US Patent 7422178 Non-threaded structural insert for component attachment

The present invention provides a non-threaded insert operable to transfer or couple a mechanical load to a structure. This non-threaded insert includes an upper insert having a noncircular cross section and a lower insert. The coupled upper and lower insert are received within the structure and are operable to receive a mechanical load which is then distributed to the structure. The noncircular cross section of the upper insert is received within a noncircular receptacle wherein rotation of the upper insert within the receptacle is inhibited by mating the noncircular cross section of the upper insert within the noncircular receptacle. This allows mechanical loads to be distributed to be better coupled to materials such as composite materials wherein traditional thread fasteners would intensify mechanical stresses within the coupled threads.