US 12,471,221 B2
Clamping device with pivoting retainer
Patrick J. Lott, Lowell, MA (US); and Christopher O'Brien, Somerville, MA (US)
Assigned to Raytheon Company, Tewksbury, MA (US)
Filed by Raytheon Company, Waltham, MA (US)
Filed on Oct. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/971,307.
Prior Publication US 2024/0138073 A1, Apr. 25, 2024
Prior Publication US 2024/0237226 A9, Jul. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. H05K 3/32 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 3/32 (2013.01) 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for assembling an apparatus, comprising:
arranging a circuit element with a circuit board, wherein the circuit element comprises an element aperture, and the circuit board comprises a board aperture;
moving a plunger in a first direction to pass a distal end of the plunger through the element aperture and the board aperture and into a volume adjacent the circuit board;
pivoting a retainer within the volume, wherein the retainer is pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger;
moving the plunger in a second direction to clamp the circuit board between the retainer and the circuit element;
electrically coupling the circuit element to the circuit board;
removing a clamping device from the circuit element and the circuit board, wherein the clamping device includes the plunger and the retainer; and
securing the circuit element to the circuit board with a fastener, wherein the fastener extends through the element aperture and the board aperture.