Importance

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Abstract

A system and method which provide a general-purpose pressure-fitting receptacle (or 'clamp') suitable for coupling microcomponents are disclosed. A pressure-fitting receptacle is disclosed that is suitable for performing general assembly, including out-of-plane, 3-D assembly of microcomponents, wherein such microcomponents may be securely coupled together. That is, a pressure-fitting receptacle is disclosed which enables microcomponents to be coupled in a manner that constrains undesirable movement of the coupled components relative to each other. Preferably, such a receptacle may be pressure fit with a mating component (or a portion thereof) in a manner that constrains translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the mating component relative to the receptacle. A preferred embodiment provides a 'preloaded' receptacle that may be utilized to perform general assembly of microcomponents. An alternative embodiment provides a non-preloaded receptacle suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Still a further alternative embodiment provides an 'expansion' receptacle that is suitable for performing general assembly of microcomponents. Such pressure-fitting receptacles may be implemented as an integrated part of a microcomponent, or they may be implemented as separate, stand-alone receptacles.

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First Claim