasteners include, but are not limited to, circuit boards (e.g., PCBAs, daughter boards, laminated PCBAs, etc.), heatsinks, busbars, metal plates, sheet metal plates, and / or other metal components. For example, a press fastener may secure a PCBA to a heatsink. The heatsink may have standoffs. As another example, a press fastener may secure two PCBAs together. As another example, a press fastener may secure a PCBA and a busbar or metal plate. As yet another example, a press fastener may secure sheet metal plates or other metal components together.

[0031] Press-fit fasteners can be used to mechanically secure two or more components to each other. In certain applications, press-fit fasteners may also be used to provide electrical connections between components (e.g., ground points, electrical signal transmission, etc.). The top or end portions of the press-fit fastener may function as electrical terminals (e.g., blades, sliding contacts, etc.). The top or end portions of the press-fit fastener may be of various shapes and sizes to accommodate different assembly conditions and specifications (e.g., busbars, blade terminals, etc.).

[0032] In some embodiments, the press fastener may have an eyelet geometry that may be variable to accommodate assembly tolerances and design requirements (e.g., square cross-section pins, asymmetric series of eyelets). The "sealing" operation or single motion used to install the press fastener may be completed in various ways to ensure proper insertion of the press fastener into the components. Such operations may include, but are not limited to: using force and displacement measurements to determine when the first and second eyelets are fully compressed; using a hard stop on the press fastener to stop the movement of the press fastener once the hard stop contacts the first component among the components; using strict tolerance control of the thickness of the components and a set displacement stroke to insert the press fastener to a specified depth; and / or using computer vision viewed from the side of the insertion operation to determine the appropriate insertion depth.

[0033] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly (100) comprising press-fit fasteners (110) according to embodiments of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1a, the electronic system assembly (100) comprises a component (102) (e.g., a heat sink, a standoff for the heat sink, a bus bar, a metal plate, a daughter substrate, or other circuit boards such as a stacked circuit board), a circuit board (104), a plurality of standoffs (106 and 108), a plurality of press-fit fasteners (110), and a plurality of posts (112). The standoffs (106, 108) are configured to separate the circuit board (104) from the component (102). The press-fit fasteners (110) may be used to attach or "seal" the circuit board (104) to the component (102) in a single motion.

[0034] A circuit board (104) comprises one or more electronic components thereon, and each of the one or more electronic components comprises electronic circuits or circuit element(s). The circuit board (104) may include alignment holes (114) configured to mate with posts (112) to align the circuit board (104) with the component (102). As shown in FIG. 1a, the circuit board (104) comprises two alignment holes (114), and the electronic system assembly (100) comprises 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 not include posts (112) and alignment holes (114), may include one post (112) and alignment hole (114), or may include 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). The holes (118) are illustrated and shown in FIG. 1B. Each hole (116) may correspond to each hole (118). A plurality of press-fit fasteners (110) may be inserted into the holes (116, 118) and may be coupled to the standoffs (106) to secure the circuit board (104) to the component (102).

[0035] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly (100) comprising one embodiment of press-fit fasteners (110) according to embodiments of this disclosure. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1a, the electronic system assembly (100) of FIG. 1b comprises 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 plurality of standoffs (106 and 108), a plurality of press-fit fasteners (110), and a post (112).

[0036] By using press fasteners (110) instead of other fasteners (e.g., screws), the assembly of the electronic system assembly (100) can be performed using simpler and faster processes of pressing the fasteners (110) into the holes (116, 118), which can be performed in a single motion. Additionally, the manufacturing equipment may be equipped with a press machine used to install connector blades that can also be used to install the press fasteners (110). The use of press fasteners (110) may provide one or more of the opportunities for reliable joints, faster cycle times, and increased substrate density. In one example, the screw used to secure the circuit board may have a diameter of about 6.275 mm, and the width of the head of the press fastener (e.g., see head (302) in FIG. 3a, whose width is measured from left to right in the drawing) may be smaller than about half the diameter of the screw in some embodiments. Accordingly, the area of ​​the circuit board (104) occupied by the press fasteners (110) may be significantly smaller than that of a similar circuit board configured to be fixed to components using other fasteners, and the space saved by using the press fasteners (110) may be used to place additional components / traces to increase the board density. The press fasteners (110) may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Thus, these press fasteners (110) may form electrical connections between components fixed by the press fasteners (110), and between components that make electrical contact with the exposed press fastener (cross-shaped or non-cross-shaped) head. The electrically conductive press fasteners (110) may transmit signals between components. The electrically conductive press fasteners (110) may provide ground connections between components.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1b, the press fastener (110) includes two eyelets arranged adjacent to each other. Each of the eyelets of the press fastener (110) is an insertable part that can be compressed during insertion to apply force to a hole. The two eyelets of the press fastener (110) can each be configured to engage with one of the holes (116) in the circuit board (104) and a hole (118) in one of the standoffs (106). The eyelets of the press fastener (110) can be configured to be compressed to apply force to the holes when inserted into the holes in the circuit board (104) and the standoff (106), thereby securing the circuit board (104) to the component (102).

