Fastener for connecting an electrical device to a substrate

Abstract

A fastener apparatus for mechanically connecting and holding the main housing of an electrical device, such as an electrical connector, to a substrate, such as a PCB, in a manner that allows for a relatively low insertion force and a corresponding relatively high retention force. The fasteners are adapted for attachment to both an electrical connector and to a substrate, thereby forming a mechanical connection between the two. Preferably, one or more fasteners are attached to the housing of the electrical connector and then the electrical connector having fasteners extending therefrom is connected to board openings formed in the PCB. The fastener apparatus is constructed having one or more arms connected to a bottom end of the fastener, the arms sweep outward and upward from the bottom end toward the top end. Preferably, the arms have a cantilevered design that allows the arms to deflect inward during insertion of the fastener into the board openings, thereby providing for a relatively low insertion force. Preferably, the arms are also formed having a taper. The tapered design of the arms has a predetermined inclined surface, forming an angle of inclination which results in a more onsistent insertion force, and does not create any sudden release of force or energy during insertion of the fastener into the substrate which might dislodge components mounted on the surface of the substrate. The arms are formed having an apex formed at the distal end. The apexes are adapted for connectively engaging the side walls of the board openings of the substrate thereby providing a retention force to hold the connector on the substrate. In addition, the arms tend to splay outward when a withdrawal force is applied to the fastener causing the arms to bite into the side walls of the board opening. This results relatively high retention force that holds the connector on the substrate.