Panel Fastening System

Harper’s extensive insert catalog can accommodate most panel joint configurations and includes custom-made inserts to fit any panel thickness, curvature, and mating angle for limitless panel joint configurations for aircraft interior structures, such as stowage bins, closets, lavatories, galleys, first class seat surrounds, and crew rest modules.

Adhesive Reduction

• Up to 48% reduction in adhesive usage with equal strength when using the hybrid edge bonding construction method.
• Weight savings from the reduction of adhesive.

Tooling Simplification

• Reducing tooling design and fabrication costs.
• Increase production rates by eliminating the need for assembly fixtures.

Ease of Assembly

• Efficient assembly of panel structures.
• No assembly-level adhesives necessary, when using only panel fasteners.
• Skilled labor reduction, since panels are simply screwed together, like the furniture in a box industry.

Efficiency Gains

• Pre-finish panels prior to assembly.
• Error reduction, decreased assembly scrap/rework rate.
• Automation ready.

This analysis report investigates the structural behavior of and predicts the first failure loads of multiple panel assemblies when different mechanical inserts are potted into different sandwich panels under an increasing applied load. The values in this report can be used in computer analysis to validate the structural integrity of assemblies designed with the Harper Panel Fasteners.

Method 1: Fly-Away Tooling

This method utilizes standard mortise and tenon construction using a limited number of panel fasteners to self-fixture the assembly, eliminating the need for assembly fixtures.

Method 2: Hybrid Edge Bonding

This method replaces standard mortise and tenon construction while using a limited number of panel fasteners to self-fixture the assembly while adding an edge bond of adhesive. The straight edges of the fastened panels are bonded together (core to face sheet) to achieve structural properties equivalent to mortise and tenon.

Method 3: Panel Fastening System without Hybrid Edge Bonding

This method replaces standard mortise and tenon construction using only Harper panel fasteners to assemble interior structures, panels simply screw together similar to furniture-in-a-box products.