Bridge Modules

[Cmdr.Druss]

I read somewhere that the reason we see on-screen starships of the same class having different bridge designs is that most, if not all, bridges are modules and interchangable - The idea I believe is that a starship going on a science based mission could swap it's existing bridge module for one with more scientific capabilities.

I like this idea and explanation, but is it really feasable?

Surely the replacement module would have to have the same dimensions or else there might be a gaping hole in the hull?

Would the turbolifts not have to line up exactly?

And then there are the links from the various stations and terminals to the computer core, what if the new module features a terminal where there wasn't previously? How would this link up to the computer core (unless it's all wifi!)?

 

[Timo]

I like this idea and explanation, but is it really feasable?

I think it could be pulled off easily enough - but I don't see the rationale. Why would the bridge be in any way crucial to a mission profile? Shouldn't it be the sensors or weapons being swapped, rather than the generic controls and monitors?

Surely the replacement module would have to have the same dimensions or else there might be a gaping hole in the hull?

No doubt. Although it could easily be of a different shape, sometimes two decks tall, sometimes consisting of three separate towers, whatever floated the particular boat. It would suffice for the bottom layer to fit over the hole.

Today's modular warships have things of that sort for real. The German MEKO concept has standard-sized holes into which you can drop a DP gun, a CIWS system, an ASM launcher, an SAM launcher, a sensor, a jammer, whatever - systems of completely different shapes and sizes, just with a common pedestal box.

Would the turbolifts not have to line up exactly?

Probably not. After all, that's the very reason the writers came up with the bridge swap concept - because different movies showed the turbolift doors at different locations.

Remember that the turbolifts are individual cabs, free to move in three dimensions. No doubt every bridge type includes at least a short stretch of horizontal shaft so that the cabs can shuffle themselves while they wait for the next customer at this key location; the doors probably are always located well away from the hole down to the lower decks, so as not to block it from use by the other cabs. I'd assume a Constitution refit has two shafts down from Deck 1, as seen here:

http://movies.trekcore.com/gallery/albums/tmp/themotionpicture0300.jpg

The actual doors on Deck 1 can be positioned at arbitrary sectors of the bridge, as long as they aren't atop these shafts and blocking them...

However, again I would think that swapping the entire bridge would not be necessary or sensible. Rather, the various slices of the bridge pie probably can be pulled out and replaced, so that what once was a science console can be swapped for a doorway, a turbolift station or a mini-transporter with minimum fuss.

And then there are the links from the various stations and terminals to the computer core, what if the new module features a terminal where there wasn't previously? How would this link up to the computer core (unless it's all wifi!)?

I'd assume the computer would be flexible enough to accommodate the plugging in of all sorts of new systems, all across the ship. Sometimes one would have to install extra cabling, but usually there would be generic sockets just waiting for these new systems (and in most cases never receiving any).

Timo Saloniemi

 

[SchwEnt]

I can believe in the feasibility of bridge modules.

I've seen WTF photos of cruise ships cut right down the middle, a new larger mid-section inserted, and then the entire thing re-attached into one whole vessel again.

If that's possible today, I have no doubt a single bridge module can be detached and swapped out with another-- especially if it was designed that way from the beginning.

 

[Tribble Herder]

Makes perfect sense to me to have them be plug-in modules. Makes it a breeze to get a trashed ship back out in the field, as well as giving a decent rationale for putting the bridge way up on top in the first place. Ease of access.

 

[Herkimer Jitty]

Surely the replacement module would have to have the same dimensions or else there might be a gaping hole in the hull?

Would the turbolifts not have to line up exactly?

And then there are the links from the various stations and terminals to the computer core, what if the new module features a terminal where there wasn't previously? How would this link up to the computer core (unless it's all wifi!)?

If you run into these kinds of oversights, the solution is simple:

Fire your engineers.

 

[SWHouston]

If you run into these kinds of oversights, the solution is simple:

Fire your engineers.

Somewhat difficult when their competency and Heroism are in conflict. Space is replete with incompetent nice guys.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

I recall reading that the bridges were modular, too, decades ago. Does anybody know where the idea came from, and where it was first or first widely circulated in print?

 

[nightwind1]

I read somewhere that the reason we see on-screen starships of the same class having different bridge designs is that most, if not all, bridges are modules and interchangable - The idea I believe is that a starship going on a science based mission could swap it's existing bridge module for one with more scientific capabilities.

I like this idea and explanation, but is it really feasable?

Surely the replacement module would have to have the same dimensions or else there might be a gaping hole in the hull?

Would the turbolifts not have to line up exactly?

And then there are the links from the various stations and terminals to the computer core, what if the new module features a terminal where there wasn't previously? How would this link up to the computer core (unless it's all wifi!)?

As often as the control panels on the Bridge burst into a shower of sparks and flame, it would probably be easier to replace the whole Bridge than every panel.

 

[SWHouston]

See what I mean...

Forgot to put an In-line Fuse in the Circuit.