[0038] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic system assembly (100) comprising another embodiment of press-fit fasteners (113) according to aspects of this disclosure. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1a, the electronic system assembly (100) of FIG. 1c comprises 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 plurality of standoffs (106 and 108), a plurality of press-fit fasteners (113), and a post (112). The electronic system assembly (100) of FIG. 1c comprises press-fit fasteners (113) instead of the press-fit fasteners (110) of the electronic system assembly (100) of FIG. 1a.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1c, the press fastener (113) comprises a post having a rectangular or square cross section. The press fastener (113) further comprises a cross-sectional dimension measured between opposite corners of a cross section larger than the respective diameters of the hole (116) in the circuit board (104) and the hole in the standoff (106). The press fastener (113) may have a deformable geometry configured to generate an outward force on each of the holes in the circuit board (104) and the standoff (106) when compressed by the holes.

[0040] FIGS. 2a–2d illustrate embodiments of press-fit fasteners according to aspects of this disclosure. FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a press-fit fastener (202). FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a press-fit fastener (203). FIG. 2c illustrates a press-fit fastener (202) arranged over a circuit first component (204) and a second component (206) before the components (204 and 206) are fixed together. The first component (204) may be, for example, a circuit board. FIG. 2d illustrates the first component (204) fixed to the second component (206) through the press-fit fastener (202). The press fastener (202) of FIG. 2a may be similar to the press fastener (110) shown in FIG. 1b, and the press fastener (203) of FIG. 2b may be similar to the press fastener (113) shown in FIG. 1c.

[0041] Although the embodiment of FIG. 2a is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2c and 2d, the press-fit fastener (202) of FIG. 2a may have a head or body of a different shape (e.g., a cross-shaped head). The head geometry may be designed to be used as a blade terminal or other electrical contact for a tertiary connection (e.g., to a connector on a wire harness), as shown, for example, in FIG. 7a–8c, whereas the internal cross-sectional shapes of the eyelets differ between the embodiment of FIG. 2a and the embodiments shown in FIG. 2c and 2d. However, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2c, and 2d will be described together herein due to their similarity.

[0042] The press fastener (202) comprises two eyelets arranged adjacent to each other, and the eyelets have substantially the same size and shape. As illustrated in FIGS. 2c and 2d, the first component (204) comprises a first hole (210), and the second component (206) comprises a second hole (212). The second component (206) may be any suitable component, such as a heat sink, a bus bar, a circuit board, or a standoff. The press fastener (202) may be inserted into the first hole (210) and the second hole (212) through a single press operation. The eyelet size and shape may be the same for both eyelets. Alternatively, the eyelet size and / or shape may differ between the two eyelets to accommodate mate holes.

[0043] The press fastener (203) of FIG. 2b includes a lower portion and a main body portion sized to fit within the holes of the components secured by the press fastener (203). The upper portion of the press fastener (203) may be sized to prevent or delay the press fastener (203) from being inserted into the hole beyond a specified depth. At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion of the press fastener (203) may be larger than the corresponding dimension of the hole before being inserted into the hole. The lower portion of the press fastener (203) includes two insertable portions, each of which can be compressed during insertion to apply force to the hole. Additional details regarding one embodiment of the press fastener (203) of FIG. 2b are described below in conjunction with FIG. 5a–5c.

