Patent Publication Number: US-11644500-B2

Title: Adjustable anchor for printed circuit board environmental sensor

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/229,717, filed Dec. 21, 2018, which claims priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 201841036987, filed Oct. 1, 2018. The entirety of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to printed circuit boards (PCBs). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Environmental sensors are imperative for the proper functioning of printed circuit boards (PCBs). For example, temperature sensors attached to a PCB can be used to set the speed of one or more fans to maintain an operating temperature of the PCB. Accurate ambient temperature sensing is important for controlling fan speed for optimum performance. Running fans at optimum speed results in reduced fan power consumption, better user experience (e.g., reduction in acoustics noise), and increase in fan life expectancy (e.g., L10 life) without deteriorating reliability (e.g., system Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a system including an adjustable anchor for an environmental sensor, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-section of the adjustable anchor of  FIG.  1   , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate a locking mechanism for an adjustable anchor in three vertical positions, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3 D  illustrates an enlarged/close-up view of the locking mechanism, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a system including an adjustable anchor with further vertical displacement configurability, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate in more detail the adjustable anchor of  FIG.  4   , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor is attached to a through-hole in a printed circuit board (PCB), according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor is attached to a first surface mount type on a PCB, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  illustrate a system in which an adjustable anchor is attached to a second surface mount type on a PCB, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate a cross-section of the adjustable anchor of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  illustrate respective adjustable anchors configured to enable various degrees of freedom for an environmental sensor, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an adjustable anchor including a spring that is configured to stabilize a tubular member of the adjustable anchor, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrates respective adjustable anchors configured with different types of environmental sensors, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart of a method for attaching an adjustable anchor to a PCB, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
     In one example embodiment, an adjustable anchor is provided that includes a first tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to a printed circuit board. A second tubular member has a second diameter different from the first diameter and is configured to hold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board. The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member. 
     Example Embodiments 
     Typical environmental sensors are attached to printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a fixed manner, which can negatively impact the functioning of the PCB. For example, if a temperature sensor positioned too close to the PCB, the sensor may measure a temperature that is hotter than the true ambient temperature due to the heat of the PCB. Depending on the local air flow, the temperature sensor may provide a more accurate reading of the ambient temperature if the sensor were higher or lower. Moreover, optimal positioning for a temperature (or other environmental) sensor may vary among PCBs. 
     Failure to obtain an accurate reading of the ambient temperature can lead to numerous problems. Running the fans at unnecessarily high speeds can accelerate the accumulation of hygroscopic dust and increase the probability of corrosion failures. Meanwhile, running the fans at speed that are too low can cause the PCB to overheat. Current fixed ambient temperature sensing mechanisms are inaccurate and can call for significant thermal testing and software development to overcome their inaccuracies. Often, a software correction factor needs to be added to compensate for inaccurate thermal measurements. However, this does not work for all configurations/scenarios, resulting in false alarms in the field. 
     Accordingly, presented herein is an adjustable anchor to enable accurate environmental sensing. The adjustable anchor may eliminate tedious thermal (and/or other factors) testing and software development modules without significantly increasing production cost. 
     With reference made to  FIG.  1   , shown is example system  100  configured to provide accurate environmental testing. System  100  includes PCB  110 , adjustable anchor  120 , and environmental sensor  130  (e.g., temperature sensor). Adjustable anchor  120  includes tubular members  140  and  150 . Tubular member  140  is configured to attach to PCB  110 . Tubular member  150  is vertically displaced above tubular member  140 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  130 . Environmental sensor  130  may be configured to collect data relating to an environment of PCB  110  (e.g., ambient temperature data of the environment of PCB  110 ). 
     Tubular member  150  has a diameter that is different from the diameter of tubular member  140 . In this example, the diameter of tubular member  140  is greater than the diameter of tubular member  150 , although it will be appreciated that in other examples the diameter of tubular member  150  may be greater than the diameter of tubular member  140 . Tubular member  150  is vertically adjustable relative to the tubular member  140 . As such, environmental sensor  130  is vertically adjustable relative to PCB  110 . Adjustable anchor  120  may be made of any suitable material(s), such as metal, plastic, non-conductive resin, or any combination thereof depending on the mechanical mounting and mechanism used for relative adjustments. 
