Abstract: An adjustable riser cage retains varying length adapters. For example, the adjustable riser cage may support a short adapter card, a ¾ length adapter card, or a long adapter card. The adjustable riser cage includes a riser portion and an extension portion. The riser portion includes one or more guidance features and a plurality of first retention members. The extension portion is slide ably supported against only the one or more guidance members, and includes a second retention member configured to engage with a particular first retention member depending upon a length of the adapter card to be supported. The adjustable riser cage may be installed into a larger electronic system having a plurality of electronic components. The adjustable riser cage allows for increased access to the electronic components because the extension portion is not supported by external or non-integral support features that may block access to the electronic components.

Abstract: An adjustable riser cage retains varying length adapters. For example, the adjustable riser cage may support a short adapter card, a ¾ length adapter card, or a long adapter card. The adjustable riser cage includes a riser portion and an extension portion. The riser portion includes one or more guidance features and a plurality of first retention members. The extension portion is slide ably supported against only the one or more guidance members, and includes a second retention member configured to engage with a particular first retention member depending upon a length of the adapter card to be supported. The adjustable riser cage may be installed into a larger electronic system having a plurality of electronic components. The adjustable riser cage allows for increased access to the electronic components because the extension portion is not supported by external or non-integral support features that may block access to the electronic components.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: A heat sink restraint that absorbs shock and facilitates the application of a calibrated hold-down force to a heat sink. The restraint comprises a fluid-tight housing and a piston assembly including a piston and a shaft. The shaft has first and second ends extending from the housing through seals that allow axial movement of the shaft. The piston is disposed within the housing for axial movement with the shaft. A dampening fluid fills the housing about the piston assembly and a dampening orifice or passageway establishes restricted fluid communication between regions within the housing above and below the piston. A spring is disposed within the housing between the piston and the housing to bias the housing in a retaining direction. A first end of the shaft is selectively coupled to a circuit board and the second end includes a visual indicator for indicating the amount of the applied hold-down force.

Abstract: A heat sink retention module including a frame, first and second wire modules and a latch. The frame receives a heat sink base and is securable to a circuit board. First and second wire modules each include a pair of arm sections pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the frame about a transverse axis, a transverse handle section, and a spring clip formed adjacent the pivoting end of each arm section. The transverse axis of the first wire module is longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse axis of the second wire module. When the wire modules are adducted and flexed, a generally downward force is applied to the heat sink base by the spring clips, which extend generally perpendicular to each arm section. The wire modules are kept in the adducted position by a latch selectively securable between the transverse handle sections of the first and second wire modules.