Removable Window System for Spacecraft Maintenance Efficiency
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Summary
Problems
Current spacecraft window systems face issues with optical clarity and strength due to thermal stresses during re-entry, requiring time-consuming and costly inspection and replacement processes, often involving the removal of numerous fasteners.
Innovation solutions
A window system comprising a window pane, a retention frame, and a biasing system, where the biasing system biases the retention frame toward a support frame, allowing the window pane to be easily removable without disassembling the fastener system, using thermal and pressure seals to maintain the window in place.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If the window pane is secured with multiple fasteners to ensure structural integrity during re-entry, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance time are worsened due to the need to remove numerous fasteners for window replacement
Why choose this principle:
The window assembly is segmented into modular components: the window pane, retention frame, and support frame are designed as separate replaceable units. The retention frame can be removed independently from the support frame, allowing the window pane to be accessed and replaced without removing fasteners from the support frame structure. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Principle concept:
If the window system uses a complex fastener system to secure the window pane, then the reliability under thermal stress is improved, but the productivity and maintenance efficiency are worsened due to time-consuming disassembly and reassembly processes
Why choose this principle:
The system transitions from a static fastened state during operation to a dynamic easily-assembled state during maintenance. The retention frame is designed to be quickly attached and detached from the support frame using simple fastening mechanisms that require minimal tools and time, enabling rapid window pane replacement while maintaining reliable sealing and structural integrity when assembled.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A window system comprising a window pane, a retention frame, and a biasing system, where the biasing system biases the retention frame toward a support frame, allowing the window pane to be easily removable without disassembling the fastener system, using thermal and pressure seals to maintain the window in place.
Abstract
A window system for a platform comprising a window pane, a retention frame, and a biasing system. The window pane may be configured to contact a sealing system. The retention frame may be configured to contact the sealing system and hold the window pane against the support frame. The biasing system may be configured to bias the retention frame toward the support frame while the support frame and the retention frame are in a configuration that holds the window pane. Removal of the biasing system may cause the retention frame and the window pane to be removable.