     While  FIG.  1    and the other figures subsequently described herein show that the tubular members are circular in cross-section, this is not meant to be limiting. The cross-section of the tubular members may be rectangular, triangular, or of any other desired shape. The term “diameter” as used herein may refer to any cross-sectional shape of the tubular members (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.). Moreover, it will be appreciated that any suitable members, tubular or otherwise, may be utilized. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an example cross-section of adjustable anchor  120 . As shown, tubular members  140  and  150  are configured to contain (insulated conductors) wires  210  coupled to environmental sensor  130 . In one example, wires  210  are No. 26-30 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wires. Wires  210  may be coupled to environmental sensor  130  via lead soldering  220 . Tubular member  150  may include a seating  152  to hold environmental sensor  130  such that there is minimal free movement of environmental sensor  130  during vibrations that could otherwise cause damage to lead soldering  220 . Tubular members  140  and  150  may provide protection for lead soldering  220  by preventing exposure to environmental air, thereby minimize corrosion on lead soldering  220 . PCB assembly crimp terminals  230  may be provided at the distal end of the wires  210 . The crimp terminals  230  are configured to connect wires  210  to PCB  110  as shown in  FIG.  1   . Wires  210  enable environmental sensor  130  to transmit data (e.g., output signals) relating to an environment of PCB  110 . 
     In one specific example, tubular member  140  has an inner diameter  240  of 0.346 inches and an outer diameter  250  of 0.413 inches, and tubular member  150  has an outer diameter  260  of 0.334 inches. Furthermore, a distance  270  from the top of tubular member  140  to the base of tubular member  140  may be 0.590 inches, a distance  280  from the top of tubular member  140  to the lowermost portion of tubular member  140  may be 0.791 inches. A distance  290  from the top of tubular member  150  to the base of tubular member  150  may be 0.511 inches. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate an example locking mechanism for an adjustable anchor  300 . With reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , adjustable anchor  300  includes tubular members  310  and  320 . Tubular member  310  is configured to attach to a PCB, and tubular member  320  is vertically displaced above tubular member  310 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  330 . Tubular members  310  and  320  are configured to contain wires  340  coupled to environmental sensor  330 . Wires  340  also include PCB assembly crimp terminals  350 , which are configured to connect wires  340  to the PCB. 
     Tubular member  320  includes knob  360 , and tubular member  310  includes a plurality of slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) and channel  375  that enable different vertically displaced locking positions of the anchor  300 . Each slot  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) is positioned vertically from the other slots and is configured to receive knob  360 . In particular, slot  370 ( 3 ) is positioned vertically above slot  370 ( 2 ), and slot  370 ( 2 ) is positioned vertically above slot  370 ( 1 ). As shown in  FIG.  3 A , slot  370 ( 1 ) receives knob  360 , and since slot  370 ( 1 ) is lowest on the tubular member  310 , the vertical displacement between tubular members  310  and  320  is minimized. In  FIG.  3 B , slot  370 ( 2 ) receives knob  360 , and vertical displacement between tubular members  310  and  320  is at an intermediate level/amount such that tubular member  320  is at a positioned above tubular member  310 . In  FIG.  3 C , slot  370 ( 3 ) receives knob  360 , and vertical displacement between tubular members  310  and  320  is at a highest position. 
       FIG.  3 D  illustrates a magnified view of slot  370 ( 2 ) and is representative of the detail configuration of the slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ). In this example, slot  370 ( 2 ) includes flanges  380 ( 1 ) and  380 ( 2 ) configured to secure knob  360 . Flanges  380 ( 1 ) and  380 ( 2 ) may lock tubular member  320  at the intermediate vertical displacement position during operation, and may also prevent damage to environmental sensor  330  during handling, transportation, and/or operational shock/vibration. Slots  370 ( 1 ) and  370 ( 3 ) may also include flanges similar to that shown for slot  370 ( 2 ). It will be appreciated that the profiles of the slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) may be customized with additions or alternatives to their respective flanges. 
