Combined Pressure and Thermal Window for Spacecraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spacecraft window systems designed for re-entry into the atmosphere face challenges with optical clarity, strength, and thermal protection, often requiring multiple panes that increase weight and maintenance complexity, with fused silica windows offering limited thermal protection and decreased clarity with thickness.
Innovation Solution
A single window pane system providing both pressure and thermal protection, composed of materials like thermal plastic polymer, polycarbonate, or transparent composite, with a ductile structure and integrated seal and retainer systems to maintain optical clarity and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple window panes are used to provide both pressure and thermal protection, then the protective performance is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure protection and thermal protection functions into a single window pane structure. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate pressure and thermal window panes, reducing the number of components while maintaining both protective functions through a unified structural approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The single window pane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both pressure protection and thermal protection. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require two separate components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive protection.
2Reliability
If multiple window panes are used to provide both pressure and thermal protection, then the protective performance is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging pressure protection and thermal protection into a single window pane, the overall weight of the window system is reduced. Instead of requiring two separate panes, the integrated design uses one pane that accomplishes both protective functions, thereby decreasing total weight while maintaining protection levels.
3Illumination intensity
If fused silica is used for window panes to provide optical clarity, then the optical quality is improved, but the brittleness increases requiring thicker or additional panes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting materials with different mechanical properties than traditional fused silica. The chosen materials balance optical clarity with improved mechanical strength and ductility, allowing thinner pane designs that maintain both optical quality and structural integrity without the brittleness issues of fused silica.
4Strength
If fused silica window panes are made thicker to improve strength, then the strength is improved, but the optical clarity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters to achieve an optimal balance between strength and optical clarity. By selecting materials with superior mechanical properties compared to traditional fused silica, the design achieves adequate strength at reduced thickness, thereby maintaining optical clarity while providing sufficient structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A window system for a vehicle comprising a pressure and thermal window pane, a seal system, and a retainer system. The pressure and thermal window pane may be configured to provide desired pressure protection and desired thermal protection when exposed to an environment around the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The pressure and thermal window pane may have a desired ductility. The seal system may be configured to contact the pressure and thermal window pane to seal the pressure and thermal window pane. The retainer system may be configured to hold the seal system and the pressure and thermal window pane.