WO2017007345A1

WO2017007345A1 - Joining member with multiple connections

Info

Publication number: WO2017007345A1
Application number: PCT/PL2015/000111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piotr WOŚ; Waldemar ŁOGIN
Original assignee: Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Sp. Z.O.O.
Priority date: 2015-07-06
Filing date: 2015-07-06
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: PL242942B1; PL424649A1

Abstract

A joining member having a first portion with a first base, a first base wall, a plurality of first extensions, a first locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of first extensions, and at least one stop member. A second portion includes a second base, a second base wall, a plurality of second extensions, a second locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of second extensions, and at least one stop surface configured to engage with the stop member of the first portion. The number of stop members and the number of stop surfaces are equal. Each of the first extensions of the first portion and the second extensions of the second portion are configured to bias between a first position and a second position to enable joining between the first portion and the second portion.

Description

JOINING MEMBER WITH MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention are directed to joining members configured to join structures, and particularly to joining members having multiple connections.

[0002] Traditionally, structures, such as aerospace structures, are joined or held together by means of rivets, screws, bolts, or similar style fasteners and/or adhesives, bonds, etc. Such fasteners may require holes through or in the structures that are joined. Thus, the structural integrity of the joining may be subject to additional stresses and/or be weakened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to one embodiment a joining member is provided. The joining member includes a first portion having (i) a first base defining a first surface, (ii) a first base wall extending from the first surface of the first base, (iii) a plurality of first extensions extending from the first base wall, (iv) a first locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of first extensions, and (v) at least one stop member. The joining member also includes a second portion having (i) a second base defining a second surface, (ii) a second base wall extending from the second surface of the second base, (iii) a plurality of second extensions extending from the second base wall, (iv) a second locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of second extensions, and (v) at least one stop surface configured to engage with the stop member of the first portion. Each of the first extensions of the first portion and the second extensions of the second portion are configured to bias between a first position and a second position. When the first portion and the second portion are separate, the first and second extensions are in the first position; when the first portion and the second portion move between being separate and being locked together, the first and second extensions are biased to the second position; and when the first portion and the second portion are locked together the first and second extensions are in the first position. The number of stop members and the number of stop surfaces are equal.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the base of the first portion is part of an aerospace structure and the base of the second portion is part of a support for the aerospace structure.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include four first extensions extending from the first base wall of the first portion and an equal number of second extensions extending from the second base wall of the second portion.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein at least one of (i) the first portion is integrally formed with a first part of a component and (ii) the second portion is integrally formed with a part of a second part of the component.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the component is an aircraft part.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed of the same materials as the first and second parts.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein at least one of (i) the first portion is configured to be attached to a first part of a component and (ii) the second portion is configured to be attached to a part of a second part of the component. [0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be attached by means of welding, bonding, or bolting.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the at least one stop member extends farther from first base wall than the plurality of first extensions of the first portion.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the at least one stop surface extends to a lesser degree from the second base wall than the plurality of second extensions of the second portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include, wherein the length of each of the plurality of first extensions is defined as a first distance and the thickness of the first extension is defined as a second distance, and a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 : 10.

[0014] Technical effects of embodiments of the invention include joining members having multiple connections that provide a strong structural connection between joined elements, while reducing or eliminating the need for traditional fasteners for joining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joining member in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 2 A is a perspective view of a first part of a joining member in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 2B is a side or profile view of the first part of a joining member of FIG. 2A.

[0019] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a second part of a joining member in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 2D is a side or profile view of the second part of a joining of FIG.

2C;

[0021] FIG. 3 A is a bottom perspective view of an aerospace structure having joining member portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a number of supports having joining members portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 3C is a side view of the aerospace structure of FIG. 3A and the supports of FIG. 3B as joined together using joining members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first aircraft part having joining member portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second aircraft part having joining members portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] FIG. 4C is a side view of a formed aircraft part using the first part of FIG. 4A and the second part of FIG. 4B as joined together using joining members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a joining member 100 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. Joining member 100 is configured to provide a snap-fit and/or interlocking mechanism or connection for joining structures. The joining member 100 is composed of a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are configured to join together to form an interlocking structure. The first portion 102 may be integrally formed with or attached to a first structure (not shown) and the second portion 104 may be integrally formed with or attached to a second structure (not shown) that is intended to be joined to the first structure. In alternative embodiments, the first portion 102 and/or the second portion 104 may be connected or attached to a structure by other means, such as bonding, welding, bolting, etc.

