Abstract:
A heat sink assembly mount is provided. Generally the invention has a frame clip and a spring clip. The frame clip has one or more inwardly extending tabs and two or more vertically extending side portions. The one or more tabs are sized to fit over and removably couple to a heat producing device. The distance between the two or more vertically extending side portions is sized to hold a base portion of a heat sink and prevent horizontal motion of the heat sink. The spring clip couples to the frame clip and has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force that presses the heat sink against a heat producing device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is generally related to heat sinks, and more particularly is related to an assembly for a heat sink. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Effective extraction of heat produced by electrical devices is important in order to extend the useful life of these devices. A conventional heat sink device typically utilizes an array of extended surfaces, such as fins, integrally formed on a common base and projecting into ambient fluid surrounding the device. The base is placed in thermally intimate contact with a heat producing device to provide a conduction path to the fin array. Fluid circulation, through forced or natural convection, around the fin array, acts as a heat transfer medium to cool the heat producing device to a satisfactory operating temperature. 
   It is well recognized that various design parameters including fin geometry (e.g., the number of fins, fin spacing, and fin length and width), material selection, device characteristics, and ambient conditions, among others, influence the heat dissipation performance of the heat sink device (hereafter, heat sink). In certain applications, a plurality of fins arranged with predetermined dimensions, or predetermined channel width between adjacent fins may provide optimum heat sink performance. 
     FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a prior art heat sink assembly  100 . A base clip  102  removably couples a heat sink  104  to a microchip  106 . The base of the heat sink  104  is placed in contact with the microchip  106 . A thermally conductive layer  108  can be placed in between the heat sink  104  and the microchip  106  to aid in the conduction of heat. The base clip  102  is then placed over the top of the heat sink  104 . The base clip  102  couples to the bottom of the microchip  106  with two inward tabs  110  that frictionally fit to a bottom edge  112  of the microchip  106 . 
   The heat sink  104  can be replaced or removed by uncoupling the base clip  102  from the microchip  106  and removing the base clip  102 . Once the base clip  102  is removed, the heat sink  104  can be removed and/or replaced. The base clip  102  is then placed over the heat sink  104  and coupled to the microchip  106 . The uncoupling and coupling of the base clip  102  to the microchip  106  can produce stress on the microchip  106  and result in damage to the microchip  106 . 
   Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide a heat sink assembly mount and method of mounting a heat sink. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the heat sink assembly mount, among others, can be implemented as follows. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat sink assembly mount has a frame clip and a spring clip. The frame clip has one or more inwardly extending tabs and two or more vertically extending side portions. The one or more tabs can be sized to fit over and removably couple to a heat producing device. A distance between the two or more vertically extending side portions can be sized to hold a base of a heat sink, which prevents horizontal motion of the heat sink. The spring clip is coupled to the frame clip. The spring clip has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink against the heat producing device. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, the heat sink assembly includes a heat sink, a frame clip, and a spring clip. The heat sink has a base portion and a top fin portion. The frame clip has a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion. The top wall portion has a perimeter sized to receive the base portion of the heat sink and prevent horizontal motion of the heat sink. The bottom wall portion of the frame clip has a perimeter sized to receive a chip. The bottom wall portion also has an inwardly extending ridge with an inner ridge perimeter sized to fit over and removably couple to a heat producing device. The spring clip is removably coupled to the frame clip and rests against the heat sink. The spring clip has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink against the heat producing device. 
   The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for installing a heat sink on a heat producing device. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: coupling the frame clip to the heat producing device; placing the base of the heat sink within the frame clip; placing the spring clip over the heat sink; and coupling the spring clip to the frame clip. 