[0044] FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate a manufacturing method using a press fastener (202). These drawings illustrate inserting a portion of the press fastener (202) through a first hole (210) in a first component (204) and a second hole (212) in a second component (206) in a single motion. After insertion into the first hole (210) and the second hole (212), the press fastener (202) contributes at least to securing the components (204, 206). As illustrated, the press fastener (202) may include a first insertable portion and a second insertable portion, and the first insertable portion and the second insertable portion are compressed during insertion to apply force to the first hole (210) and the second hole (212), respectively. The method may include the step of inserting a plurality of additional press fasteners into additional holes of components (204, 206) so that a plurality of additional press fasteners are secured to the components (204, 206). Each of these additional press fasteners may be inserted into at least two holes in a single motion. Any suitable number of press fasteners may be used to secure two components together. For example, FIG. 1a illustrates an embodiment having four press fasteners.

[0045] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a press-fit fastener (300) according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the press-fit fastener (300). FIG. 3B illustrates a press-fit fastener (300) installed to secure a circuit board (310) to a component (312).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3a, the press fastener (300) may include a lower portion comprising a body (or head) (302) and two eyelets (304, 306) connected via a joint (or ball) (308). The body (302) of the press fastener (303) may be sized to prevent the press fastener (300) from being inserted into the holes of the components beyond a specified depth (e.g., the length of the lower portion). The upper portion of the body (302) may additionally function as a ground point or electrical terminal blade for an external connector assembly or harness. As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the thicknesses of the circuit board (310) and the component (312) may differ. Accordingly, the length of the first eyelet (304) may differ from the length of the second eyelet (306) (e.g., it may be shorter as illustrated). The length of the first eyelet (304) may correspond to the thickness of the circuit board (310), and the length of the second eyelet (306) may correspond to the thickness of the component (312). In some implementations, when the press-fit fastener (300) is installed, a portion of the lower end of the press-fit fastener (300) (e.g., the lower end of the eyelet (306)) may protrude from the lower end of the component (312).

[0047] FIGS. 4a–4h illustrate embodiments of assemblies comprising press-fit fasteners (402, 416) according to aspects of this disclosure. FIGS. 4a–4d illustrate a first embodiment. FIG. 4a illustrates a circuit board (404) and a component (406) that can be connected via a press-fit fastener (402). FIG. 4b illustrates press-fit fasteners (402) arranged before being fully inserted to secure the circuit board (404) and the component (406) together. FIG. 4c illustrates a circuit board (404) secured to the component (406) via press-fit fasteners (402). FIG. 4d illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a press-fit fastener (402) when secured to a standoff (414).

[0048] FIGS. 4e–4h illustrate a second embodiment. FIG. 4e illustrates a circuit board (404) and a component (406) that can be connected via press-fit fasteners (416). FIG. 4f illustrates press-fit fasteners (416) arranged on the circuit board (404) and the component (406) before the press-fit fasteners (416) are fully inserted to secure the boards (404, 406) together. FIG. 4g illustrates a circuit board (404) secured to the component (406) via press-fit fasteners (416). FIG. 4d illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a press-fit fastener (416) when secured to a standoff (414).

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4a–4d, the press fastener (402) is configured to be inserted through both the first hole (410) in the circuit board (404) and the second hole (412) in the standoff (414) on the component (406) using a single press operation. For example, the first hole (410) and the second hole (412) can be aligned with each other (e.g., using an alignment post (420) and a hole (422) as shown in FIG. 4a), and then the press fastener (402) can be pressed into both holes (410, 412) with a single press motion. The use of a single press operation is faster and easier / easier or less complex than implementations using two or more pressing operations, which leads to more efficient manufacturing.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a–4d, the press fastener (402) includes two eyelets arranged adjacent to each other. These eyelets may be represented as series eyelets. The press fastener (402) may be represented as a series press fastener. The lower eyelet of the press fastener (402) is configured to be inserted through the first hole (410) and into the second hole (412), and the upper eyelet is configured to be inserted into the first hole (410). This may result in cold welding at locations where the press fastener (402) is deformed. The eyelets of the press fastener (402) are configured to be compressed when inserted into one of the holes (410, 412). Due to the compression of the eyelets when inserted into the holes (410, 412), the press fastener (402) can be elastically deformed and can apply force to the corresponding holes (410 or 412) to help hold the press fastener (402) within the holes (410, 412). The press fastener (402) may comprise a conductive material. The longest dimension of the press fastener (402) may be shorter than the diameter of a quarter coin. FIG. 4c illustrates serial press pins fully pressed into the PCBA until a hard stop (cross) is reached.

