Method and apparatus for securing a thermoplastic insert within a sandwich panel

An apparatus for securing a fastener member within a sandwich panel, comprising:

• a thermoplastic insert having the fastener member secured therein and a central axis, said insert including a blade for forming a hole in the sandwich panel;
• a rotatable installation tool engageable within the insert to rotate the insert about the central axis;
• wherein one of said installation tool and insert includes a male connection feature and the other includes a female connection feature such that the installation tool and insert are axially movable toward and away from each other to engage the male and female connection features without requiring relative rotation, wherein said male and female connection features include mating surfaces offset from the central axis to transmit torque between the installation tool and insert;
• and
• wherein one of said installation tool and insert includes a magnet and the other includes magnetic material to be attracted by the magnet for securing the insert to the installation tool for friction welding the sandwich panel to the insert.

An apparatus for securing a threaded sleeve within a sandwich panel for use in an aircraft, comprising:

• a thermoplastic insert having the threaded sleeve secured therein and having a central axis;
• a rotatable installation tool engageable with the insert to rotate the insert about the central axis;
• wherein one of said installation tool and insert includes a male connection feature and the other includes a female connection feature such that the installation tool and insert are axially movable toward and away from each other to engage the male and female connection features without requiring relative rotation, wherein said male and female connection features include mating surfaces offset from the central axis to transmit torque between the installation tool and insert;
• and
• wherein one of said installation tool and insert includes a holding means and the other includes engagement means to be attracted by the holding means for securing the insert to the installation tool for friction welding the insert to the sandwich panel.