System and method for coupling composite panels

Abstract

The invention relates to systems and methods for coupling composite panels, systems and methods for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel include a latching assembly having one or more latches. The latching assembly is configured to be secured to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel. One or more catches are configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches. The one or more catches are configured to be secured to the other of the first composite panel or the second composite panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to composite panels, and more specifically, to systems and methods for coupling composite panels together. Background Technology

[0002] Various structures are formed from composite materials. For example, multiple parts of an aircraft (such as wings) can be formed from composite materials. Composite materials can be or include a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be bonded together with polymers (such as epoxy resins). Known fibers include glass, carbon, basalt, aromatic polyamides, etc.

[0003] Typically, composite panels are bonded together during manufacturing. The slotted housing is then bonded to the composite panels via a connection structure for another composite panel, for example, to hold the composite panels together before and during the curing process. For instance, tabs are inserted into the slotted housing, and adhesive is applied between them to secure the tabs to the slotted housing.

[0004] As is understandable, the process of securing composite panels together typically requires multiple adhesive steps related to the slot housing. Therefore, securing composite panels together can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the adhesive between the tabs and the slot housing may undesirably overflow onto other parts of the composite panel, causing multiple protrusions in the composite panel, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need for a system and method for efficiently and effectively securing composite panels together. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for securing composite panels together using less adhesive before and during the curing process.

[0006] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a system for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel. The system includes a latch assembly having one or more latches. The latch assembly is configured to be secured to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel. One or more latches are configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches. One or more latches are configured to be secured to the other of the first composite panel or the second composite panel.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the latch assembly is configured to secure the tabs of the first composite panel to the slot housing of the second composite panel without adhesive.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a latching assembly is disposed on one of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel. One or more latches are disposed on the other of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0009] As an example, the latch assembly includes a first latch, a second latch, and a lock, the lock being disposed between the first latch and the second latch. As yet another example, the lock is removable from the space between the first latch and the second latch. When the lock is removed from the space, the first latch and the second latch are movable.

[0010] As an example, each of the first and second latches includes an upright beam and an insert beam connected to the upright beam. The insert beam is configured to move in and out of one or more latches.

[0011] As an example, the lock includes a first pin connected to a second pin via a crossbeam. A channel is formed between the first pin, the second pin, and the crossbeam. When the first latch abuts against the second latch, multiple portions of the first and second latches are held within the channel.

[0012] As an example, one or more latches are disposed on tabs of the first composite panel. The latch assembly includes a first latch and a second latch that are movably held within a slotted housing of the second composite panel.

[0013] As an example, one or more latches include a plurality of latches disposed on a first composite panel. A latch assembly includes a single latch having a plurality of latching elements within a slotted housing of a second composite panel.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, each of the first composite panel and the second composite panel includes a honeycomb core sandwiched between the inner skin and the outer skin.

[0015] Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel. The method includes securing a latch assembly having one or more latches to one of the first or second composite panels; securing one or more latches to the other of the first or second composite panels; and retaining at least a portion of the one or more latches by the one or more latches.

[0016] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a system including a first composite panel, a second composite panel, a latching assembly, and one or more latches, wherein the second composite panel is orthogonally oriented to the first composite panel, the latching assembly has one or more latches (wherein the latching assembly is fixed to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel), and the one or more latches are configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches (wherein the one or more latches are fixed to the other of the first composite panel or the second composite panel). Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of a first composite panel coupled to a second composite panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly positioned above a slot housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly located above a slot housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the lock is removed from the space between the first latch and the second latch.

[0020] Figure 4 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a first latch and a second latch are adjacent to each other.

[0021] Figure 5 The illustration shows a perspective view of a system having a latch assembly fixed in position relative to a slot housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 The illustration shows a perspective view of a first composite panel that is systematically fixed to a second composite panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 The illustration shows a perspective view of a tab of a first composite panel positioned above a slot housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 The diagram shows how to fix it to Figure 7 A perspective view of the tabs of the first composite panel of the slotted housing.

[0025] Figure 9 The illustration shows a perspective view of a tab of a first composite panel positioned above a slot housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 The diagram shows how to fix it to Figure 9 A perspective view of the tabs of the first composite panel of the slotted housing.