     While three slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) are shown in the example of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , it will be appreciated that any suitable number of slots may be utilized. In one specific example, slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) may each have a height of 0.047 inches. The width of channel  375  may also be 0.047 inches. Slot  370 ( 2 ) may be vertically displaced from each of slots  370 ( 1 ) and  370 ( 3 ) by a distance of 0.177 inches. Furthermore, in an alternative example, the tubular member configured to attach to a PCB may include a knob, and the tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may include the plurality of slots. 
     Moreover, while the locking mechanism in the example of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  involves knob  360  and a plurality of slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ), it will be appreciated that any suitable locking mechanism may be used to adjust the vertical displacement between tubular members. In one example, the tubular member configured to attach to a PCB may include a first helical thread, and the tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may include a second helical thread configured to mate with the first helical thread. Thus, vertical displacement between the tubular members may be adjusted by screwing one tubular member into (or out of) the other. 
     In another example, the tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may be configured to telescopically (e.g., frictionally) mate with the tubular member configured to attach to the PCB. Thus, vertical displacement between the tubular members may be adjusted by pushing (or pulling) one tubular member into (or out of) the other. The tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may be configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the tubular member configured to attach to the PCB manually (e.g., via a person&#39;s hands) or via a motor. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates example system  400  configured to provide accurate environmental testing. System  400  includes PCB  410 , adjustable anchor  420 , and environmental sensor  430 . Adjustable anchor  420  includes tubular members  440  and  450 . Tubular member  440  is configured to attach to PCB  410 . Tubular member  450  is vertically displaced above tubular member  440 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  430 . Adjustable anchor  420  further includes a third tubular member  460  vertically displaced above tubular member  440  and below tubular member  450 . Tubular member  460  is configured to be vertically adjustable relative to at least one of tubular members  440  and  450 . Tubular member  460  provides further vertical displacement configurability for adjustable anchor  420 . 
     Tubular member  450  includes knob  470 , and tubular member  460  includes a plurality of slots  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ) connected via channel  490 . Each slot  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ) is positioned vertically from the other slots and is configured to receive knob  470 . In particular, slot  480 ( 4 ) is positioned vertically above slot  480 ( 3 ), slot  480 ( 3 ) is positioned vertically above slot  480 ( 2 ), and slot  480 ( 2 ) is positioned vertically above slot  480 ( 1 ). When slot  480 ( 1 ) receives knob  470 , vertical displacement between tubular members  440  and  450  is minimized. When slot  480 ( 2 ) receives knob  470 , vertical displacement between tubular members  440  and  450  is greater than when slot  480 ( 1 ) receives knob  470 . When slot  480 ( 3 ) receives knob  470 , vertical displacement between tubular members  440  and  450  is greater than when slot  480 ( 2 ) receives knob  470 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , when slot  480 ( 4 ) receives knob  470 , vertical displacement between tubular members  440  and  450  is maximized. Slots  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ) may include respective flanges (as shown in  FIG.  3 D ) configured to secure knob  470 . 
     While four slots  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ) are shown in the example of  FIG.  4   , it will be appreciated that any suitable number of slots may be utilized. Furthermore, in an alternative example, the tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubular members may include a knob, and the tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor may include the plurality of slots. Moreover, while the locking mechanism in the example of  FIG.  4    involves knob  470  and a plurality of slots  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ), it will be appreciated that any suitable locking mechanism may be used to adjust the vertical displacement between tubular members (e.g., helical threads, telescopic mating, etc.) Vertical displacement may be adjusted manually or via a motor. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate adjustable anchor  420  in more detail. Tubular members  440 ,  450 , and  460  are configured to contain wires  510  coupled to environmental sensor  430 . PCB assembly crimp terminals  520  are provided at the end of the wires  510  in order to connect wires  510  to the PCB. As shown in  FIG.  5 A , tubular member  460  is fully inserted (e.g., slid) into tubular member  440 . In  FIG.  5 B , is partially removed from tubular member  440 . In one specific example, the upper portion of tubular member  460  has an outer diameter  530  of 0.413 inches and a height  540  of 0.626 inches. The height  550  of tubular member  460  may be 1.118 inches. Slots  480 ( 1 )- 480 ( 4 ) and channel  490  may have identical or similar dimensions as slots  370 ( 1 )- 370 ( 3 ) and channel  375  ( FIGS.  3 A- 3 C ). 
