A cam-action expanding standoff connector and related method are disclosed
for mounting a circuit board. The standoff connector includes a body and
a plurality of mounting members having interior longitudinally-extending
camming portions for engagement by a cam. A cam is configured to be
positioned within the mounting members in a first position in which the
mounting members are not expanded against the interior of a mounting
opening and in a second position in which the cam engages the camming
portions to expand the plurality of mounting members against the interior
of the mounting opening. Since the camming action is horizontal only
(purely radial), practically no vertical forces are applied to the
circuit board and a best-fit alignment between a circuit board and
heatsink can be established and maintained.