[0027] Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of a composite panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 12 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for fixing a first composite panel to a second composite panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The foregoing description of certain embodiments and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular or beginning with the words “a” or “an” should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment” should not be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the stated features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that “comprise” or “have” one or more elements having a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property.

[0030] As mentioned, slotted housings can be used to attach composite panels to one composite panel. However, the slotted housing is typically adhesively bonded to the first composite panel, and then the tabs of the second composite panel are adhesively bonded to the slotted housing, thereby increasing manufacturing time and cost.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for coupling composite panels together without requiring tabs to be adhesively bonded to a slot housing. The systems and methods include mechanical sliding locks that secure the tabs to the slot housing, thereby allowing for efficient and effective construction of the composite panel assembly and easy disassembly when needed. In at least one embodiment, the mechanical sliding lock includes one or more latches configured to be slidably coupled to one or more latches. The latches may be on the tabs of a first composite panel, and the latches may be part of the slot housing or receiving portion of a second composite panel, or vice versa.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, one or more sliding latches are integrated into the slotted housing or tab panel of the composite panel. Locking keys can hold the latches in a first position before the assembly process and ensure they remain in a locked second position after the assembly process.

[0033] Figure 1The illustration shows a perspective view of a first composite panel 100 coupled to a second composite panel 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A system 104 secures the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102. As shown, the first composite panel 100 is orthogonal to the second composite panel 102. For example, the first composite panel 100 is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to (e.g., + / - 5 degrees) the second composite panel 100. In at least one embodiment, the system 104 secures the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102 in an orthogonal orientation.

[0034] System 104 includes a receiver or slot housing 106 fixed to a second composite panel 102 (or optionally, a first composite panel 100) and a latch assembly 108 fixed to the first composite panel 100 (or optionally, the second composite panel 102).

[0035] A latching assembly 108 can be secured to a tab extending outward from the peripheral edge wall 110 of the first composite panel 100. A slotted housing 106 can be formed (e.g., integrally recessed) in the outer surface wall 112 of the second composite panel 102. As shown, system 104 secures the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102 in an edge-to-edge manner. Alternatively, the slotted housing 106 can be formed in the peripheral edge wall 110, and the latching assembly 108 can be formed in the outer surface wall 112. As another example, the latching assembly 108 and the slotted housing 106 can be formed in the peripheral edge walls of composite panels 100 and 102 to connect the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102 in an edge-to-edge manner. As another example, the latching assembly and the slotted housing 106 can be formed in the outer surface walls of composite panels 100 and 102 to connect the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102 in a face-to-face manner.

[0036] As described herein, system 104 includes a latching assembly having at least one latch configured to be latchably coupled to at least one latch to secure a tab of the first composite panel 100 to a slotted housing 106 of the second composite panel assembly 100. Multiple systems 104 can be used, such as along a seam therebetween, to secure the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102. In at least one embodiment, system 104 secures the composite panels 100 and 102 together, for example, before and during a curing process.

[0037] System 104 secures the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102 and includes a latch assembly having one or more latches. The latch assembly is secured to one of the first composite panel 100 or the second composite panel 102. A latch is configured to retain at least a portion of one or more latches. The latch is secured to the other of the first composite panel 100 or the second composite panel 102.

[0038] Figure 2 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly 108 positioned above a slot housing 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slot housing 106 is secured to a tab 114 extending outward (e.g., downward) from an edge wall 110 of a first composite panel 100. As shown, a first latch assembly 108 may be on a first side 116 of the tab 114, and a second latch assembly 108 may be on a second side 118 of the tab 114 (opposite to the first side 116).

[0039] The latch assembly 108 includes a base 120 fixed to a surface 122 of the tab 114. The latch assembly 108 also includes a first latch 124 and a second latch 126, such as those fixed to the base 120 by a cover 128. A lock 130 is disposed between the first latch 124 and the second latch 126. In at least one embodiment, a first side 116 of the tab 114 may be bonded to the base 120. Optionally, a peak and stick adhesive may be applied to the tab 114. As another example, epoxy resin may be used.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the first latch 124, the second latch 126, and the lock 130 may be held within complementary channels, recesses, grooves, etc., formed in the base 120. Optionally, the latch assembly 108 does not include the cover 128.