   Other systems, methods, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a prior art heat sink assembly. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a heat sink assembly in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  is a side profile view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  is a top plane view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the frame clip in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a top plane view of the frame clip in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a side profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a heat sink assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is an assembled perspective view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a side profile view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  is a top plane view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the frame clip in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plane view of the frame clip in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  is a side profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of a heat sink assembly in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  is an assembled perspective view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  is a side profile view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a top plane view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  is a front profile view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the frame clip in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 22  is a top plane view of the frame clip in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 23  is a side profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 24  is a front profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 25  is an assembled perspective view of a heat sink assembly in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 26  is a side profile view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 27  is a top plane view of the heat sink assembly in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the frame clip in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 29  is a top plane view of the frame clip in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  is a side profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 31  is a front profile view of the frame clip in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 32  is a flow-chart illustrating a method for making the apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of a frame clip in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 34  is an assembled perspective view of the frame clip in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  are, respectively, an exploded and assembled perspective view of a heat sink assembly  200  in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The heat sink assembly  200  has a frame clip  202  and a spring clip  204 . A heat producing device  206  can be coupled to a board  208 , such as a printed circuit board, or other support structure. The board  208  can be, for example, but not limited to, a motherboard or other component that can be coupled to the heat producing device  206 . The heat producing device  206  can be a variety of devices, for example, an integrated circuit or a variety of other optical or electrical components. A heat sink  210  is used to dissipate heat from the heat producing device  206 . The heat sink  210  has a base  209  portion and a top fin  211  portion. Individual fins  211  may vary in length and individual fins  211  may be at varying angles with respect to the base  209 . The heat sink  210  can be positioned against the heat producing device  206 . The heat is transferred from the heat producing device  206  to the heat sink  210  by conduction. A thermally conductive layer  212  can be placed in between the heat sink  210  and the heat producing device  206  to aid in the conduction of heat. 
   The frame clip  202  fits over the heat producing device  206 . Tabs  214  extend from a base  216  of the frame clip  202  and couple to a bottom edge  218  of the heat producing device  206 . The heat sink  210  fits within the frame clip  202 . The spring clip  204  removably couples to the frame clip  202 . The base  216  of the frame clip  202  can rest against the board  208 . The frame clip  202  can be used to transfer the weight, or any forces distributed to the heat sink  210 , directly to the board  208  instead of passing through the heat producing device  206 . For example, an accidental jarring of the heat sink  210  can be transferred to the board  208  and prevent unwanted application of forces to the heat producing device  206  and potentially damaging the heat producing device  206 . It should be noted that the spring clip  204  does not touch the board  208  and the spring clip  204  is directly attached to the frame clip  202 . Alternatively, one having ordinary skill in the art, may provide a manner of using the spring clip  204 , wherein the spring clip  204  does touch the board  208 . 
   Once the heat sink  210  is positioned within the frame clip  202 , the spring clip  204  is coupled to the top of the frame clip  202 , as explained below. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the spring clip is a “Z-shaped” clip. Once the spring clip  204  is coupled on top of the frame clip  202 , the spring clip  204  exerts a force on the heat sink  210 . The force presses the heat sink  210  against the heat producing device  206 . The force assists the heat sink  210  in maintaining contact with the heat producing device  206  and facilitating the conduction of heat from the heat producing device  206 . 
   The spring clip  204  can be made of a variety of elastic materials for example, but not limited to, plastics, metals, or composites. The spring clip  204  has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink  210  against the heat producing device  206 . 
     FIG. 4 and 5  are, respectively, a side and top profile view of the heat sink assembly  200  in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. The spring clip  204 , according to the first exemplary embodiment, has a “Z-shape”. The “Z-shaped” spring clip  204  has a first end  502  that couples to a first edge  504  of the frame clip  202  and a second end  506  that couples to a second opposite edge  508  of the frame clip  202 . The first end  502  of the spring clip  204  is pressed in a downward direction, as shown by the clockwise-curved arrow in  FIG. 4 , and coupled underneath the first edge  504  of the frame clip  202 . Similarly, the second end  506  of the spring clip  204  is coupled underneath the second opposite edge  508  of the frame clip  202 . Notches  402  can be provided in edges  504 ,  508  to prevent the spring clip  204  from shifting horizontally. Coupling the first end  502  of the spring clip  204  and second end  506  of the spring clip  204  to the frame clip  202  puts the spring clip  204  in tension and presses a mid-section  510  of the spring clip  204  against the heat sink  210 . 
     FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , respectively, are a perspective view, top plane view, and side profile view of the frame clip  202  in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. The frame clip  202  fits over the heat producing device  206 . Two or more tabs  214  extend from a base  216  of the frame clip  202  and couple to a bottom edge  218  of the heat producing device  206 . The tabs  214  can be positioned opposite each other, or at a location along wall of the base  216 , to allow the frame clip  202  to securely couple to the heat producing device  206 . The opposing tabs  214  can be spaced a distance apart to allow the base  216  of the frame clip  202  to fit over a top of the heat producing device  206  in an extended or stretched position, while producing a frictional fit to the bottom edge of the heat producing device  206  in a relaxed condition. It should be noted that a modern low profile heat producing device  206  may be gripped by four or more tabs  214  on the frame clip  202 , thereby maintaining the position of the low profile heat producing device  206  within the frame clip  202 . Alternatively, positioning tabs  214 , in specific locations of the frame clip  202  may result in the same function of maintaining the position of the low profile heat producing device  206  within the frame clip  202 . It should be noted that, there is no requirement that four or more tabs  214  be used to maintain the position of the low profile heat producing device  206  within the frame clip  202 . Instead, positioning the tabs  214  in specific locations of the frame clip  202 , even with fewer than four tabs  214 , may result in the same function of maintaining the position of the low profile heat producing device  206  within the frame clip  202 . 
   The invention is not limited to the tab structures shown in  FIGS. 2-8 . A variety of other structures can be used, for example, but not limited to, ridges, protrusion or a frictional fit against the walls of the base  216  of the frame clip  202 . The tab structure is not limited to two opposing tabs  214  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The tab  214  is shown to rise abruptly from the base  216  as shown but the tab  214  may also rise in a tapering manner, depending on a given application, from the base  216 . The tab structure may have one or more tabs  214  in addition to the two opposing tabs  214 . Additionally, the invention is not limited to the tabs  214  fitting underneath the heat producing device  206 . The tabs  214  may, for example, couple to indentations or ridges (not shown) on the side of the heat producing device  206 , or various platforms placed on the printed circuit board (board  208 ) itself, or form a frictional fit against the side walls of the heat producing device  206 . 
     FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  are, respectively, an exploded and assembled perspective view of a heat sink assembly  900  in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The heat sink assembly  900 , has a frame clip  902  and a spring clip  904 . A heat producing device  906  can be coupled to a board or other support structure (not shown). A heat sink  910  is used to dissipate heat from the heat producing device  906 . The heat sink  910  has a base  909  portion and a top fin  911  portion. Individual fins  911  may vary in length and individual fins  911  may be at varying angles with respect to the base  909 . The heat sink  910  can be positioned against the heat producing device  906 . The heat is transferred from the heat producing device  906  to the heat sink  910  by conduction. A thermally conductive layer  912  can be placed in between the heat sink  910  and the heat producing device  906  to aid in the conduction of heat. 
   The frame clip  902  of the second exemplary embodiment fits over the heat producing device  906 . Tabs  914  extend from a base  916  of the frame clip  902  and couple to a bottom edge  918  of the heat producing device  906 . The heat sink  910  fits within the frame clip  902 . The spring clip  904  removably couples to the frame clip  902  as explained below. 
   Once the heat sink  910  is positioned within the frame clip  902 , the spring clip  904  is coupled to the top of the frame clip  902 . According to the second exemplary embodiment, the spring clip  904  is an “M-shaped” clip. Once the spring clip  904  is coupled on top of the frame clip  902 , the spring clip  904  exerts a force on the heat sink  910 . The force is exerted in a downward direction, pressing the heat sink  910  against the heat producing device  906 . The force assists the heat sink  910  in maintaining contact with the heat producing device  906  and facilitating the conduction of heat from the heat producing device  906 . 
   The spring clip  904  of the second exemplary embodiment can be made of a variety of elastic materials, for example, but not limited to, plastics, metals, or composites. The spring clip  904  has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink  910  against the heat producing device  906 . 
     FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  are, respectively, a side cross-sectional view and top profile view of the heat sink assembly  900  in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 11 , the fins  911  are not shown to facilitate a clearer illustration of the spring clip  904 . The “M-shaped” spring clip  904  has a first end  1102  that couples to a first handle  1104  of the frame clip  902  and a second end  1106  that couples to a second handle  1108  of the frame clip  902 . The first end  1102  of the spring clip  904  is threaded through the first handle  1104  of the frame clip  902 . The second end  1106  of the spring clip  904  is pressed in a down and inward direction, as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 11 , and coupled underneath the second handle  1108  of the frame clip  902 . Coupling the first end  1102  and second end  1106  to the frame clip  902  puts the spring clip  904  in tension and presses a mid-section  1110  of the spring clip  904  against the heat sink  910 . The first handle  1104  and second handle  1108  of the frame clip  902  are not limited to the exemplary structures shown in  FIGS. 9-15 . A variety of other handle structures can be provided to couple the first end  1102  and the second end  1106  of the spring clip  904 . As an example, the first end  1102  and second end  1106  of the spring clip  904  may extend inward and clip to a ridge (not shown) underneath the frame clip  902 . 
     FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15 , respectively, are a perspective view, top plane view, and side profile view of the frame clip  902 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. The frame clip  902  fits over the heat producing device  906 . Two or more tabs  914  extend from a base  916  of the frame clip  902  and couple to a bottom edge  918  of the heat producing device  906 . The tabs  914  can be positioned opposite each other to allow the frame clip  902  to securely couple to the heat producing device  906 . The opposing tabs  914  can be spaced a distance apart to allow the base  916  of the frame clip  902  to fit over a top of the heat producing device  906  in an extended or stretched position, while producing a frictional fit to the bottom edge  918  of the heat producing device  906  in a relaxed condition. The invention is not limited to the tab structures shown in  FIGS. 9-15 . A variety of other structures can be used, e.g., the tab  914  is shown to rise abruptly from the base  916  but the tab  914  may also rise in a tapering manner, depending on a given application, from the base  916 . 
     FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  are, respectively, an exploded and assembled perspective view of a heat sink assembly  1600 , in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. The heat sink assembly  1600  has a frame clip  1602  and a spring clip  1604 . A heat producing device  1606  can be coupled to a board  1608  or other support structure. The board  1608  can be a variety of other devices. A heat sink  1610  is used to dissipate heat from the heat producing device  1606 . The heat sink  1610  has a base  1609  portion and a top fin  1611  portion. Individual fins  1611  may vary in length and individual fins  1611  may be at varying angles with respect to the base  1609 . The heat sink  1610  can be positioned against the heat producing device  1606 . Heat is transferred from the heat producing device  1606  to the heat sink  1610  by conduction. A thermally conductive layer  1612  can be placed between the heat sink  1610  and the heat producing device  1606  to aid in the conduction of heat. 
   The frame clip  1602  of the third exemplary embodiment fits over the heat producing device  1606 . Tabs  1614  extend from a base  1616  of the frame clip  1602  and couple to a bottom edge  1618  of the heat producing device  1606 . A base  1620  of the heat sink  1610  fits within the frame clip  1602 . The spring clip  1604  rotatably couples to the frame clip  1602 . The base  1616  of the frame clip  1602  can rest against the  1608  board. The frame clip  1602  can prevent the transfer of weight or accidental forces placed on the heat sink  1610 . Once the base  1620  of the heat sink  1610  is positioned within the frame clip  1602 , the spring clip  1604  is rotatable about the top of the frame clip  1602 . According to the third exemplary embodiment, the spring clip  1604  is an “M-shaped” clip that is rotatably coupled to the frame clip  1602 . Once the spring clip  1604  is coupled on top of the frame clip  1602 , the spring clip  1604  exerts a force on the heat sink  1610 . The force presses the heat sink  1610  against the heat producing device  1606 . The force assists the heat sink  1610  in maintaining contact with the heat producing device  1606  and facilitating the conduction of heat from the heat producing device  1606 . The spring clip  1604  has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink  1610  against the heat producing device  1606 . The spring clip  1604  of the third exemplary embodiment can be made of a variety of elastic materials, for example, but not limited to, plastics, metals, or composites. 