[0051] Depending on the implementation, the upper eyelet and the lower eyelet of the press fastener (402) may have substantially the same width, or the lower eyelet may have a smaller width than the upper eyelet of the press fastener (402). In some other embodiments, the lower eyelet may have a larger width than the upper eyelet, as long as the lower eyelet can be inserted through the hole (410).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4e–4h, each of the press-fit fasteners (416) is configured to be inserted through both the first hole (410) in the circuit board (404) and the second hole (412) in the standoff (414) on the component (406) using a single press-fit operation. For example, the first hole (410) and the second hole (412) can be aligned with each other (e.g., using an alignment post (420) and a hole (422) as shown in FIG. 4e). Then, the press-fit fastener (416) can be pressed into both holes (410, 412) with a single press-fit motion. The use of a single press-fit operation / motion is faster and easier / easier or less complex than implementations using two or more press-fit operations, which leads to more efficient manufacturing.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 4e, 4f, 4g and 4h, the press fastener (416) includes a lower portion sized to fit within the holes (410, 412). The upper portion of the press fastener (416) may be sized to prevent the fastener (416) from being inserted into the holes (410, 412) beyond a specified depth. At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion of the press fastener (416) may be larger than the corresponding dimension of the holes (410, 412) before being inserted into the holes (410, 412). For example, the distance between opposite corners of the lower portion of the press fastener (416) may be larger than the diameter of the holes (410, 412) before insertion. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4e-4h, the lower portion of the press fastener (416) may have two different cross-sectional diameters, including a distal end having a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the lower portion of the press fastener (416). The distal end of the lower portion of the press fastener (416) may be sized to guide the press fastener (416) into the holes (410, 412), whereas the proximal end of the lower portion of the press fastener (416) may be sized to deform when the fastener (416) is inserted into at least the hole (410), which has a force resulting from the deformation that secures the press fastener (416) to the holes (410 and 412).

[0054] FIGS. 5a–5c illustrate embodiments of a press fastener (502) configured to secure components together according to the embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the press fastener (502). FIG. 5b is a side view of the press fastener (502). FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of the press fastener (502) inserted into a hole (506) of a component (504). Referring to FIGS. 5a–5c, the press fastener (502) may include an upper portion (502A) and a lower portion (502B). The upper portion (502) may be a main body portion. The lower portion (502B) of the press fastener (502) may be sized to fit within the hole (506) of the component (504). The upper portion (502A) of the press-fit fastener (502) may be sized to prevent the fastener from being inserted into the hole (506) beyond a specified depth (e.g., the length of the lower portion (502B)). The upper portion (502A) of the body may additionally be used as a grounding point or electrical terminal blade for an external connector assembly or harness.

[0055] At least one cross-sectional dimension of the lower portion (502B) of the press fastener (502) may be larger than the corresponding dimension of the hole (506) before insertion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5c, the distance between opposite corners of the lower portion (502B) of the press fastener (502) may be larger than the diameter of the hole (506) before insertion. Due to these larger dimensions of the press fastener (502), the lower portion (502B) of the press fastener (502) may be deformed when the press fastener (502) is inserted into the hole (506). In certain embodiments, the force for inserting the press fastener (502) into the hole (506) may cause cold welding at the locations (508) where the press fastener (502) is deformed, thereby securing the press fastener (502) to the hole (506). This cold welding may also occur in other embodiments comprising the eyelet-type press-fit fasteners described herein (e.g., at least FIG. 2a and FIG. 2c–4d and corresponding description). Cold welding may be used to improve the long-term reliability of the joint. Thus, cold welding of the press-fit fastener may result from the use of any press-fit fastener described herein, depending on the specific implementation. Securing the press-fit fastener (502) to the component (504) may be achieved using different geometric structures for both the press-fit fastener (502) and the hole (506) in the component (504). Thus, the modes of this disclosure are not limited to the geometric structures shown, and any other suitable shapes / geometric structures may be used for the press-fit fastener (502) and / or the hole (506) in the component (504) without departing from this disclosure.