[0041] The first latch 124 includes an upright beam 132 connected to the insertion beam 134. As shown, the upright beam 132 may be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to (e.g., within a range of 10 degrees or less) the insertion beam 134.

[0042] Similarly, the second latch 126 includes an upright beam 132 connected to the insert beam 134. The upright beam 132 may be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the insert beam 134.

[0043] The first latch 124 and the second latch 126 are opposite to each other. For example, the insertion beam 134 of the first latch 124 extends away from the upright beam 132 in the direction of arrow A, while the insertion beam 134 of the second latch 126 extends outward away from the upright beam 132 in the direction of arrow B, which is opposite to the direction of arrow A.

[0044] Lock 130 is C-shaped and includes a first pin 140 connected to the opposing second pin 142 via a crossbeam 144. A channel 146 is formed between the first pin 140, the second pin 142, and the crossbeam 144.

[0045] The slot housing 106 is recessed into the second composite panel 102. The slot housing 106 can be fixed, for example, by adhesive within a complementary channel formed in the second composite panel 102. The slot housing 106 is sized and shaped to receive and retain tabs 114. The slot housing 106 includes connections to the end wall 152 and the base (in... Figure 2 The sidewall 150 is hidden from view. The protrusion chamber 154 is defined between the sidewall 150, the endwall 152 and the base.

[0046] An insertion recess 156 is formed in each sidewall 150. A latch 158 is formed in the sidewall 150 and is connected to the insertion recess 156.

[0047] In the disconnected or uncoupled state, tab 114 is not disposed in tab chamber 154. Alternatively, as Figure 2 As shown, the first composite panel 100 is first disposed above the second composite panel 102, such that the tab 114 is aligned above the tab chamber 154.

[0048] Before the tab 114 is inserted into the tab chamber 154, the latch assembly 108 is in a first position, such as an extended position, in which the lock 130 separates the first latch 124 from the second latch 126. To secure the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102, the first composite panel 100 is pushed toward the second composite panel 102, causing the tab 114 to move into the tab chamber 154 in the direction of arrow C.

[0049] Figure 3 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly 108 positioned above a slot housing 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a lock 130 is removed from a space 160 between a first latch 124 and a second latch 126. The lock 130 is removed from the space 160 before the tab 114 is inserted into the tab chamber 154 of the slot housing 106. After the lock 130 is removed from the space 160, the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 move together (e.g., slide). In at least one embodiment, the latch assembly 108 on opposite sides of the tab 114 is manipulated in this manner.

[0050] Figure 4 The illustration shows a perspective view of a latch assembly 108 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a first latch 124 and a second latch 126 are abutted against each other. When the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 are abutted against each other, the corresponding upright beams 132 are abutted against each other. Therefore, the latch assembly 108 is in a retracted position, in which the inserted beam 134 ( Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) Within the cover 128, and having an insertion recess 156 smaller than that of the slot housing 106. Figure 2The combined width (shown in the diagram). Therefore, the latch assembly 108 is slidable into the tab chamber 154 while the insertion beam 134 slides into the insertion recess 156. The lock 130 can move on the upright beam 132 such that the adjacent upright beam 132 engages within the channel 146 of the lock 130 and is thus movably constrained by the pins 140 and 142. The tab 114 is then inserted into the tab chamber 154 such that the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 slide into the insertion recess 156. In at least one embodiment, the latch assembly 108 on the opposite side of the tab 114 is manipulated in this manner.

[0051] Figure 5 A perspective view of a system 104 having a latch assembly 108 fixed in position relative to a slot housing 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated. For clarity, several portions of the system 104 are shown as transparent. After the latch assembly 108 is inserted into the insertion recess 156, the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 move away from each other (e.g., slide). During such movement, the insertion beams 134 of the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 move into corresponding latches 158 of the slot housing 106. The lock 130 is then moved back into the space 160 between the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 to prevent the insertion beams 134 from retracting from the latches 158. In this way, the latch assembly 108 is securely coupled to the slot housing 106, thereby securing the first composite panel 100 to the second composite panel 102. In at least one embodiment, the latch assembly 108 is manipulated in this manner on opposite sides of the tab 114.