     FIG. 18 ,  19 , and  20  are, respectively, a side, top, and front profile view of the heat sink assembly  1600  in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. The “M-shaped” clip  1604  has a first end  1802  that rotatably couples to a first handle  1804  of the frame clip  1602  and a second end  1806  that removably couples to a second opposite handle  1808  of the frame clip  1602 . The first end  1802  is hinged to the first handle  1804 . The hinging of the first end  1802  as shown in the third exemplary embodiment, is an example of a hinge that may be used; other hinging structures can be used and are within the scope of the invention. The second end  1806  is pressed in a down and inward direction, as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 18 , and coupled underneath the second handle  1808  of the frame clip  1602 . Coupling the first end  1802  and second end  1806  to the frame clip  1602  puts the spring clip  1604  in tension and presses a mid-section (not shown) of the spring clip  1604  against the heat sink  1610 . The first handle  1804  and second handle  1808  are not limited to the exemplary structures shown in  FIGS. 16-24 . A variety of other handle structures can be provided to couple the first end  1802  and the second end  1806  of the spring clip  1604 . 
     FIGS. 21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24 , respectively, are a perspective view, top plane view, side profile view, and front profile view of the frame clip  1602  in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment. The frame clip  1602  fits over the heat producing device  1606 . Two or more tabs  1614  extend from a base  1616  of the frame clip  1602  and couple to a bottom edge  1618  of the heat producing device  1606 . The tabs  1614  can be positioned opposite each other to allow the frame clip  1602  to securely couple to the heat producing device  1606 . The distance between the opposing tabs  1614  can be spaced a distance apart to allow the base  1616  of the frame clip  1602  to fit over top of the heat producing device  1606  in an extended or stretched position, while producing a frictional fit to the bottom edge  1618  of the heat producing device  1606  in a relaxed condition. The invention is not limited to the tab structures shown in  FIGS. 16-24 . A variety of other tab structures can be used, e.g., the tab  1614  is shown to rise abruptly from the base  1616  but the tab  1614  may also rise in a tapering manner, depending on a given application, from the base  1616 . 
     FIGS. 25 ,  26  and  27  are, respectively, an assembled perspective view, a side profile view and top plane view of a heat sink assembly  2500  in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment. The heat sink assembly  2500  has a frame clip  2502  and a spring clip  2504 . The spring clip  2504  may be a side-coupled spring clip. A heat producing device  2506  can be coupled to a board  2508  or other support structure. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the heat producing device  2506  of the fourth exemplary embodiment can be a variety of devices. A heat sink  2510  is used to dissipate heat from the heat producing device  2506 . The heat sink  2510  has a base portion  2509  and a top fin  2511  portion. Individual fins  2511  may vary in length and individual fins  2511  may be at varying angles with respect to the base  2509 . The heat sink  2510  can be positioned against the heat producing device  2506 . Heat is transferred from the heat producing device  2506  to the heat sink  2510  by thermal conduction. A thermally conductive layer (not shown) can be placed in between the heat sink  2510  and the heat producing device  2506  to aid in the conduction of heat. 
   The frame clip  2502  of the fourth exemplary embodiment fits over the heat producing device  2506 . Tabs  2514  extend from a base  2516  of the frame clip  2502  and couple to a bottom edge  2518  (as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 ) of the heat producing device  2506 . A base  2509  (not shown) of the heat sink  2510  fits within the frame clip  2502 . The spring clip  2504  removably couples to the frame clip  2502 . The base  2516  of the frame clip  2502  can rest against the board  2508 . The frame clip  2502  can prevent the transfer of weight or accidental forces placed on the heat sink  2510 . 
   Once the heat sink  2510  is positioned within the frame clip  2502 , the spring clip  2504  is coupled to the top of the frame clip  2502 . According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the spring clip  2504  can include one or more side-coupled spring clips  2504 . Once the spring clip  2504  is coupled to the frame clip  2502 , the spring clip  2504  exerts a force on the heat sink  2510 . The force is exerted toward the heat producing device  2506 , pressing the heat sink  2510  against the heat producing device  2506 . The force assists the heat sink  2510  in maintaining contact with the heat producing device  2506  and facilitates the conduction of heat from the heat producing device  2506 . 
