Method and system for detecting leakage in thermal protection device using liquid crystal chip

Abstract

The present application relates to methods and systems for detecting leaks in a thermal protection device using a liquid crystal sheet, and in an example a method for inspecting a thermal protection device is described. The device includes a composite wall and a thermal insulation blanket, wherein the thermal insulation blanket is coupled to the wall by a sealant, the sealant is disposed around the periphery of the composite wall and offset from the periphery of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the thermal insulation blanket, and wherein the wall, the thermal insulation blanket and the sealant form a plenum chamber within the device. The method includes pressurizing the plenum chamber with pressurized air, heating the pressurized air within the plenum chamber, and inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the wall and the thermal insulation blanket and proximate the periphery of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air leaves a gap in the device and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to inspecting thermal protection devices, and more particularly to detecting leaks in thermal protection devices using liquid crystal sheets. Background Art

[0002] Thermal protection systems may be used in aircraft to insulate one area or component of the aircraft from heat generated by or passing through another area or component of the aircraft. To do this, an insulating material may be sealed or otherwise coupled to the surface to be insulated. If the insulating material is not properly sealed or coupled to the surface, the high temperatures may damage the surface.

[0003] Existing methods for inspecting gaps in thermal protection systems typically involve the use of ultrasonic leak detectors or bubbling leak detection fluids. In addition, existing methods typically require a direct line of sight to determine the presence and location of a gap. However, existing methods may be inaccurate, such as when used to detect small gaps. Additionally, when a thermal protection system is located in an inaccessible area of ​​an aircraft, it may be difficult to inspect using existing methods that require a direct line of sight.

[0004] What is needed is an accurate and efficient method and system for checking clearances of a thermal protection system. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an example, a method for inspecting a thermal protector is described. The thermal protector includes a composite wall and an insulation blanket. The insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall by a sealant, the sealant being disposed around and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket. The composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum chamber within the thermal protector. The method includes pressurizing the plenum chamber with pressurized air, heating the pressurized air within the plenum chamber, and inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate a perimeter of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air leaves a gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0006] In another example, a system including a thermal protector and a liquid crystal sheet is described. The thermal protector includes a composite wall and an insulation blanket. The insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall by a sealant, the sealant is disposed around and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall, and is disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket. The composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum within the thermal protector. The liquid crystal sheet is removably disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate a perimeter of the sealant. The liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air leaves a gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0007] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon is described, which, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, causes the computing device to perform functions. The functions include pressurizing a plenum chamber within a thermal protector with pressurized air. The thermal protector includes a composite wall and an insulation blanket. The insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall via a sealant, the sealant being disposed around and offset from a periphery of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket. The composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum chamber within the thermal protector. The functions also include heating the pressurized air within the plenum chamber and inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate to a periphery of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air leaves a gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0008] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples. Further details of the examples can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. However, the illustrative examples together with the preferred mode of use, further objects and description thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative examples of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a thrust reverser according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a thermal protection device according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram for inspecting Figure 3 Illustration of aspects and equipment involved in an example process of a thermal protection device.

[0014] Figure 5 A flow chart is shown of an example method 200 of inspecting a thermal protection device according to an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 6 A method for performing Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method of the pressurization function of the method.

[0016] Figure 7 A method for performing Figure 5A flow chart of another example method of the pressurization function of the method.

[0017] Figure 8 According to an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method is used in conjunction with a flowchart of an example method.

[0018] Fig. 9 A method for performing Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method of the heating function of the method.

[0019] Fig.10 A method for performing Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method of the pressurizing and heating functions of the method.

[0020] Fig.11 According to an example embodiment, Fig.10 The method is used in conjunction with a flowchart of an example method.

[0021] Fig.12 A method for performing Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method of inserting functionality of a method.

[0022] Fig.13 According to an example embodiment, Figure 5 A flowchart of another example method for use in conjunction with the method.

[0023] Fig.14 According to an example embodiment, Figure 5 A flowchart of another example method for use in conjunction with the method.