[0056] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments of a bus bar (601) comprising a plurality of press-fit fasteners (604) configured to secure a circuit board (602) to a component (606) according to embodiments of this 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) having the press-fit fasteners (604) folded before being inserted into the standoffs (612) of the component (606) and the holes (608, 610) in the circuit board (602). FIG. 6A illustrates the press-fit fasteners (604) connected to the bus bar (601) before bending.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 6a, the bus bar (601) includes a plurality of press-fit fasteners (604). As illustrated 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 illustrated in FIG. 6a. The bus bar (601) may be bent along a plurality of bend lines (not shown) so that the press-fit fasteners (604) point downward as illustrated in FIG. 6b. Each of the press-fit fasteners (604) may be inserted into corresponding holes (608, 610) formed in the circuit board (602) and standoffs (612), thereby securing the circuit board (602) to the component (606). Cold welding may occur at the fastener-to-hole interference. The component (606) may be a heatsink in certain applications.

[0058] Each of the press fasteners (604) may have two eyelets configured to be compressed when inserted into one of the holes (608, 610). Due to the compression of the eyelets when inserted into the holes (608, 610), the press fastener (604) may be elastically deformed and may apply force to the holes (608, 610) to help hold the press fastener (604) within the holes (608, 610), thereby securing the circuit board (602) to the component (606). In some embodiments, the shape of each eyelet may be substantially similar to the shape of an eye of a needle.

[0059] FIGS. 7a–7c illustrates an embodiment of a press-fit fastener (702) configured to be used as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal according to embodiments of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c, the press-fit fastener (702) comprises a body (or head) (704) and a plurality of lower parts (706), each comprising two eyelets, for example, three lower parts (706) in the illustrated embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7c, each of the lower parts (706) can be inserted into corresponding holes (712 and 714) formed in the circuit board (708) and the component (710), respectively. A press-fit fastener (702) can be used to form electrical connections between a circuit board (708) and a component (710), and the body (704) of the press-fit fastener (702) can function as an electrical terminal or ground point (e.g., connector harness, flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCBA) / ribbon cable, etc.). In certain applications, the component (710) may be a second circuit board. The press-fit fastener (702) can provide electrical connections between circuit boards in these applications.

[0060] FIGS. 8a–8c illustrate another embodiment of a press-fit fastener (802) configured to be used as an electrical terminal or sliding terminal according to embodiments of this disclosure. An embodiment of the press-fit fastener (802) shown in FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c may be substantially similar to an embodiment of FIGS. 7a–7c, having a body (804) of a different shape 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 grouping 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. Press-fit fasteners (802) can provide electrical connections between circuit boards in these applications.

[0061] conclusion

[0062] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the exact form disclosed or to a specific field of use. As such, it is considered that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure are possible, whether expressly described or implied in the specification in light of the present disclosure. As the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that forms and details may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0063] In the preceding specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as understood by those skilled in the art, the various aspects disclosed herein may be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description should be considered exemplary and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use various aspects of the disclosed press-fit fastener assembly. It should be understood that the forms of the disclosure shown and described herein are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, or materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for elements that are representatively exemplified and described herein. Furthermore, specific features of the disclosure may be used independently of the use of other features, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art after taking advantage of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "have," and "is" used to describe and assert the present disclosure shall be interpreted as allowing items, components, or elements not explicitly stated to be indicated in a non-exclusive manner. Additionally, references to the singular shall be interpreted as relating to the plural.

[0064] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be accepted in an exemplary and illustrative sense and should not be interpreted as limiting the content of the disclosure. Any references to joiners (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are used solely to aid the reader's understanding of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the location, orientation, or use of the system and / or the method disclosed herein. Accordingly, references to joiners should be interpreted broadly where present. Furthermore, such references to joiners do not necessarily imply that these two elements are directly connected to each other. Additionally, all numeric terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” “primary,” “secondary,” “major,” or any other general and / or numeric terms, are to be taken solely as identifiers to aid the reader’s understanding of the various components, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of the present disclosure and may not make any limitations, particularly of any component, embodiment, variation, and / or modification, over or in order or preference toward other components, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications.