[0028] The first portion 102 includes a first base 106 that forms a plane, flat surface, free surface, etc. that may be used for joining with a first structure, or that may be part of a first structure. A first base wall 108 extends from the first base 106 for a first distance Dl , which defines the height of the first base wall 108. The first base wall 108 may be configured in any shape, but as shown in FIG. 1, the first base wall 108 is a cross, plus-sign, t-shape, etc. Further, in addition to various shapes/configurations, the first base wall, or other features may be oriented at various angles, other than 90° as shown. Moreover, various geometries may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Extending from the first base wall 108 may be a number of first extensions 1 10. The first extensions 110, as shown, are configured as cantilevers that extend from the base wall and end in a first locking tip 1 12 at a distal end. As used herein, proximal is directed toward the base and distal is away from the base.

[0029] The first extension 1 10 extends outward from the first base wall 108 a second distance D2. From the first base 106, the first base wall 108 and the first extension 1 10 extend a combined distance of Dl + D2. For substantially the entire length of the first base wall 108 and the first extension 1 10, as shown in FIG. 1 , the material forming such elements has a substantially uniform thickness of D3. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that variances in thickness D3 may occur during the manufacturing process, and thus may not be completely or perfectly uniform. Further, the thickness D3 may be different for the length of Dl than the thickness D3 for the length of D2. Thus, in some embodiments, the thicknesses may be varied based on design requirements or for other reasons. Furthermore, variances in thickness from the substantially uniform thickness may occur at the area where the first base wall 108 intersects or joins with the first base 106 and/or at the first locking tip 112, as shown in FIG. 1 , and/or at a central portion where the base walls intersect.

[0030] Also extending from the first base wall 108 is a stop member 1 14. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the stop member 1 14 extends from the center of the first base wall 108, although in other embodiments, the stop member may be located at other positions relative to the first base 106. The stop member 114 is configured to operate as a blocking or stopping mechanism when joining the first portion 102 with the second portion 104, as described below.

[0031] The second portion 104 is similar to the first portion 102 and is configured to engage therewith in an interlocking and secure manner. Thus, the second portion 104 includes a second base 116 that forms a plane, flat surface, free surface, etc. that may be used for joining with a second structure, or that may be part of a second structure to be connected to the first structure. A second base wall 118 extends from the second base 116 for a fourth distance D4, which defines the height of the second base wall 1 18. The second base wall 1 18 may be configured in any shape, but as shown in FIG. 1, the second base wall 1 18 is a cross, plus-sign, t-shape, etc. Further, in addition to various shapes/configurations, the first base wall, or other features may be oriented at various angles, other than 90° as shown. Moreover, various geometries may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. It is noted that the first base wall 108 and the second base wall 1 18 will form substantially the same shapes, wherein they may be aligned and fit together.

[0032] Extending from the second base wall 1 18 may be a number of second extensions 120. The second extensions 120 may be configured as cantilevers that extend from the second base wall 1 18 and end in a second locking tip 122 at a distal end thereof. [0033] The second extension 120 extends outward from the second base wall 1 18 a fifth distance D5. At an edge of the second base 1 16, the second base wall 1 18 and the second extension 120 extend a combined distance of D4 + D5. For substantially the entire length of the second base wall 1 18 and the second extension 120 the material forming such elements has a substantially uniform thickness of D6. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that variances in thickness D6 may occur during the manufacturing process. Further, the thickness D6 may be different for the length of D4 than the thickness D6 for the length of D5. Thus, in some embodiments, the thicknesses may be varied based on design requirements or for other reasons. Furthermore, variances in thickness away from a substantially uniform thickness may occur at the area where the second base wall 1 18 intersects or joins with the second base 1 16 and/or at the second locking tip 122, as shown in FIG. 1, and/or at a central portion where the base walls intersect.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the primary difference between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 is in the stop feature. As noted above, the first portion 102 includes a stop member 1 14 extending from the first base wall 108. In contrast, the second portion 104 does not include a stop member, but rather includes a stop surface 124. When the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are joined, the stop member 1 14 and the stop surface 124 will abut each other such that the first base 106 and the second base 1 16 cannot move toward each other beyond a predefined distance, that is defined by the combined height or length of the stop member 1 14 and the height or length of the stop surface 124.