   The spring clip  2504  of the fourth exemplary embodiment can be made of a variety of elastic materials, for example, but not limited to, plastics, metals, or composites. The spring clip  2504  has a spring bias sized to produce a vertical force pressing the heat sink  2510  against the heat producing device  2506 . Each side-coupled spring clip  2504  is a portion of doubled-over material  2504 A with a slot in the center of the material  2504 A. A fastener  2504 B extends through the slot and couples the spring clip  2504  to the frame clip  2502 . The fasteners  2504 B can be a variety of mechanical fasteners, for example, but not limited to, screws, pins or brackets. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the fastener  2504 B is a screw. The screw type fastener  2504 B allows the tension of the spring clip  2504  to be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screw, thereby altering the force exerted on the heat sink  2510  and heat producing device  2506 . 
     FIGS. 28 ,  29 ,  30 , and  31 , respectively, are a perspective view, top plane view, side profile view, and front profile view of the frame clip  2502  in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment. The frame clip  2502  fits over the heat producing device  2506 . Two or more tabs  2514  extend from the base  2516  of the frame clip  2502  and couple to the bottom edge  2518  of the heat producing device  2506 . The tabs  2514  can be positioned opposite each other to allow the frame clip  2502  to securely couple to the heat producing device  2506 . The distance between the opposing tabs  2514  can be spaced a distance apart to allow the base  2516  of the frame clip  2502  to fit over top of the heat producing device  2506  in an extended or stretched position, while producing a frictional fit to the bottom edge  2518  of the heat producing device  2506  in a relaxed condition. The invention is not limited to the tab structures  2514  or the frame clip  2502  shape as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 . A variety of other tab structures can be used, e.g., the tab  2514  is shown to rise abruptly from the base  2516  but the tab  2514  may also rise in a tapering manner, depending on a given application, from the base  2516 . 
   Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention. 
   The first exemplary embodiment of the invention can be implemented using the following method  3000  as shown in the flow-chart of  FIG. 32 . The frame clip  202  is removably coupled to the heat producing device  206  (Block  3002 ). A base  209  of the heat sink  210  is placed within the frame clip  202  (Block  3004 ). A spring clip  204  is placed over the heat sink  210  (Block  3006 ) and coupled to the frame clip  202  (Block  3008 ). The coupled spring clip  204  exerts a force on the heat sink  210  that maintains contact between the heat sink  210  and the heat producing device  206 . The heat sink assembly  200  allows an individual to change the heat sink  210  by removing the spring clip  204  and the previously installed heat sink  210 . The individual places a new heat sink  210  within the frame clip  202  and couples the spring clip  204  back onto the frame clip  202 . The frame clip  202  is not removed from the heat producing device  206 , limiting stress on the heat producing device  206  during an event of changing the heat sink  210 . 
     FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of the frame clip  2702  in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention. The frame clip  2702  fits over a heat producing device  2506 , as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . The frame clip  2702  has a tab  2714  on each of the four sides of the frame clip  2702  as shown in  FIG. 33 . Two of the tabs  2714  are not visible in  FIG. 33 . It should be noted that the location of each tab  2714  on a side of the frame clip  2702  may vary along the side of the frame clip  2702 , from an essentially middle location shown in the  FIG. 33 . The frame clip  2702  also features a slot  2718 , in each of the sides of the frame clip  2702 , to accommodate a spring stiffener  2716 . As an example, if a frame clip  2702  has four sides, the frame clip  2702  may have four slots  2718  and four spring stiffeners  2716 . The function of the spring stiffener  2716  is to maintain pressure of the frame clip  2702  on a heat producing device  2506  ( FIG. 26 ) by resisting effects of temperature cycling encountered in an application. 
     FIG. 34  is an assembled perspective view of the frame clip  2702  of  FIG. 33 , in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 34  illustrates the four tabs  2714 , of which two are visible, and the spring stiffeners  2716  inserted into the slots  2718 . In a usual application, the frame clip  2702  will first be attached to a heat producing device  2506  ( FIG. 26 ) followed by insertion of the spring stiffeners  2716 . 
   It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. Different aspects of the various exemplary embodiments may be incorporated together or in combination with other exemplary embodiment. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.