[0065] Additionally, it will be understood that one or more elements depicted in the drawings may be implemented in a more separate or integral manner, and may be provided as removed or non-operable in certain cases as useful depending on the specific application.

Claims

Claim 1 A first component including a first hole; a second component including a second hole; An electronic system assembly comprising a press-fit fastener configured to be inserted into the first hole and the second hole in a single motion, wherein at least a portion of the press-fit fastener is located in the first hole and the second hole, and the press-fit fastener contributes at least to securing the first component to the second component, wherein the press-fit fastener comprises an upper insertable portion and a lower insertable portion, wherein the upper insertable portion has a first cross-sectional dimension and is configured to engage with the first hole, and the lower insertable portion has a second cross-sectional dimension different from the first cross-sectional dimension and is configured to engage with the second hole, and wherein the press-fit fastener has a deformable geometric structure configured to generate an outward force on each of the first hole and the second hole, and wherein the upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion of the press-fit fastener are eyelets. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the eyelets are arranged adjacent to each other in an electronic system assembly. Claim 5 An electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cross-sectional dimension and the second cross-sectional dimension is larger than the diameter of the first hole and also larger than the diameter of the second hole. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 An electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener has a body of a defined size to prevent the press-fit fastener from being inserted into the first hole and the second hole beyond a defined depth. Claim 8 In claim 1, the press-fit fastener is an electronic system assembly having an upper portion composed of a grounding point or an electrical terminal blade. Claim 9 In claim 1, the first component comprises a plurality of first holes, the first holes comprise the first holes, the second component comprises a plurality of second holes, the second holes comprise the second holes, the assembly comprises a plurality of press-fit fasteners each configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole among the first holes and the second holes in a single motion, each of the press-fit fasteners comprises a portion located in a corresponding hole among the first holes and the second holes, and the press-fit fasteners comprise an electronic system assembly including the press-fit fasteners. Claim 10 In claim 1, the press-fit fastener is an electronic system assembly comprising an electrically conductive material. Claim 11 In claim 1, the second component is an electronic system assembly including a circuit board. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first component comprises at least one of a heat sink, a standoff for the heat sink, a bus bar, or a second circuit board, in an electronic system assembly. Claim 13 A press fastener for fixing components together, comprising: a body; and a lower portion configured to be inserted into a first hole in a first component and a second hole in a second component in a single motion, wherein the press fastener comprises the lower portion configured to contribute at least to fixing the first component to the second component when the lower portion of the press fastener is positioned in the first hole and the second hole, the lower portion comprising: an upper insertable portion configured to engage with the first hole having a first cross-sectional dimension; and a lower insertable portion configured to engage with the second hole having a second cross-sectional dimension different from the first cross-sectional dimension, wherein the upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion are configured to be compressed when inserted into the first hole and the second hole to apply force to the first hole and the second hole, and wherein the upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion are eyelets. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 In claim 13, the eyelets are press-fit fasteners arranged adjacent to each other. Claim 17 In claim 13, at least one of the first cross-sectional dimension and the second cross-sectional dimension is larger than the diameter of the first hole and also larger than the diameter of the second hole, in a press-fit fastener. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 In claim 13, the body is a press fastener sized to delay the insertion of the press fastener into the first hole and the second hole beyond a specified depth. Claim 21 A manufacturing method comprising the step of 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, wherein the press-fit fastener contributes at least to fixing the circuit board to the first component after being inserted into the first hole and the second hole, and the press-fit fastener comprises a first insertable portion configured to engage with the first hole having a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second insertable portion configured to engage with the second hole having a second cross-sectional dimension different from the first cross-sectional dimension, wherein the first insertable portion and the second insertable portion of the press-fit fastener are compressed during insertion to apply force to the first hole and the second hole, and the upper insertable portion and the lower insertable portion are eyelets. Claim 22 delete Claim 23 A method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of inserting each of a plurality of additional press-fit fasteners into each of the holes of the first component and the circuit board in a single motion. Claim 24 An 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. Claim 25 An electronic system assembly according to claim 1, wherein the press-fit fastener comprises an electrically conductive material and the press-fit fastener is configured as a grounding point.

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