[0035] In operation, when the first portion 102 is to be joined to the second portion 104, because the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are similar, the first extension 1 10 and the second extension 120 may be aligned, as shown in FIG. 1. The two portions 102, 104, may then be urged toward each other such that the locking tips 1 12, 122 slide past each other with the tip 1 12 abutting a surface of the second extension 120 and the tip 122 abutting a surface of the first extension 1 10. Because the extensions 1 10, 120 may be configured as cantilevers and/or are at least partially elastic or spring-like, the extensions 1 10, 120 may move or bend relative to each other. Thus, after the locking tips 1 12, 122 pass each other when the two bases 106, 1 16 move toward each other, the extensions 110, 120 will engage toward each other such that the locking tips 1 12, 122 will prevent the movement of the bases 106, 1 16 away from each other.

[0036] To accomplish this, the first locking tip 1 12 includes a locking surface 1 1 1 and an engaging surface 1 13 and the second tip 122 includes a locking surface 121 and an engaging surface 123. When the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are separate and not connected or being connected, the extensions 1 10, 120 are in a first position, such as a rest or unbiased position. Then, during connection between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104, the engaging surfaces 1 13, 123 will slide against and relative to each other. As the engaging surfaces 1 13, 123 slide relative to each other the extensions 1 10, 120 are forced or actuated into a second position, such as an actuated or biased position, that is away from the first position. Then, once the engaging surfaces 113, 123 pass each other, the extensions 1 10, 120 will return to the first position and the locking surfaces 1 1 1 , 121 will abut or engage such that the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 may not be separated. Further, as noted above, the stop member 1 14 is configured to engage with the stop surface 124 to prevent relative movement of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 once the two portions 102, 104 are engaged to each other.

[0037] In sum, when in the fully engaged or locked position, the two portions 102, 104 of the joining member 100 may not me moved relative to each other. The locking surfaces 1 1 1, 121 are configured to prevent the two portions 102, 104 from moving relatively away from each other in the locked or engaged position, and the stop member 1 14 and the stop surface 124 are configured to prevent the two portions 102, 104 from moving relatively toward each other in the locked or engaged position.

[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, an alternative exemplary embodiment is shown. FIG. 2A shows perspective view of a first portion 202 and FIG. 2B shows side or profile view of the first portion 202. FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of a second portion 204 and FIG. 2D shows a side or profile view of the second portion 204. Features of the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are similar to the features of the joining member 100 of FIG. 1, and thus like features in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D will be labeled with similar reference number except preceded by a "2" rather than a "1."

[0039] The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are configured to engage and/or interlock as described above to join two structures. Thus, when the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are joined, connected, or locked together, they will formed a joining member similar to that described above.

[0040] The first portion 202 includes a base 206 but defines a different configuration of the first base walls 208, first extensions 210, and stop member 214, as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 1. As shown in the configuration of FIGS. 2 A and 2B, the first portion 202 includes eight first base walls 208, eight associated first extensions 210, and eight associated first locking tips 212 for each first extension 210. The first locking tips 212 are configured similarly to the locking tips 1 12 described above. Further, as shown, the first portion 202 includes five stop members 214, rather than the single stop member 1 14 of FIG. 1.

[0041] The second portion 204, shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, is configured to engage and lock with the first portion 202. Thus, the second portion 204 includes eight second base walls 218, eight associated second extensions 220, and eight associated second locking tips 222. The second locking tips 222 are configured similarly to the locking tips 122 described above. Further, as shown, the second portion 204 includes five stop surfaces 224, which are configured to align with the five stop members 214 of the first portion 202.

[0042] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the number, orientations, configurations, angles, etc. of various features/elements of the joining member may be varied or changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the figures provide illustrative and exemplary descriptions of the invention. [0043] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the distances Dl , D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 are shown again and represent the same distances, lengths, or thicknesses as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0044] The distances D1-D6 may be varied depending on the needs of the application and required strength of connection between the two portions of the joining member. In some embodiments, the thickness (D3, D6) may be related to the length/height of the extensions (D2, D5). For example, the thickness (D3, D6) to length (D2, D5) ratio may be about 1 : 10. That is, the length of the extension (D2, D5) may be about ten times greater than the thickness of the extension (D3, D6). The ratio between the thickness of the extension and the length of the extension may impact the stresses that are experienced by the joined portions of the connecting element. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other ratios may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, and the above described ratio is merely provided for explanatory purposes.

[0045] The thickness of the extensions will impact the elasticity or spring nature of the extension, particularly relative to the length of the thickness. Thus, any ratio may be used to achieve a particular structural strength or connection between the first and second portions of the joining member. For example, one factor may be achieving a state or configuration that does not have plastic deformation of the features, thus increasing the strength of the joining member.

