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A miniature, self-locking, spring action, microwave T/R module retainer device includes a retainer body that holds a double arched spring and transfers the spring load to a coldplate. The double arched spring configuration is designed to contact an extended heat sink plate located on one side of the

A miniature, self-locking, spring action, microwave T/R module retainer device includes a retainer body that holds a double arched spring and transfers the spring load to a coldplate. The double arched spring configuration is designed to contact an extended heat sink plate located on one side of the microwave T/R module. When in position, the deflection of the double arched spring of the retainer device imparts a force onto the extended heat sink, pressing the T/R module against the coldplate when the module retainer device is installed. If the position of the T/R module changes due to thermal or mechanical loads, the potential energy stored in the arched spring allows the spring to automatically re-adjust accordingly.

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1. A retainer device in an antenna assembly for holding a microwave T/R module in place against a single coldplate, comprising: a retainer body; and a spring, the retainer body holding the spring; the microwave T/R module having an extended heat sink plate on one side thereof, wherein the reta

1. A retainer device in an antenna assembly for holding a microwave T/R module in place against a single coldplate, comprising: a retainer body; and a spring, the retainer body holding the spring; the microwave T/R module having an extended heat sink plate on one side thereof, wherein the retainer body with the spring attached thereto contacts the extended heat sink on the T/R module and a spring force presses the T/R module against the coldplate. 2. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein the spring consists of two independent yet connected arch springs. 3. The retainer device according to claim 2, wherein the spring is self-adjusting over a range of tolerances. 4. The retainer device according to claim 2, wherein the two arch spring configuration allows the spring to adjust for height variations between any neighboring springs. 5. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein the retainer body includes a spring retention tab and a spring alignment pad, wherein the spring engages both the spring retention tab and the spring alignment pad. 6. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein the retainer body includes an aft latch and a forward post, wherein when the retainer device is installed the aft latch and the forward post are mated with features on the coldplate in a self-locking fashion. 7. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein one retainer can be shared between two microwave T/R modules in the antenna assembly. 8. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein a module retention load is supported by the single coldplate and the load is not cumulative across the antenna assembly. 9. The retainer device according to claim 1, wherein the extended heat sink extends beyond the edges on either side of the T/R module. 10. The retainer device according to claim 9, wherein the extended heat sink extends about 0.09 inches from the edges of the T/R module. 11. Retainer devices in an active aperture for holding microwave T/R modules in place against a single coldplate, comprising: a plurality of retainer bodies; and a spring associated with each retainer body, the retainer bodies holding the springs; each of the microwave T/R modules having an extended heat sink plate on one side thereof, wherein the retainer bodies with the springs attached thereto contacts the extended heat sinks and a spring force associated with each spring presses the T/R modules against the single coldplate, wherein the removal of one retainer device does not affect the retention abilities of other retainer devices in the active aperture. 12. A module retainer assembly, comprising: two independent yet connected arch springs; a retainer body, the retainer body having a hook, a spring retention tab, a spring alignment pad, and a bottom post; wherein the arch springs are attached to the retainer body by mating with the spring retention tab and the spring alignment pad, wherein the arch springs, the hook and the post all together act as a self-locking mechanism. 13. A module retainer assembly, comprising: two independent yet connected arch springs; a retainer body, the retainer body having a hook, a cantilever arm with latch having a removal tab, a spring retention tab, a spring alignment pad, and a bottom post; wherein the arch springs are attached to the retainer body by mating with the spring retention tab and the spring alignment pad, wherein the arch springs, the hook, the cantilever arm with latch, and the post all together act as a self-locking mechanism.