     In another example, a locking mechanism (e.g., knob-and-slots, helical threads, telescopic mating, etc.) may be provided to adjust the vertical displacement between the tubular member configured to attach to the PCB and tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubular members. In this example, vertical displacement may be adjusted between the tubular member configured to attach to the PCB and tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubular members, and/or between the tubular member vertically displaced between the other tubular members and the tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate an example system  600  including PCB  610 , adjustable anchor  620 , and environmental sensor  630 . Adjustable anchor  620  includes tubular members  640  and  650 . Tubular member  640  is configured to attach to PCB  610 . Tubular member  650  is vertically displaced above tubular member  640 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  630 . Tubular members  640  and  650  are configured to contain wires  660  coupled to environmental sensor  630 . Wires  660  also include PCB assembly crimp terminals  670 , which are configured to connect wires  660  to PCB  610 . PCB  610  includes terminal holes  680  configured to accept crimp terminals  670 . PCB  610  also includes through-holes  690  configured to accept/receive tubular member  640 . In particular, tubular member  640  includes arms  695  configured to attach to through holes  690 . Arms  695  include inward-facing hooks  697  that snap into through-holes  690  and secure adjustable anchor  620  to PCB  610 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate snapshots of stages during a process for attaching adjustable anchor  620  to through-holes  690  of the PCB  610 .  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a first stage when adjustable anchor  620  is placed above the PCB  610  and is ready to be attached to PCB  610 .  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a second stage during which crimp terminals  670  are attached to terminal holes  680 . PCB  610  may be subjected to a wave soldering process to solder wires  660  at this time.  FIG.  6 C  illustrates a third stage during which arms  695  snap into through holes  690 . The arms  695  of tubular member  640  are attached to through-holes  690 , thereby securing adjustable anchor  620  to PCB  610 . 
     In an alternative example, the tubular member configured to attach to the PCB is configured to attach to a surface mount on the PCB.  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate a first example of a tubular member configured to attach to a surface mount on the PCB, and  FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  illustrate a second example of a tubular member configured to attach to a surface mount on the PCB. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate an example system  700  including a first surface mount type. System  700  includes PCB  710 , adjustable anchor  720 , and environmental sensor  730 . Adjustable anchor  720  includes tubular members  740  and  750 . Tubular member  740  is configured to attach to PCB  710 . Tubular member  750  is vertically displaced above tubular member  740 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  730 . Tubular members  740  and  750  are configured to contain wires  760  coupled to environmental sensor  730 . Wires  760  also include PCB assembly crimp terminals  770 , which are configured to connect wires  760  to PCB  710 . PCB  710  includes terminal holes  780  configured to accept crimp terminals  770 . PCB  710  also includes tabs  790  configured to accept tubular member  740 . Tabs  790  may be metal structures soldered to PCB  710 , and tubular member  740  includes arms  795  configured to be inserted into holes  792  of tabs  790 . In particular, arms  795  include outward-facing hooks  797  which snap into holes  792  of tabs  790  and secure adjustable anchor  720  to PCB  710 . 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate stages of installation during which adjustable anchor  720  is attached to tabs  790 .  FIG.  7 A  illustrates a first stage during which crimp terminals  770  are attached to terminal holes  780 . PCB  710  may be subjected to a wave soldering process to solder wires  760  during this stage.  FIG.  7 B  illustrates a second stage during which arms  795  snap into tabs  790 . Tubular member  740  is thus configured to attach to a surface mount (in the form of tabs  790 ) and secure adjustable anchor  720  to PCB  710 . System  700  may avoid the need for creating through-holes in PCB  710 , thereby improving routing in PCB  710  for improved signal integrity performance. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  illustrate an example system  800  including a second surface mount type. System  800  includes PCB  810 , adjustable anchor  820 , and environmental sensor  830 . Adjustable anchor  820  includes tubular members  840  and  850 . Tubular member  840  is configured to attach to PCB  810 . Tubular member  850  is vertically displaced above tubular member  840 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  830 . Tubular members  840  and  850  are configured to contain wires (not shown) coupled to environmental sensor  830 . The wires (not shown) connect to female electrical connector  860 . A male electrical connector  870  is mounted to the PCB  810  and configured to accept female electrical connector  860 . The female electrical connector  860  may snap into male electrical connector  870  and thereby secure adjustable anchor  820  to PCB  810 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate stages during which adjustable anchor  820  is attached to male electrical connector  870 .  FIG.  8 A  illustrates a first stage during which adjustable anchor  820  is ready to be attached to male electrical connector  870 .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates a second stage during which adjustable anchor  820  is attached to male electrical connector  870 .  FIG.  8 C  illustrates a third stage during which tubular member  850  is vertically displaced above tubular member  840 . Tubular member  840  is thus configured to attach to a surface mount (in the form of male electrical connector  870 ) and secure adjustable anchor  820  to PCB  810 . The system  800  may avoid creating through-holes in PCB  810 , and has the associated benefits described above in connection with  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . 