 

[Herkimer Jitty]

Fuses were lost in the Eugenics Wars, the same conflict which wiped out knowledge of electric guitars and modern pop music.

 

[FalTorPan]

I recall reading that the bridges were modular, too, decades ago. Does anybody know where the idea came from, and where it was first or first widely circulated in print?

The Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, by Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda.

 

[Forbin]

I imagined they were plug-in for the sake of upgrading and refit, but not routinely swappable on a mission basis.

Like when CVN-65 got a whole new island.

 

[Timo]

The very concept of building these sets with prominent and evident "wild walls" (demarcated by the sharp angles between the flat sections of plywood) tends to yell "modularity" and "swappability" and other such slogans at me... The TOS bridge and the TOS movie bridges all consisted of a series of wedges, the swapping of which would probably be the default step before one actually attempted swapping the entire bridge dome.

Sure, one might see advantages in swapping the entire assembly all at once especially if a major percentage of the wedges had to go. But the bridge can't be the only part of the ship that needs to undergo such refitting on a regular basis. And if they can swap consoles and sections inside the saucer, they can do it inside the bridge dome as well, without needing to play with the actual hull structures.

On the other hand, I could see major advantages in the use of standardized bridge modules in construction. Certain popular fan designs modify or drop the saucer and use different designs for warp and impulse engines, but retain the bridge, which is an excellent feature for providing scale and continuity. Starfleet could arguably churn out these domes in series production even if there never emerged the need to do a swap...

Timo Saloniemi

 

[blssdwlf]

The TOS bridge's turbolift position moved over one section in "Where No Man Has Gone Before" compared to "The Cage" and then moved back in S1 and the rest of the series. The TOS S2-3 engine room appeared to undergo several updates over the last two seasons so I don't see why the bridge couldn't be internally updated without having to be swapped out, IMHO.

 

[Jose Tyler]

The very concept of building these sets with prominent and evident "wild walls" (demarcated by the sharp angles between the flat sections of plywood) tends to yell "modularity" and "swappability" and other such slogans at me... The TOS bridge and the TOS movie bridges all consisted of a series of wedges, the swapping of which would probably be the default step before one actually attempted swapping the entire bridge dome.

Sure, one might see advantages in swapping the entire assembly all at once especially if a major percentage of the wedges had to go. But the bridge can't be the only part of the ship that needs to undergo such refitting on a regular basis. And if they can swap consoles and sections inside the saucer, they can do it inside the bridge dome as well, without needing to play with the actual hull structures.

On the other hand, I could see major advantages in the use of standardized bridge modules in construction. Certain popular fan designs modify or drop the saucer and use different designs for warp and impulse engines, but retain the bridge, which is an excellent feature for providing scale and continuity. Starfleet could arguably churn out these domes in series production even if there never emerged the need to do a swap...

Timo Saloniemi

I could see a wholesale bridge module replacement if say the entier bridge interface hardware was going from M-5 Version 47B to M-6 Version 1A (something like between STIV and STV, and STV and STVI) or if there was structural damage to the bridge or bridge dome itself (like the conclusion of nu-trek), but otherwise it would be a series of swap-outs of the wedges as needed; "Uhura, Charlie Evans fried most of your station, you are getting a replacement on Tuesday." kind of situation.

Or maybe they just pull out the whole module ever few years and have the Starfleet Corp of Engineerings go over everything to see how the design handled wear and tear, and try new ways to keep consoles from sparking in combat...

 

[SWHouston]

Fuses were lost in the Eugenics Wars, the same conflict which wiped out knowledge of electric guitars and modern pop music.

But, Bluegrass LIVES !

 

[MatthiasRussell]

Interchangable bridge modules is very feasible.

I'm an aerospace engineering, currently working as a liaison engineer where I take structures that aren't per drawing and make them work. Airplanes and space vehicles are often constructed in a module fashion for easier construction and so you can build sub assemblies at different locations. This also makes it easier to swap out bad parts and assemblies.

So we already practice this type of construction method in aerospace now. Starfleet obviously does too since they can swap out saucers, nacelles, etc on many of their ships. Swapping out bridge modules I'm sure is easier than swapping out an entire engine nacelle or even a warp core.

What if you want to install a bridge that wasn't made to fit a particular ship class? No big deal. With appropriate adapters you can make the electronics compatable and maintain acceptable load paths.

Look at the Boeing 747 Dreamlifter or NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. These 747s are converted airliners. If we can do that to a 747, Starfleet can do it with a bridge module.

 

[SWHouston]

There are Industrial Transporters, and Industrial Replicators (per se).

Scan the area for the Bridge, and task the replicator to fill it up with things ranging from Beams to Cup Holders.

CAD with a "practical" application.

 

[Timo]

...Which might be why "modular bridges" no longer appear to be in fashion in the 24th century.

Timo Saloniemi

 

[Ian Keldon]

See what I mean...

Forgot to put an In-line Fuse in the Circuit.

Actually, Exploding Consoles of Doom are technically realistic.

I found this thread from a couple years back where an electrical engineer explains what is happening and why:

http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=131768