Verifiable quick patch repair for composite structures

A method for patching a hole in a composite parent structure, said method comprising:

• inserting an insert in the hole;
• while the insert is in the hole, placing a composite patch having a multiplicity of curved flexible members on one side of the composite parent structure in a position where a central portion of the composite patch overlies the insert and the flexible members contact opposing portions of the composite parent structure disposed around the insert;
• providing adhesive between the composite patch and the insert, and between the composite patch and the composite parent structure;
• pressing the composite patch against the composite parent structure with sufficient pressure to force the flexible members to conform to the shape of the surface of the opposing portions of the composite parent structure so that spaces between the flexible members and the composite parent structure are filled with adhesive;
• and
• curing the adhesive while the flexible members are conformed to the shape of the surface of the opposing portions of the composite parent structure in a manner that causes the flexible members to bond to the parent structure.

A method for patching a hole in a composite parent structure, said method comprising:

• inserting an insert in the hole;
• while the insert is in the hole, placing a first composite patch having a multiplicity of curved flexible members on one side of the composite parent structure in a position where a central portion of the first composite patch overlies the insert and the flexible members contact opposing portions of the composite parent structure disposed around the insert;
• while the insert is in the hole, placing a second composite patch having a multiplicity of curved flexible members on another side of the composite parent structure in a position where a central portion of the second composite patch underlies the insert and the flexible members of the second patch contact opposing portions of the composite parent structure disposed around the insert;
• providing adhesive between the first composite patch and the insert, and between the first composite patch and the composite parent structure, between the second composite patch and the insert, and between the second composite patch and the composite parent structure;
• and
• pressing the first and second composite patches toward each other with sufficient pressure to force the flexible members of both patches to conform to the shapes of confronting surfaces of the composite parent structure while the adhesive therebetween is curing.