Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.

Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.

Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the installation of fasteners in a composite panel with a fastener insert. A fastener insert for a composite panel includes a body and a at least three arms extending from the body. The body has a top face and a central hub extending rearward from the top face. The top face has an outer dimension between opposing edges. The arms extend from the central hub on a rear side of the body. In a retracted configuration, the arms are folded inward toward the central hub so that the arms do not extend beyond the outer dimension of the top face. In an extended configuration, the arms extend outward from the central hub beyond the outer dimension of the top face.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.

Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the installation of fasteners in a composite panel with a fastener insert. A fastener insert for a composite panel includes a body and a at least three arms extending from the body. The body has a top face and a central hub extending rearward from the top face. The top face has an outer dimension between opposing edges. The arms extend from the central hub on a rear side of the body. In a retracted configuration, the arms are folded inward toward the central hub so that the arms do not extend beyond the outer dimension of the top face. In an extended configuration, the arms extend outward from the central hub beyond the outer dimension of the top face.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a self-locking joint in a panel structure. The method provides a panel structure having at least two face sheets and a core portion sandwiched therebetween. The method further fabricates in a first portion of the panel structure at least one mortice opening having self-locking end portions. The method further fabricates on a second portion of the panel structure at least one tenon extension having flexible self-locking members. The method further interlocks the flexible self-locking members of the at least one tenon extension with the self-locking end portions of the at least one mortice opening to form a self-locking joint in the panel structure.

Abstract: There is provided in an embodiment a method of fabricating a self-locking joint in a panel structure. The method provides a panel structure having at least two face sheets and a core portion sandwiched therebetween. The method further fabricates in a first portion of the panel structure at least one mortise opening having self-locking end portions. The method further fabricates on a second portion of the panel structure at least one tenon extension having flexible self-locking members. The method further interlocks the flexible self-locking members of the at least one tenon extension with the self-locking end portions of the at least one mortise opening to form a self-locking joint in the panel structure.

Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.