US 12,146,522 B2
Fastener insert for a composite sandwich panel, a panel assembly, and a method of fastening a component to a composite sandwich panel
Christopher J. Mills, Charleston, SC (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Dec. 2, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/541,178.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/122,724, filed on Dec. 8, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0178395 A1, Jun. 9, 2022
Int. Cl. F16B 5/02 (2006.01)
CPC F16B 5/0208 (2013.01) 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fastener insert for securement to a composite sandwich panel at an opening in the composite sandwich panel, the fastener insert comprising:
a base having a body and a flange integral with the body, the flange extending laterally outward of an outer perimeter of the body, the base defining a central cavity extending entirely through both the body and the flange, and the base including a first locking feature disposed at the central cavity; and
a fastener carrier configured to insert into the central cavity of the base, the fastener carrier defining a fastener opening and having a second locking feature configured for mechanical engagement with the first locking feature of the base to retain the fastener carrier to the base;
wherein the base includes arms extending lengthwise at the outer perimeter of the body, each of the arms having a free end disposed proximate to the flange at the outer perimeter and configured to flex laterally outward under interference with the fastener carrier inserted in the central cavity such that a laterally-outermost portion of the free end is laterally outward of the fastener carrier and is laterally outward of the central cavity;
wherein the outer perimeter of the body of the base is circular; and
wherein the base includes a projection extending from the flange and spaced laterally apart from and parallel with a longitudinal axis of the central cavity.