[0024] Fig.15 A block diagram of a computing device is shown according to an example implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The disclosed examples will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all disclosed examples are shown. In fact, several different examples may be described, and they should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Instead, these examples are described so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and "near / approximately" mean that the recited characteristics, parameters, or values ​​need not be achieved precisely, but may deviate or vary by an amount that does not impair the effect that the characteristic is intended to provide, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Unless specifically stated otherwise, elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0028] In an example, a method and system for detecting a leak (i.e., the presence of a gap) in a thermal protector is described. The thermal protector includes a composite wall and an insulation blanket. The insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall via a sealant disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket. The sealant is disposed around a perimeter of the composite wall and offset from the perimeter of the composite wall. The composite wall, the sealant, and the insulation blanket together form a plenum within the thermal protector.

[0029] The thermal protection device arranged as described above can be used in various areas of the aircraft. For example, the aircraft generally includes a shell separated from the fuselage, which contains the engine, fuel and other equipment. The shell (also referred to as a "nacelle") may also include a thrust reverser in the shell, which is used to turn the thrust of the engine so that the thrust is directed forward rather than backward, thereby providing deceleration. The thermal protection device can be used to isolate the composite inner wall of the thrust reverser fan duct from the heat generated by the engine core (e.g., (one or more) compressors, (one or more) turbines and / or (one or more) combustion chambers). In this case, the insulation blanket can be sealed to the composite inner wall to prevent hot air from escaping the insulation blanket. If the thermal protection device is improperly sealed, hot air may bypass the thermal protection device and damage the composite inner wall.

[0030] In these and other scenarios, what is needed is an accurate and efficient method and system for checking the clearance of thermal protection devices.

[0031] Thus, the methods and systems described herein involve pressurizing the plenum of the thermal protector with heated air and then inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant. In other words, the liquid crystal sheet is inserted into the area defined by offsetting the sealant from the perimeter of the composite wall. The liquid crystal sheet is heat sensitive and is configured to change color when heated. Thus, if there is a gap in the thermal protector (e.g., a gap in the sealant at a location along the sealant), the heated pressurized air will leave the gap and change the color of the liquid crystal sheet as it heats the liquid crystal sheet, thereby providing a visual indication that the gap exists.

[0032] Furthermore, when a liquid crystal sheet is inserted as described above and there is a gap in the thermal protector, the location of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits a color change can be related to the location of the gap. Additionally, when the gap is larger, more heated pressurized air will leave the gap, and thus a larger surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet will exhibit a color change, while when the gap is smaller, less heated pressurized air will leave the gap, and thus a smaller surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet will exhibit a color change. Thus, the methods and systems described herein improve the accuracy of detecting the location of the gap and also help estimate the size of the gap. This is particularly useful in situations where the thermal protector is large and the gap is difficult to locate in other ways.

[0033] The methods and systems described herein also provide other advantages. For example, the color change caused by the gap can occur within a short time (e.g., 5 seconds or less) after the liquid crystal sheet is inserted, thereby reducing the time spent inspecting the gap. As another example, the liquid crystal sheet can be thin (e.g., having a thickness of 50 microns to 200 microns) and can therefore be inserted into a small area to detect gaps at locations that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access using other inspection methods. Along these lines, the methods and systems described herein do not require direct line of sight of personnel inspecting the thermal protection device. As another example, detecting gaps using heated pressurized air and a liquid crystal sheet in an inflatable chamber can be a lower cost alternative to existing inspection methods and systems. In addition, the methods and systems described herein can be used to help ensure that the thermal protection device is properly sealed before an aircraft with a thermal protection device enters service, thereby preventing damage to the composite wall due to hot air impact.

[0034] These and other improvements are described in more detail below. The embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes. The embodiments described below and other embodiments may also provide other improvements.

[0035] In the present disclosure, examples are described primarily with respect to detecting gaps in a thermal protection device disposed within a thrust reverser of an aircraft. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the thermal protection device may be located in other areas of the aircraft, or may be used in a vehicle or other object other than an aircraft, and may be inspected using the same or similar methods as described herein.