[0052] Figure 6 The illustration shows a perspective view of a first composite panel 100 fixed to a second composite panel 102 via system 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 1-6 As shown in the figure, the upper ends of the lock 130 and the insert beam 132 extend above the second composite panel 102 and along the side of the first composite panel 100. Therefore, the lock 130 can be engaged and removed, allowing the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 to move together, thereby removing the insert beam 134 from the latch 158. Consequently, the first composite panel 100 can be easily disconnected from the second composite panel 102 because the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 are no longer securely held by the latch 158.

[0053] Figure 7 The illustration shows a perspective view of a tab of a first composite panel 100 positioned above a slot housing 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a latch 158 is formed on the tab 114, and a latch assembly 108 is held within the slot housing 106.

[0054] For example, a latch 158 is provided on a tab 114 of the first composite panel 100, and a latch assembly 108 includes a first latch 224 and a second latch 224 movably held within a slot housing 106.

[0055] For example, latch 158 is a channel defined between an upper protrusion 200 and a lower protrusion 202 extending outward from the surface of tab 114. Latch assembly 108 includes a first latch 224 and a second latch 226 on opposite sides of the insertion channel 228. To secure tab 114 to slot housing 106, the first latch 224 and the second latch 226 are deployed such that the corresponding insertion beam 234 is slidably held within beam channel 236 outside the insertion channel 228. Tab 114 is then pushed into tab chamber 254 such that latch 158 is linearly aligned with beam channel 236.

[0056] To secure the latch assembly 108 to the tab 114, the first latch 224 and the second latch 226 slide toward each other, such that the insertion beam 234 is held within the latch 158. Locks (such as multiple portions of the cover of the tab 114) can be positioned between the upright beams 232 of the first latch 224 and the second latch 226 and the inner wall 260 of the slot housing 106 to ensure that the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 do not inadvertently disengage from the latch 158.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the exposed position of the upright beam 232 may include a tool receiving opening 270. A tool may be inserted into the tool receiving opening 270 to move the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 between an deployed position and a fixed position. Alternatively, the first latch 124 and the second latch 126 may not include the tool receiving opening 270.

[0058] Figure 8 The diagram shows how to fix it to Figure 7 A perspective view of the tab 114 of the first composite panel 100 of the slot housing 106. The system 104 is shown in a fixed state in which the insertion beams 134 of the first latch 124 and the second latch 124 are held within the latch 158 of the tab 114.

[0059] Figure 9The illustration shows a perspective view of a tab 114 of a first composite panel 100 positioned above a slot housing 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a plurality of latches 158 are formed on the tab 114. A latch assembly 108 includes a single latch 300 slidably held within a complementary channel formed in the slot housing 106. The tab 114 is configured to insert into a tab chamber 154, and a latching element 320 of the latch 300 is configured to slide into the latch 158, similar to that described above. The tab 114 may include more or fewer latches 158 than shown. Additionally, the latch 300 may include more or fewer latching elements 320 than shown.

[0060] Figure 10 The diagram shows how to fix it to Figure 9 A perspective view of the tab 114 of the first composite panel 100 of the slot housing. As shown, the latching element 302 is held within the latch 158, thereby securely holding the tab 114 to the slot housing 106.

[0061] Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of a composite panel 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. A first composite panel 100 and a second composite panel 102 may be configured as the composite panel 400. In at least one embodiment, the composite panel 400 includes a core 402 sandwiched between an inner skin 404 and an outer skin 408.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the core 402 is a honeycomb core comprising a plurality of interconnected honeycomb cells 420. In at least one other embodiment, the core 402 may be a solid layer or a porous foam layer. The core 402 may be formed, for example, from aramid fibers and / or polyamide. The inner skin 404 and the outer skin 408 may be or comprise one or more pre-impregnated epoxy resin layers, said pre-impregnated epoxy resin layers comprising fibers (such as glass fibers), graphite, Kevlar, etc. The inner skin 404 and the outer skin 408 may be identical to each other. In at least one other embodiment, the inner skin 404 and the outer skin 408 may comprise more or fewer layers than each other.

[0063] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method includes: at 500, securing a latch assembly having one or more latches to one of the first or second composite panels; at 502, securing one or more latches to the other of the first or second composite panels; and at 504, retaining at least a portion of the one or more latches by the one or more latches. In at least one embodiment, the method includes, for example, bonding a slotted housing to the second composite panel.

[0064] As described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for efficiently and effectively securing composite panels together. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for securing composite panels together with less adhesive than existing connectors before and during the curing process.

