Trimming curves with curves then rebuilding, possible?

Hello all,

So I'm starting this problem off small with baby steps by trying to figure out how to do it in 2d before I turn it into an object problem.

I have 2 pieces of lets say..1/8" aluminum. In my model the pieces will overlap at the corners. 

I know most of you will try to say, just extrude it in the opposite direction but that will not work because I have a series of planar panels connected to one another by an neighboring edge.

I understand the basics of scripting and I feel like that might be a good solution since a lot of the intersections will pose a bit of a different situation. But I alone cannot start off a python or vb script.

I know it sounds confusing but if you have questions I can help.

The first photo is a plan view of the objects and what I want to accomplish,

the second photo is a small chunk of the panel system.

Thanks!