Composite Panel Latch Assembly to Eliminate Adhesive Bonding Steps

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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 bulging of panels during the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a latch assembly with latches and strikes that securely couple composite panels without adhesive, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly, featuring a mechanical slide lock mechanism that integrates latches and strikes on either the tab or slot case of the panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel joint strengthVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical latch assembly system. The latch assembly includes latches that engage with strikes on adjacent panels, providing a purely mechanical connection that eliminates the need for adhesive application, curing time, and associated labor-intensive processes while maintaining joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the adhesive bonding process entirely from the panel assembly system. By eliminating the adhesive layer and curing step, the process transitions from a multi-step chemical bonding process to a single-step mechanical fastening process, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple bonding steps are used to secure slot cases and tabs, then panels can be joined, but manufacturing time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple chemical bonding steps with a single mechanical latching action. The latch assembly can be quickly engaged and disengaged without requiring adhesive application, positioning, or curing time, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining joint reliability through the mechanical engagement of latches and strikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If adhesive is applied between tab and slot case, then panels can be secured, but adhesive may overflow and cause bulging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel connection strengthVSAvoidadhesive overflow and bulging

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the adhesive material entirely by using a mechanical latch assembly. The latches engage with strikes through a purely mechanical connection, removing the source of adhesive overflow and bulging while maintaining secure panel connection through the mechanical interlocking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11773585B2Systems and methods for coupling composite panels

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system and a method for securing a first composite panel to a second composite panel include 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 strikes are configured to retain at least a portion of the one or more latches. The one or more strikes are configured to be secured to the other of the first composite panel or the second composite panel.