[0065] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments as described in the following terms:

[0066] Clause 1. A system for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel, the system comprising:

[0067] A latching assembly having one or more latches, wherein the latching assembly is configured to be secured to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel; and

[0068] One or more latches, the one or more latches being configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches, wherein the one or more latches are configured to be secured to another of the first composite panel or the second composite panel.

[0069] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the latching assembly is configured to secure the tabs of the first composite panel to the slot housing of the second composite panel without adhesive.

[0070] Clause 3. The system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the latching assembly is disposed on one of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel, and wherein the one or more latches are disposed on the other of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0071] Clause 4. The system according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the latch assembly comprises:

[0072] First latch;

[0073] The second latch; and

[0074] A lock is disposed between the first latch and the second latch.

[0075] Clause 5. The system according to Clause 4, wherein the lock is removable from the space between the first latch and the second latch, and wherein the first latch and the second latch are movable when the lock is removed from the space.

[0076] Clause 6. The system according to Clause 4 or 5, wherein each of the first latch and the second latch comprises:

[0077] Upright beam; and

[0078] An insert beam is connected to the upright beam, wherein the insert beam is configured to move in and out of the one or more latches.

[0079] Clause 7. The system according to any one of Clauses 4-6, wherein the lock includes a first pin connected to the second pin via a crossbeam, wherein a channel is formed between the first pin, the second pin and the crossbeam, wherein multiple portions of the first latch and the second latch are retained within the channel when the first latch abuts the second latch.

[0080] Clause 8. The system according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the one or more latches are disposed on a tab of the first composite panel, and wherein the latch assembly includes a first latch and a second latch movably held within a slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0081] Clause 9. The system according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the one or more latches comprise a plurality of latches disposed on the first composite panel, and wherein the latch assembly comprises a single latch having a plurality of latching elements within a slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0082] Clause 10. The system according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein each of the first composite panel and the second composite panel includes a honeycomb core sandwiched between an inner skin and an outer skin.

[0083] Clause 11. A method for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel, the method comprising:

[0084] Secure a latch assembly having one or more latches to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel;

[0085] Secure one or more latches to the first composite panel or another of the second composite panels; and

[0086] At least a portion of the one or more latches is held in place by the one or more latches.

[0087] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein securing the latch assembly comprises securing the tabs of the first composite panel to the slot housing of the second composite panel without adhesive via the latch assembly.

[0088] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein securing the latch assembly comprises placing the latch assembly on one of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel, and wherein securing the one or more latches comprises placing the one or more latches on the other of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0089] Clause 14. A system comprising:

[0090] First composite panel;

[0091] A second composite panel is fixed to the first composite panel in an orthogonal orientation;

[0092] A latching assembly having one or more latches, wherein the latching assembly is secured to one of the first composite panel or the second composite panel; and

[0093] One or more latches, the one or more latches being configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches, wherein the one or more latches are secured to another of the first composite panel or the second composite panel.

[0094] Clause 15. The system according to Clause 14, wherein the latching assembly is configured to secure the tabs of the first composite panel to the slot housing of the second composite panel without adhesive.

[0095] Clause 16. The system according to Clause 14 or 15, wherein the latching assembly is disposed on one of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel, and wherein the one or more latches are disposed on the other of the tabs of the first composite panel or the slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0096] Clause 17. The system according to any one of Clauses 14-16, wherein said latch assembly comprises:

[0097] First latch;

[0098] The second latch; and

[0099] A lock is disposed between the first latch and the second latch.

[0100] Clause 18. The system of Clause 17, wherein the lock is removable from the space between the first latch and the second latch, and wherein the first latch and the second latch are movable when the lock is removed from the space, wherein each of the first latch and the second latch includes an upright beam and an insert beam connected to the upright beam, wherein the insert beam is configured to move in and out of the one or more latches, wherein the lock includes a first pin connected to a second pin via a crossbeam, wherein a channel is formed between the first pin, the second pin and the crossbeam, wherein multiple portions of the first latch and the second latch are retained within the channel when the first latch abuts the second latch.

[0101] Clause 19. The system according to any one of Clauses 14-18, wherein the one or more latches are disposed on a tab of the first composite panel, and wherein the latch assembly includes a first latch and a second latch movably held within a slot housing of the second composite panel.

