Composite panel insert ring and method of using the same
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Systems Corporation
InventorsRaymond L. Schumacher, Jr., William B. Louder, Douglas E. Arnold
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided is a method of forming a thru-hole through a composite structure having a plurality of internal compartments. An insert ring is connected to the composite structure to create a protective layer around the periphery of a penetration formed within the composite structure. An adhesive is disposed between the composite structure and the insert ring to create a fluid-tight seal between the insert ring and the internal compartments. In this regard, the fluid-tight seal mitigates fluid flow between the internal compartments.
Claims24
A method of forming a thru-hole to allow wiring or mechanical components to pass through a structure having a first exterior surface, an opposing second exterior surface, a plurality of horizontally oriented, vertically layered internal fluid storage compartments disposed between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface, and a penetration wall defining an internal diameter extending through the structure between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface to define a penetration, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an insert ring including a male portion and a separate female portion, the male portion having a cylindrical male ring and an annular male flange extending radially outward from the male ring, the female portion having a cylindrical female ring and an annular female flange extending radially outward from the female ring, male ring being insertable within and cooperatively engageable to the female ring to define a cylindrical aperture extending unobstructed through the insert ring;
- b) lining the penetration wall with adhesive;
- c) locating the female portion proximate the first exterior surface, while inserting the female ring in the penetration;
- d) locating the male portion proximate the second exterior surface, while inserting the male ring into the penetration;
- and
- e) engaging the male and female portions within the structure, the male portion and the female portion being brought into compressive engagement with the structure, such that the cylindrical aperture extends unobstructed through the structure after the male and female portions are brought into compressive engagement, the adhesive being disposed between the insert ring and the structure to couple the insert ring thereto and to create a fluid tight seal between the plurality of internal storage compartments, and between the plurality of internal storage compartments and the insert ring.
A method of forming a thru-hole to allow wiring or mechanical components to pass through a multilayer structure having a first exterior surface, an opposing second exterior surface, a plurality of horizontally oriented, vertically layered internal fluid storage compartments disposed between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface, and a penetration wall defining an internal diameter extending through the structure between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface to define a penetration, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an insert ring including a male portion and a female portion, the male portion having a cylindrical male ring and an annular male flange extending radially outward from the male ring, the female portion having a cylindrical female ring and an annular female flange extending radially outward from the female ring, the male ring being insertable within and cooperatively engageable to the female ring to define a substantially cylindrical aperture extending through the insert ring;
- b) lining the entire penetration wall with adhesive;
- and
- c) separately extending the male portion and the female portion into the structure penetration, from the first and second surfaces, respectively after the entire penetration wall is lined;
- and
- d) engaging the male and female portions within the structure, at least one of the male portion and the female portion being in sealing compressive engagement with the structure such that the cylindrical aperture extends unobstructed through the structure, the adhesive being urged into the structure internal storage compartments to create a fluid tight seal between the plurality of internal storage compartments, and between the insert ring and the structure to couple the insert ring thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.