Miniature self-locking, spring action, microwave module retainer

• Main Authors: BLACKWELL HURLEY K, RICHARD PATRICK K, HERLIHY DAVID A, MARTIN LUCINDA G, DRUDE BRIAN T, LISLE H. HALLEY
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.08.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS; BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

A miniature, self-locking, spring action, microwave T/R module retainer device includes a retainer body that holds a double arched spring and transfers the spring load to a coldplate. The double arched spring configuration is designed to contact an extended heat sink plate located on one side of the microwave T/R module. When in position, the deflection of the double arched spring of the retainer device imparts a force onto the extended heat sink, pressing the T/R module against the coldplate when the module retainer device is installed. If the position of the T/R module changes due to thermal or mechanical loads, the potential energy stored in the arched spring allows the spring to automatically re-adjust accordingly.