[0102] Clause 20. The system according to any one of Clauses 14-19, wherein each of the first composite panel and the second composite panel includes a honeycomb core sandwiched between an inner skin and an outer skin.

[0103] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper part is the lower part, and vice versa, the horizontal becomes the vertical, etc.

[0104] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform tasks or operations are specifically formed, constructed, or adapted structurally in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be changed to perform tasks or operations are not “configured to” perform tasks or operations as used herein.

[0105] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made without departing from its scope to adapt a particular situation or material to the doctrine of the various embodiments of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting but exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as common English equivalents of “including” and “therein,” respectively. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only for classification and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. This written description discloses various embodiments of this disclosure, including optimal modes, by way of example, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any of the included methods. The scope of the patent for the various embodiments disclosed herein is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are identical to the literal language of the claims, or if the equivalent structural elements included in the examples are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (104) for securing a first composite panel (100) to a second composite panel (102), the system comprising: A latch assembly (108) configured to be fixed to one of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102), wherein the latch assembly (108) comprises: First latch (124); A second latch (126); wherein each of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) includes: Vertical beam (132); An insert beam (134) is connected to the upright beam (132). A lock (130) disposed between the first latch (124) and the second latch (126); and One or more latches (158) configured to retain at least a portion of one or both of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126), wherein the one or more latches (158) are configured to be secured to another of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102), wherein the insert beam (134) is configured to move in and out of the one or more latches (158).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the latch assembly (108) is configured to secure the tabs (114) of the first composite panel (100) to the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102) without adhesive.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch assembly (108) is disposed on one of the tab (114) of the first composite panel (100) or the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102), and wherein the one or more latches (158) are disposed on the other of the tab (114) of the first composite panel (100) or the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock (130) is removable from the space between the first latch (124) and the second latch (126), and wherein the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are movable when the lock (130) is removed from the space.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the lock (130) includes a first pin (140) connected to a second pin (142) via a crossbeam (144), wherein a channel (146) is formed between the first pin (140), the second pin (142) and the crossbeam (144), wherein multiple portions of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are held within the channel (146) when the first latch (124) is adjacent to the second latch (126).

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more latches (158) are disposed on the tabs (114) of the first composite panel (100), and wherein the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are movably held within the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102).

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more latches (158) comprise a plurality of latches (158) disposed on the first composite panel (100), and wherein one or both of the first latch (124) or the second latch (126) have a plurality of latching elements (300) within a slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102).

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first composite panel (100) and the second composite panel (102) includes a honeycomb core (402) sandwiched between an inner skin (404) and an outer skin (408).

9. A system (104) comprising: First composite panel (100); The second composite panel (102) is fixed to the first composite panel (100) in an orthogonal orientation. A latch assembly (108) secured to one of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102), wherein the latch assembly (108) comprises: First latch (124); The second latch (126); and A lock (130) disposed between a first latch (124) and a second latch (126), wherein the lock (130) includes a first pin (140) connected to a second pin (142) via a crossbeam (144), wherein a channel (146) is formed between the first pin (140), the second pin (142), and the crossbeam (144), wherein multiple portions of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are held within the channel (146) when the first latch (124) is adjacent to the second latch (126); and One or more latches (158) configured to retain at least a portion of one or both of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126), wherein the one or more latches (158) are secured to another of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the latch assembly (108) is configured to secure the tabs (114) of the first composite panel (100) to the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102) without adhesive.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the latch assembly (108) is disposed on one of the tab (114) of the first composite panel (100) or the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102), and wherein the one or more latches (158) are disposed on the other of the tab (114) of the first composite panel (100) or the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102).

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the lock (130) is removable from the space between the first latch (124) and the second latch (126), wherein the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are movable when the lock (130) is removed from the space, wherein each of the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) includes an upright beam (132) and an insert beam (134) connected to the upright beam (132), and wherein the insert beam (134) is configured to move in and out of the one or more latches (158).

13. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more latches (158) are disposed on the tabs (114) of the first composite panel (100), and wherein the first latch (124) and the second latch (126) are movably held within the slot housing (106) of the second composite panel (102).

14. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the first composite panel (100) and the second composite panel (102) includes a honeycomb core (402) sandwiched between an inner skin (404) and an outer skin (408).

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