[0036] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft 100 according to an example embodiment. The aircraft 100 includes a nacelle 102. As described above, the nacelle 102 may include a thrust reverser, such as Figure 2 A thrust reverser 104 is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 It can be installed on Figure 1A cutaway perspective view of an example embodiment of a thrust reverser 104 on an aircraft 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 A thermal protection device 106 is shown disposed within the thrust reverser 104. The thermal protection device 106 includes a composite wall 108 that also serves as an inner wall structure of the thrust reverser 104. To insulate the composite wall 108 from heat generated by the engine core, the thermal protection device 106 includes a thermal insulation blanket 110 coupled to the composite wall 108 by a sealant 112 disposed around and offset from the perimeter of the composite wall 108 and disposed between the composite wall 108 and the thermal insulation blanket 110. The sealant 112 seals the gap between the thermal insulation blanket 110 and the composite wall 108 to prevent hot air from escaping through the thermal insulation blanket 110. The composite wall 108, the thermal insulation blanket 110, and the sealant 112 together form a plenum chamber within the thermal protection device 106, such as Figure 3 The plenum chamber 114 is shown.

[0038] In an example, the sealant 112 can be a bead of sealant that is manually laid on the surface of the composite wall 108 and / or the surface of the insulation blanket 110 when assembling the thermal protection device 106, such as in a manner similar to the application of caulk to the surface. As used herein, a bead is defined as a row of substantially continuously applied ductile material (e.g., sealant 112). The bead of sealant 112 can be a bead of silicone sealant or a bead of another type of sealant.

[0039] In an alternative example, the sealant 112 may be a preformed seal that seals against the composite wall 108. As a more specific example, such a seal may be a preformed silicone seal (e.g., a silicone seal having a silicone impregnated fabric encapsulating an elastomeric core) that is coupled to the insulation blanket 110 and that seals against the composite wall 108 when the thermal protection device 106 is assembled. Use of a seal may allow the insulation blanket 110 to be removed from the composite wall 108 without damaging the insulation blanket 110. Other types of sealants may be used in addition to or in lieu of the above-described embodiments.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the area where the sealant 112 is present is depicted by a pair of dashed lines. The sealant 112 is offset from the perimeter of the composite wall 108. This offset is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 It is clearly shown in Figure 3 The sealant 112 may be provided in Figure 2 Additional locations beyond those shown and / or in alternative locations.

[0041] In an example, the sealant 112 may have a substantially uniform width within a range between 10 millimeters and 40 millimeters. Alternatively, the substantially uniform width may be outside of this range. In an alternative example, the sealant 112 may not be uniform.

[0042] An example method and system for checking for leaks in the thermal protection device 106 will now be described in more detail. In particular, Figure 3 Such methods and systems are described at a high level. Figure 4 A more detailed example of a method and system for checking for leaks in the thermal protection device 106 is described below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description of the present invention discusses some operations being performed in a particular order, but it should be understood that in alternative examples, such operations may be performed in a different order.

[0043] Figure 3 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a thermal protection device 106 according to an example embodiment. As shown, the sealant 112 is offset from the periphery (i.e., the outer edge) of the composite wall 108 by a distance d. In an example, d may be in a range between 10 mm and 60 mm. In an alternative example, d may be a value outside of this range. In either case, d may or may not be substantially uniform around the periphery of the composite wall 108. In addition, the sealant 112 has a width w, which may or may not be substantially uniform, as described above.

[0044] like Figure 3 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the composite wall 108, the insulation blanket 110, and the sealant 112 form a plenum 114 within the thermal protection device 106. In addition, Figure 3 A representative example of a structure 115 having a small opening is shown, however, the structure 115 obstructs direct line of sight viewing of the sealant 112. A metal heat shield is an example of a form that the structure may take, however other structures are possible. Based on the above discussion, the methods and systems described herein overcome the problem of not having a direct line of sight available by using a liquid crystal sheet to inspect the thermal protection device 106. Therefore, Figure 3 A liquid crystal sheet 116 is shown inserted into a small opening formed by structure 115 and removably disposed between composite wall 108 and insulation blanket 110 and proximate the perimeter of sealant 112 .

