Composite Panel Latch Coupling Without Adhesive Bonding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing composite panels together are labor-intensive and require multiple bonding steps, often resulting in adhesive overflow and panel bulging, and they necessitate the use of excessive adhesive during the curing process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a latch assembly with sliding latches and strikes that securely couple composite panels without adhesive, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly, and reducing the need for adhesive during the curing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple bonding steps with adhesive are used to secure composite panels together, then the panels can be joined, but the process becomes labor and time intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel joining strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening system (latch assembly with latches, strikes, and locking mechanism). This substitution eliminates the need for multiple bonding steps and curing time, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving strong panel joining and reducing manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If adhesive is applied between tab and slot case, then the panels can be secured together, but adhesive may overflow and cause panels to bulge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel joining strengthVSAvoidadhesive overflow and panel bulging

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical latch assembly replaces adhesive bonding, eliminating the harmful effects of adhesive overflow and panel bulging while maintaining strong panel joining through the latch-strike mechanical connection and locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If slot cases are bonded to composite panels through multiple bonding steps, then the panels can be secured together, but the process becomes labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel joining strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical latch assembly with its integrated latches, strikes, and locking mechanism replaces the complex multi-step adhesive bonding process, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining strong panel joining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If excessive adhesive is used during the curing process, then the panels can be secured together, but adhesive may overflow onto other portions of the composite panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel joining strengthVSAvoidadhesive waste

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical latch assembly eliminates the need for adhesive entirely, replacing chemical bonding with a mechanical fastening system that secures panels without any adhesive waste or overflow issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4043189B1Systems and methods for coupling composite panels

Publication Date: 2024.08.14 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A system (104) for securing a first composite panel (100) to a second composite panel (102), the system comprising: a latch assembly (108) having one or more latches (124, 126), wherein the latch assembly (108) is configured to be secured to one of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102); and one or more strikes (158) configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches (124, 126), wherein the one or more strikes (158) are configured to be secured to the other of the first composite panel (100) or the second composite panel (102).