[0046] The joining members, in various embodiments of the invention, may be manufactured with metal, such as aluminum, steel, titanium, etc. in a machining process. Furthermore, the construction may include a hybrid configuration, wherein additive manufactured portions and metal machined portions may be made to be formed into desired shapes and/or configurations.

[0047] Turning now to FIGS. 3A-3C, an exemplary embodiment of joining members is shown. FIGS. 3A-3C show an exemplary use of joining members in accordance with the invention. In this example, the joining members are used for floor construction, such as on an aircraft. FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of an aerospace structure, such as a floor panel, having joining member portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a number of supports for the aerospace structure having joining members portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3C is a side view of the aerospace structure of FIG. 3 A and the supports of FIG. 3B as joined together using joining members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3A, an aerospace structure 300, such as a floor cover or panel, includes a plurality of first joining portions 302. The first joining portions 302 may be configured similarly to the joining members described above. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the first portion includes four or eight extensions at first joining portions 302a and four extensions at first joining portion 302b. The number of extensions may depend, in part, on the configuration of the panel 300.

[0049] In FIG. 3B, three supports 304, such as floor beams, bulkheads, etc., are provided and are configured to join with and attach to the aerospace structure 300. Accordingly, the supports 304 include second joining portions 306. As shown, supports 304a include two second joining portions 306a, and support 304b includes one second joining portion 306b. The second joining portions 306 are configured to match the first joining portions 302 in order to provide a locking mechanism between the first joining portions 302 and the second joining portions 306, similar to the joining members described above.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3C, the aerospace structure 300 is joined to the supports 304 by means of the joining member portions 302, 306 joined together. The joining member portions 302, 306 may be integrally formed with the respective 0 aerospace structure 300 and support 304. Thus, the need for other joining mechanisms, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. may be eliminated. Further, because there is no need for other joining mechanisms, the aerospace structure 300 may be substantially uniform once installed. Moreover, there is less potential for damage to be done to the aerospace structure 300 or the supports 304 during installation of the aerospace structure 300. [0051] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another exemplary embodiment of joining members is shown. FIGS. 4A-4C show another exemplary use of joining members in accordance with the invention. In this example, the joining members are used for construction of an aircraft component or part. The component 400 may be a control surface, such as an elevator, flap, aileron, etc. of an aircraft.

[0052] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first aircraft part having joining member portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second aircraft part having joining members portions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 4C is a side view of the formed aircraft component 400 using the first part of FIG. 4A and the second part of FIG. 4B as joined together using joining members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4A, a first part 402 includes a plurality of first joining portions 406. The first joining portions 406 may be configured similarly to the joining members described above. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the first portion includes varying heights of the joining portions, such that first joining portions 406a are taller or have greater dimensions than first joining portions 406b. The number and configurations of the joining portions may depend, in part, on the configuration of the component 400.

[0054] In FIG. 4B, a second part 404 is configured to join with and attach to the first part 402. Accordingly, the second part 404 includes second joining portions 408. Similar to the first part 402, the second joining portions 408 are configured to join with the first joining portions 406, and thus differing heights of the second joining portions 408a, 408b are provided. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 4B, second joining portions 408a are taller or have greater dimensions than second joining portions 406b, and correspond to the respective first joining portions 406a, 406b of first part 402. The second joining portions 408 are configured to match the first joining portions 406 in order to provide a locking mechanism between the first joining portions 406 and the second joining portions 408, similar to the joining members described above. [0055] As shown in FIG. 4C, the component 400 is joined or fitted together by means of the joining member portions 402, 404 joined together. The joining member portions 406, 408 may be integrally formed with the respective parts 402, 404. Thus, the need for other joining mechanisms, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. may be eliminated. Further, because there is no need for other joining mechanisms, the component 400 may be substantially uniform, smooth, and/or aerodynamic once constructed, and the weight of the component may be minimized. Moreover, there is less potential for damage to be done to the component 400 during construction of the component 400.