       FIG.  8 D  illustrates a magnified view of female electrical connector  860  and male electrical connector  870 . As shown, male electrical connector  870  includes a plurality of pins  872  that are accepted by female electrical connector  860 . Tubular member  840  includes arms  880  configured to attach to tabs  890  of male electrical connector  870 . Arms  880  include inward-facing hooks  892  which snap into holes  894  of tabs  890  and thereby secure adjustable anchor  820  to PCB  810 . 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate an example cross-section view of adjustable anchor  820 . As shown, tubular members  840  and  850  are configured to contain wires  910  that connect to environmental sensor  830 . Wires  910  may be coupled to environmental sensor  830  via lead soldering  920 . Tubular member  850  may include seating  930  to hold environmental sensor  830  such that there is minimal free movement of environmental sensor  830  during vibrations that could otherwise cause damage to lead soldering  920 . Wires  910  are connected to female electrical connector  860 , which in turn is configured to connect wires  910  to PCB  810  ( FIG.  8   ). Wires  910  enable environmental sensor  830  to output signals relating to an environment of PCB  810 . 
       FIG.  9 A  illustrates a first configuration in which the vertical displacement of tubular member  850  is minimized. In the example of  FIG.  9 A , wires  910  are relatively slack.  FIG.  9 B  illustrates a second configuration in which the vertical displacement of tubular member  850  is maximized. In the example of  FIG.  9 B , wires  910  are relatively taut. 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  illustrate respective example adjustable anchors  1000 A- 1000 C configured to enable various degrees of freedom. With reference to  FIG.  10 A , adjustable anchor  1000 A includes tubular members  1010 A and  1020 A. Tubular member  1010 A is configured to attach to a PCB via female electrical connector  1030 A. Tubular member  1020 A is vertically displaced above tubular member  1010 A, and is configured to hold environmental sensor  1040 A. The degree of freedom provided by adjustable anchor  1000 A is in the vertical direction, as represented by arrow  1050 A. Vertical displacement may be provided via any suitable locking mechanism (e.g., (e.g., knob-and-slots, helical threads, telescopic mating, etc.). 
     With reference to  FIG.  10 B , adjustable anchor  1000 B includes tubular members  1010 B and  1020 B. Tubular member  1010 B is configured to attach to a PCB via female electrical connector  1030 B. Tubular member  1020 B is vertically displaced above tubular member  1010 B, and is configured to hold environmental sensor  1040 B. The degree of freedom provided by adjustable anchor  1000 B is rotational, as represented by arrow  1050 B. To this end, adjustable anchor  1000 B includes a rotatable portion  1060 B of tubular member  1020 B. Rotatable portion  1060 B is configured to rotate along an azimuthal angle relative to a plane of a printed circuit board to which adjustable anchor  1000 B is attached. In one example, rotatable portion  1060 B is configured to rotate at least 180 degrees (e.g., 360 degrees). In one example, rotatable portion  1060 B may be a threaded tube configured to interlock with the remaining portion of tubular member  1020 B. Rotatable portion  1060 B may also/alternatively permit rotational movement based on friction between rotatable portion  1060 B and the remaining portion of tubular member  1020 B. Either embodiment (threaded tube or friction) may permit rotational movement from +180 degrees to −180 degrees while preventing rotational motion beyond +180 degrees and −180 degrees so as to avoid wire straining. 
