Molded-in insert and method for fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure

{
  "publication_number": "US9180631B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Molded-in insert and method for fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure",
  "abstract": "In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molded-in insert for high strength retention in a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure. The insert has a cylindrical body and at least one circumferential groove formed in the cylindrical body, the groove having a substantially concave configuration, having a groove radius of 0.025 inch or greater, and having the groove radius greater than or equal to a groove depth.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A molded-in insert for high strength retention in a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure, the molded-in insert comprising: a cylindrical body having first and second circumferential substantially flat surfaces of identical width and diameter; and, at least one circumferential groove extending between the first and second circumferential substantially flat surfaces formed in the cylindrical body to obtain the molded-in insert, the groove having a substantially concave configuration, having a groove radius of 0.025 inch or greater, where the groove radius is constant, and having the groove radius greater than or equal to a groove depth and having a groove width greater than the groove depth, wherein the groove is configured to be filled with fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material and is configured to mold in place within or to the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure.",
    "2. The insert of claim 1, wherein when the molded-in insert is molded in the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure, reinforcing fibers from the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure flow into and fully fill the at least one circumferential groove in order to form a high strength mechanical locking mechanism that secures the molded-in insert in place in the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure.",
    "3. The insert of claim 2, wherein the molded-in insert is molded in the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure via a molding process selected from a group comprising compression molding, resin transfer molding, injection molding, blow molding, transfer molding, reaction injection molding, casting, and investment casting.",
    "4. The insert of claim 1, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "6. The insert of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "7. The insert of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "8. The insert of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body has a first circumferential groove formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body and a second circumferential groove formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the molded-in insert is made of a machinable material selected from a group comprising a metal material, a ceramic material, and a composite material.",
    "10. The insert of claim 3, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "11. The insert of claim 3, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "12. The insert of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "13. The insert of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "14. The insert of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical body has a first circumferential groove formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body and a second circumferential groove formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "15. The insert of claim 3, wherein the molded-in insert is made of a machinable material selected from a group comprising a metal material, a ceramic material, and a composite material.",
    "16. The insert of claim 9, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "17. The insert of claim 9, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "18. The insert of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "19. The insert of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical body has two or more circumferential grooves formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body.",
    "20. The insert of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical body has a first circumferential groove formed in an exterior surface of the cylindrical body and a second circumferential groove formed in an interior surface of the cylindrical body."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "1) Field of the Disclosure\n\nThe disclosure relates generally to inserts for use in structures, and more particularly, to molded-in inserts for use in composite structures and parts in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles.\n\n2) Description of Related Art\n\nInserts may be used in the assembly of composite and metal structures or parts for various transport vehicles, such as aircraft, spacecraft, rotorcraft, watercraft, automobiles, trucks, buses, or other transport vehicles. Such inserts may be used to receive mating fasteners, provide attachment points for multi-part assemblies, and provide load transfer points. Examples of such inserts may include press-fit inserts, swaged inserts, molded-in inserts, threaded inserts, or other suitable inserts or fittings.\n\nMethods for installing inserts into composite and metal structures or parts may include, for example, mold in place methods, such as where molded-in inserts are installed during molding, or for example, more expensive post-molding methods, such as where press-fit inserts or swaged inserts are installed after molding.\n\nKnown press-fit inserts and swaged inserts may be pressed into an opening in metal structures or parts after molding without the use of special tools or fasteners. However, known press-fit inserts and swaged inserts designed for press-fit installation in metal structures or parts may not work well with fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structures or parts due to the non-ductile nature of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material.",
  "cpc": [
    "B29C 70/682",
    "B29C 2043/181",
    "B29C 39/10",
    "B29C 43/18",
    "B29C 45/14311",
    "B29C 45/14631",
    "B29C 70/683",
    "B29K 2101/12",
    "B29K 2105/06",
    "B29K 2105/20",
    "F16B 37/122",
    "Y10T 403/47"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B29C 31/08",
    "B29C 39/10",
    "B29C 45/14",
    "B29C 70/68",
    "B29K 105/20",
    "F16B 1/00",
    "F16B 37/12"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Boeing Co"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Edward McMurray Fisher, JR.",
    "Brian Allen Carter"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2011-07-22",
  "publication_date": "2015-11-10",
  "grant_date": "2015-11-10",
  "priority_date": "2011-07-22",
  "application_number": "US-201113189478-A",
  "family_id": "46395709",
  "cited_by_count": 6,
  "citations": [
    "US2040674A",
    "US3362281A",
    "US4003287A",
    "GB2039660A",
    "EP0310278A1",
    "US6379763B1",
    "US20020050105A1",
    "EP1154166A1",
    "US6692207B1"
  ]
}