Method and apparatus for structural repair

Abstract

A method for repairing a composite structure is herein disclosed, as well as a corresponding structure repaired using such methods. The structural repair method is a new fill-and-patch-type system that generally includes forming a recess in the structure and placing both a threaded insert and a potting material in the recess. Generally after the potting material has hardened, a patch is adhered to the potting material-filled recess, and a fixture is disposed over the recess. By directing a threaded fastener through the fixture and into the threaded insert, the fixture is drawn toward the structure and compresses the patch against the filled recess via the threaded fastener being tightened to supply sufficient compressional force to assist in bonding the patch to the repaired structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.