     With reference to  FIG.  10 C , adjustable anchor  1000 C includes tubular members  1010 C and  1020 C. Tubular member  1010 C is configured to attach to a PCB via female electrical connector  1030 C. Tubular member  1020 C is vertically displaced above tubular member  1010 C, and is configured to hold environmental sensor  1040 C. The degree of freedom provided by adjustable anchor  1000 C is angular translation, as represented by arrow  1050 C. To this end, adjustable anchor  1000 C includes a swivel portion  1060 C of tubular member  1020 B. Swivel portion  1060 C has arms  1062 C that are mounted so as to allow rotation along a polar angle relative to a plane of a printed circuit board to which adjustable anchor  1000 C is attached. In one example, swivel portion  1060 C is configured to rotate at least 45 degrees in either direction. Swivel movement may be achieved by frictional movement of swivel portion  1060 C at one or more hinge points on tubular member  1020 C. Additionally/alternatively, one or more small captive screws may lock swivel portion  1060 C at a desired orientation. It will be appreciated that one or more degrees of freedom may be combined (e.g., a single adjustable anchor may permit vertical displacement, rotational translation, and/or angular translation). 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an example adjustable anchor  1100  with additional stabilization. Adjustable anchor  1100  includes tubular members  1110  and  1120 . Tubular member  1110  is configured to attach to a PCB via female electrical connector  1130 . Tubular member  1120  is vertically displaced above tubular member  1110 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  1140 . Vertical displacement may be provided via any suitable locking mechanism (e.g., (e.g., knob-and-slots, helical threads, telescopic mating, etc.). Adjustable anchor  1100  includes spring  1150  that is configured to stabilize tubular member  1120 . More specifically, tubular members  1110  may include/house spring  1150 , and spring  1150  may support/elevate tubular member  1120 . Spring  1150  may be helpful to absorb shocks and hold the vertical position of environmental sensor  1140 . 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 C  illustrate respective adjustable anchors configured with different types of environmental sensors. With reference to  FIG.  12 A , shown is example system  1200 A including PCB  1210 , adjustable anchor  1220 , and environmental sensor  1230 A. Adjustable anchor  1220  includes tubular members  1240  and  1250 . Tubular member  1240  is configured to attach to PCB  1210 . Tubular member  1250  is vertically displaced above tubular member  1240 , and is configured to hold environmental sensor  1230 A. Tubular members  1240  and  1250  are configured to contain wires coupled to environmental sensor  1230 A. The wires connect to female electrical connector  1260 . PCB  1210  includes male electrical connector  1270  configured to accept female electrical connector  1260 . Tubular member  1240  may snap into male electrical connector  1270  and secure adjustable anchor  1220  to PCB  1210 . In this example, environmental sensor  1230 A is a humidity sensor configured to collect ambient humidity data of an environment of PCB  1210 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  12 B , shown is example system  1200 B including PCB  1210 , adjustable anchor  1220 , and environmental sensor  1230 B. System  1200 B may be similar to system  1200 A except that unlike environmental sensor  1230 A, environmental sensor  1230 B is a pressure sensor configured to collect ambient pressure data of the environment of PCB  1210 . It will be appreciated that any suitable environmental sensor (e.g., temperature, humidity, altitude, velocity, Particulate Matter (e.g., PM2.5, PM10, etc.) gas, etc.) may be utilized in accordance with the techniques described herein. In one example, a hybrid pressure-temperature-altitude sensor may be employed. Furthermore, depending on the particular environmental sensor (or if multiple environmental sensors are used), n (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.) connector circuits may be utilized. 
