Press-fit Terminal for PCB Heat Sink Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for thermally connecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) to heat sinks using screws increase manufacturing complexity and costs, while also requiring additional components like standoffs for adequate heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A compliant press-fit terminal with elastic portions and intermediate radially extending arms is used to securely attach a PCB to a heat sink, eliminating the need for screws and standoffs by generating frictional forces for mechanical and thermal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or threaded fasteners are used to connect heat sinks to PCBs, then adequate mechanical attachment and thermal conductivity are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and thermal conduction function into a single integrated press-fit terminal structure. The terminal includes both mechanical engagement features (radially extending arms for securing to PCB and heat sink) and thermal conduction features (axially extending body with heat-dissipating surfaces), eliminating the need for separate screws, standoffs, and thermal interface materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit terminal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment to the PCB board, maintains compression contact between the heat sink and PCB for thermal transfer, and acts as a thermal conduction path from the heat sink to the PCB. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components with a single universal element.
2Reliability
If screws and standoffs are used for thermal connection, then adequate compression and heat transfer are achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of standoffs (which provide spacing and support) and screws (which provide compression and attachment) into the single press-fit terminal structure. The terminal's body extends axially to provide the necessary spacing while its radially extending arms provide both attachment and compression forces, eliminating the need for separate standoff and screw components.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit terminal serves as a universal component that simultaneously performs the functions previously requiring multiple specialized parts: it acts as a standoff for spacing, a fastener for attachment, and a compression element for maintaining thermal contact, thereby reducing the total component count.
3Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure heat sinks, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural support function and fastening function into the press-fit terminal. The terminal's body provides structural strength while its radially extending arms provide fastening capability, eliminating the need for separate structural components and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit terminal is a universal component that simultaneously provides structural support, mechanical attachment, and compression forces. This multi-functional design replaces multiple strength-providing components with a single element that achieves the same or better mechanical strength while simplifying manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by providing a reliable mechanical and thermal connection between PCBs and heat sinks, ensuring efficient heat dissipation without the need for additional fasteners or standoffs.
Implementation Method 1
A compliant pin or press-fit terminal for connecting a first component and a second component includes a first elastic portion for engaging with the first component, and a second elastic portion spaced apart from the first elastic portion along an axial length of the terminal for fixing the first component to the second component
Implementation Method 2
The terminal may further include an intermediate portion arranged between the first and second elastic portions in an axial direction of the terminal. The intermediate portion comprises a first plurality of radially extending arms for engaging with the first component and a second plurality of radially extending arms for engaging with the second component for fixing a distance between the first component and the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A press-fit terminal for connecting a first component and a second component includes a first elastic portion for engaging with the first component, a second elastic portion for engaging with the second component, and an intermediate portion arranged between the first and second elastic portions in an axial direction of the terminal. The intermediate portion comprises a first plurality of radially extending arms for engaging with the first component and a second plurality of radially extending arms for engaging with the second component.