[0056] As described above, various exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but these embodiments are merely provided for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] Advantageously, embodiments of the invention provide a replacement to traditional methods of joining structures, such as aerospace structures. For example, current solutions used for connections may include various fasteners, such as riveting and bolting, or adhesives, bonds, etc. These may be time consuming methods that involve potentially large expense of work needed for proper preparation of parts before assembly of structures, e.g., thin walled aerospace structures. In addition, riveted and/or bolted joints may have influence on weight of the assembly and the final structural part, which can be a concern in aerospace structures. Further, in riveting methods there may be a need to use a lot of parts for assembly, and the parts may need to be put in proper positions relative to each other and require special dedicated jigs. Further, for joining structural parts by rivets, a number of drill holes in the joined structures may be needed, such that the rivets may pass therethrough and join the structures. This process may result in errors during assembly and the presence of holes in the structure(s) may cause stress concentrations, thus potentially leading to structural failure.

[0058] In contrast, embodiments of the invention described herein allow for the reduction or elimination of the use of riveting, or other joining methods, to be used in joining of structures. Joining members in accordance with the invention, in some embodiments, are based on a snap-fit solution. Advantageously, such construction can provide a strong, mechanically and structurally, connection between two components or structures without the need to drill holes through the structure.

[0059] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the number of connection elements, e.g., the extensions and locking tips, in the joining member and the composition thereof may be related or determined by a global design of the structure(s) that are to be joined or connected.

[0060] Advantageously, in various embodiments, on one portion of the joining member there is a stop member and on a second portion of the joining member may be located a stop surface. In some embodiments, the stop surface may include a stop pad or similar element that is configured to reduce the impact between the stop member and the stop surface. The role of the stop member/stop surface can take or form additional elements of the structure of the joining member, which may be designed for this purpose. Thus, the embodiments shown and described herein are thus not limiting, but are rather presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes.

[0061] While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combination, subcombination, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments.

[0062] For example, the joining member described herein two parts, however more parts or other configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, although described herein with a particular configuration for the tips that provide part of the locking mechanism, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the tips may be formed with hooks or other types of engagement and/or locking configurations. Hooks with desired geometry can be made on different number, length, and height of the extensions, and is some embodiments do not extend the entire width or length of the extensions, as shown in the figures. Thus, the configuration of the tips may be connected or configured based on the global part geometry.

[0063] Further, for example: thicknesses, lengths, and other dimensions can vary without departing from the scope of the invention, and may be determined by the particular needs for joining. Moreover, the numbers and configurations disclosed herein are exemplary, and those of skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible, and similarly may be determined by the particular needs for joining.

[0064] Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: What is claimed is:

1. A j oining member comprising :

a first portion having (i) a first base defining a first surface, (ii) a first base wall extending from the first surface of the first base, (iii) a plurality of first extensions extending from the first base wall, (iv) a first locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of first extensions, and (v) at least one stop member; and

a second portion having (i) a second base defining a second surface, (ii) a second base wall extending from the second surface of the second base, (iii) a plurality of second extensions extending from the second base wall, (iv) a second locking tip at a distal end of each of the plurality of second extensions, and (v) at least one stop surface configured to engage with the stop member of the first portion,

wherein each of the first extensions of the first portion and the second extensions of the second portion are configured to bias between a first position and a second position,

wherein (i) when the first portion and the second portion are separate, the first and second extensions are in the first position, (ii) when the first portion and the second portion move between being separate and being locked together, the first and second extensions are biased to the second position, and (iii) when the first portion and the second portion are locked together the first and second extensions are in the first position, and

wherein the number of stop members and the number of stop surfaces are equal.

2. The joining member of claim 1 , wherein the base of the first portion is part of an aerospace structure and the base of the second portion is part of a support for the aerospace structure.

3. The joining member of any of the preceding claims, comprising four first extensions extending from the first base wall of the first portion and an equal number of second extensions extending from the second base wall of the second portion.

4. The joining member of claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the first portion is integrally formed with a first part of a component and (ii) the second portion is integrally formed with a part of a second part of the component.

5. The joining member of claim 4, wherein the component is an aircraft part.

6. The joining member of claim 4, wherein the first portion and the second portion are formed of the same materials as the first and second parts.

7. The joining member of claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the first portion is configured to be attached to a first part of a component and (ii) the second portion is configured to be attached to a part of a second part of the component.

8. The joining member of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be attached by means of welding, bonding, or bolting.

9. The joining member of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stop member extends farther from first base wall than the plurality of first extensions of the first portion.

10. The joining member of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stop surface extends to a lesser degree from the second base wall than the plurality of second extensions of the second portion.

1 1. The joining member of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the length of each of the plurality of first extensions is defined as a first distance and the thickness of the first extension is defined as a second distance, and

a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 : 10.