       FIG.  13    is a flowchart of an example method  1300  for using an example adjustable anchor. At  1310 , an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of a printed circuit board is attached to an adjustable anchor. The adjustable anchor includes a first tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to the printed circuit board and a second tubular member having a second diameter different from the first diameter and configured to hold the environmental sensor. The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member. At  1320 , the adjustable anchor is attached to the printed circuit board. 
     The apparatus described herein may sense ambient temperature with high accuracy. The sensing point may be in the ambient environment, and may be user controlled by virtue of controlling the position (vertically, rotationally and/or angularly) of the sensor with respect to the PCB and the direction of airflow with respect to orientation of the environmental sensor. Moreover, the size of the footprint on a given PCB may be fairly small. Manufacturing costs (e.g., Bill of Materials (BOM), cost to assemble, etc.) may also be minimal as no additional accessories are required. Mounting may be a part of complete solution offered. The cost of development (e.g., thermal testing and software development times) may be minimized due to the effective temperature measurements that may be provided by the apparatus described herein. This may be a flexible solution that is diversified for other sensor applications. The apparatus may provide vertical displacement, angular translation, and/or rotational translation, and have good mechanical rigidity. The PCB assembly may involve through-holes or surface mount technology. This apparatus may take accurate temperature measurements, and the same arrangement may be used for temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, etc. 
     Presented herein is an adjustable PCB anchor system for a thermal (or other) sensor. This adjustable anchor may accurately measure the ambient temperature to control system fan speed for optimal system performance. The optimal fan speed manages system operating temperatures with reduced power consumption, reduced acoustic noise, and improved system reliability. These adjustable anchors may be configured based on system requirements and have multiple degree of freedoms to customize their position by adjusting height, angle, and/or orientation against the airflow direction. The adjustable anchor may house the sensor. The adjustable anchor may attach to a PCB using surface mount technology, through-hole, and/or electrical connectors. Since the adjustable anchor is well isolated from the PCB, heat from the PCB may have less impact on the temperature (or other) sensor. 
     In one form, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to a printed circuit board; and a second tubular member having a second diameter different from the first diameter and configured to hold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board, wherein the second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member. 
     In one example, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. 
     In one example, the first tubular member and the second tubular member are configured to contain wires coupled to the environmental sensor. 
     In one example, one of the first tubular member or the second tubular member includes a knob, and the other one of the first tubular member or the second tubular member includes a plurality of slots, each slot positioned vertically from the other slots and configured to receive the knob. In a further example, the first tubular member may include the plurality of slots and the second tubular member includes the knob. In another further example, at least one slot of the plurality of slots includes a flange configured to secure the knob. 
     In one example, the first tubular member includes a first helical thread and the second tubular member includes a second helical thread configured to mate with the first helical thread. In another example, the second tubular member is configured to telescopically mate with the first tubular member. 
     In one example, the second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member via a motor. 
     In one example, the apparatus further comprises a third tubular member vertically adjustable relative to at least one of the first tubular member and the second tubular member. 
     In one example, the first tubular member is configured to attach to a through hole in the printed circuit board. In another example, the first tubular member is configured to attach to a surface mount on the printed circuit board. 
     In one example, at least a portion of the second tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor is configured to rotate along an azimuthal angle relative to a plane of the printed circuit board. In another example, at least a portion of the second tubular member configured to hold the environmental sensor is configured to rotate along a polar angle relative to a plane of the printed circuit board. 
     In one example, the apparatus further comprises a spring that is configured to stabilize the second tubular member. 
     In one example, the environmental sensor is a temperature sensor and the data is ambient temperature data of the environment of the printed circuit board. 
     In another form, a method is provided. The method comprises: attaching, to an adjustable anchor, an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of a printed circuit board, the adjustable anchor including a first tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to the printed circuit board and a second tubular member having a second diameter different from the first diameter and configured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein the second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member; and attaching the adjustable anchor to the printed circuit board. 
     In another form, a system is provided. The system comprises: a printed circuit board; an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board; and an adjustable anchor including: a first tubular member having a first diameter and configured to attach to the printed circuit board; and a second tubular member having a second diameter different from the first diameter and configured to hold the environmental sensor, wherein the second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member. 
     The above description is intended by way of example only. Although the techniques are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.