Removable window system for space vehicles

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10370080-B2
Application number	US-201514968886-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 14, 2015
Priority date	Oct 24, 2011
Publication date	Aug 6, 2019
Grant date	Aug 6, 2019

Abstract

A method for manipulating a window system in a platform is provided. A biasing system may be removed that biases a retention frame toward a support frame while the support frame and the retention frame hold a window pane. The retention frame may be removed after removing the biasing system. The window pane may be removed.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method for manipulating a window system in a platform, the method comprising:
removing a first spring and a second spring in a biasing system that biases a retention frame toward a support frame while the support frame and the retention frame hold a window pane, wherein a first portion of the first spring is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the first spring is configured to engage a channel in the support frame, and wherein a first portion of the second spring is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the second spring is configured to engage the channel in the support frame;
removing the retention frame after removing the biasing system; and
removing the window pane.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
removing a sealing system in contact with the window pane after removing the retention frame.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the sealing system in contact with the window pane, the support frame, and the retention frame forms a seal for the window pane.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the retention frame comprises:
a base; and
a flange extending from the base, wherein the flange contacts the sealing system.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
removing a thermal protection system prior to removing the biasing system.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
placing a new window pane on the support frame;
replacing the retention frame; and
replacing the biasing system such that the retention frame and the support frame hold the new window pane.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support frame is connected to a structure for the platform by a fastener system.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the retention frame has an L-shape.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the platform is selected from one of a mobile platform, a stationary platform, a land-based structure, an aquatic-based structure, a space-based structure, a vehicle, an aircraft, a space capsule, a space shuttle, and a submarine.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first portion of the biasing system is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the biasing system is configured to engage the channel in the support frame.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the biasing system is a single continuous member.

12. A method for manipulating a window system in a platform, the method comprising:
removing a first spring and a second spring in a biasing system that biases a retention frame toward a support frame while the support frame and the retention frame hold a window pane, wherein a first portion of the first spring is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the first spring is configured to engage a channel in the support frame, and wherein a first portion of the second spring is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the second spring is configured to engage the channel in the support frame;
removing the retention frame after removing the biasing system; and
removing the window pane;
wherein the retention frame has an L-shape.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein a first portion of the biasing system is configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the biasing system is configured to engage the channel in the support frame.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the biasing system is a single continuous member.

15. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
removing a sealing system in contact with the window pane after removing the retention frame.

16. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
removing a thermal protection system prior to removing the biasing system.

17. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
placing a new window pane on the support frame;
replacing the retention frame; and
replacing the biasing system such that the retention frame and the support frame hold the new window pane.

18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the sealing system is in contact with the window pane, the support frame, and the retention frame forms a seal for the window pane.

19. The method of claim 12 , wherein the retention frame comprises:
a base; and
a flange extending from the base, wherein the flange contacts the sealing system.

20. A method for manipulating a window system in a spacecraft, the method comprising:
removing a thermal protection system from the window system;
removing a number of springs in a biasing system that biases a retention frame toward a support frame while the support frame and the retention frame hold a window pane in which the support frame is connected to a structure for the spacecraft by a fastener system, wherein a first portion of the number of springs are configured to contact the retention frame and a second portion of the number of springs is configured to engage a channel in the support frame;
removing the retention frame after removing the biasing system in which the retention frame has an L-shape with a base and a flange extending from the base;
removing a sealing system in contact with the window pane after removing the retention frame in which a sealing system in contact with the window pane, the support frame, and the retention frame form a seal for the window pane;
removing the window pane;
placing a new window pane on the support frame;
replacing the sealing system;
replacing the retention frame;
replacing the biasing system such that the retention frame and the support frame hold the new window pane; and
replacing the thermal protection system.

Assignees

• Boeing Co

Inventors

• Grady James P

Classifications

• B63B19/00

  Arrangements or adaptations of ports, doors, windows, port-holes, or other openings or covers (scuppers B63B13/00; arrangements of watertight doors in bulkheads B63B43/24) · CPC title

• B64C1/1492 Primary

  Structure and mounting of the transparent elements in the window or windscreen · CPC title

• B64G1/10

  Artificial satellites; Systems of such satellites; Interplanetary vehicles (space shuttles B64G1/14) · CPC title

• B64C1/1484 Primary

  Windows (B64C1/1492 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B64G1/60

  Crew or passenger accommodations · CPC title