[0045] also, Figure 3 A valve 117 is shown which may be used to deliver heated pressurized air into the plenum 114 .

[0046] To facilitate indicating the presence of a gap in the thermal protection device 106 (e.g., a gap in the sealant or a gap between the sealant and the composite wall 108 or the insulation blanket 110) (such as Figure 3The liquid crystal sheet 116 may be configured to change color when certain temperature conditions are met to change the color of the gap 118 shown. For example, the liquid crystal sheet 116 may include microencapsulated thermochromic liquid crystal molecules coated on a backing (e.g., a black sheet). These molecules are temperature sensitive, and their molecular structure may change relative to temperature changes, which in turn affects the wavelengths of light reflected and absorbed by the molecules, thereby causing a visual indication of a color change.

[0047] The properties of the liquid crystal sheet used for inspection can vary, including the temperature range that causes the liquid crystal sheet to change color. Therefore, the temperature range for heating the pressurized air in the plenum 114 can be selected based on the properties of the liquid crystal sheet used for inspection. As an example, the liquid crystal sheet 116 can be configured to change color when the heated pressurized air in the plenum 114 (and therefore the air leaving the plenum 114 through the gap 118) is at a temperature in the range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, when the air leaving the plenum 114 falls within a specific temperature range, the liquid crystal sheet 116 can only present certain colors, and therefore, the temperature range for heating the pressurized air can be selected based on the desired color. As an example of color change, a liquid crystal sheet with a default color of black can be selected, and the liquid crystal sheet can be configured so that a temperature in the range of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit causes the liquid crystal sheet 116 to change from black to non-black, such as blue, green, yellow and / or red. Other default colors, color changes, and temperature ranges are also possible. Certain color changes (eg, black to blue) may indicate hotter temperatures than other color changes (such as black to red or black to green).

[0048] To inspect the thermal protection device 106, the plenum 114 is pressurized with pressurized air, and the pressurized air within the plenum 114 is heated. In an example, the heated pressurized air may be inserted into the plenum 114 at an approximate geometric center of the thermal protection device 106 (i.e., at the actual geometric center of the thermal protection device 106 or within a threshold distance from the actual geometric center of the thermal protection device 106, where the threshold is based on manufacturing tolerances), such as Figure 3 In this way, a substantially uniform distribution of heated pressurized air can be achieved because the location at which the heated pressurized air is introduced into the plenum 114 can be substantially equidistant from all of the seal areas being inspected. As an example, the pressurized air can be introduced into the plenum 114 at substantially the same distance from all of the seal areas being inspected. Figure 3The heated pressurized air is inserted into the plenum 114 at the position 119 shown. As the distance from the location where the heated pressurized air is inserted increases, the temperature and pressure can decrease. For example, injecting heated pressurized air near one edge of the thermal protector 106 can cause high temperature and pressure at one edge, but the temperature and pressure at the opposite edge will decrease, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the inspection at the opposite edge. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of the inspection process as a whole, it is desirable to have a substantially uniform distribution of heated pressurized air. In addition, the basic geometry of the thermal protector can vary depending on the specific circumstances, and the location where the pressurized air is introduced should be as close to the geometric center of the thermal protector 106 as possible to achieve uniform distribution.

[0049] The pressure range for pressurizing the plenum 114 may be selected based on various factors. For example, the pressure range may be selected such that if one or more gaps are present, a desired amount of air will leave such gap(s), but if no gaps are present, the pressure within the selected range may be low enough to avoid any damage to the thermal protection device 106. In an example, the plenum 114 may be pressurized to a pressure between 0.05 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and 0.1 pounds psig, a range selected to avoid damage to the insulation blanket 110.

[0050] Furthermore, the temperature at which the pressurized air within plenum 114 is heated may be selected based on the configuration of liquid crystal sheet 116. For example, in an example where plenum 114 is pressurized to a pressure within a range between 0.05 psig and 0.1 psig, or in an alternative example where the pressurized air within plenum 114 may be heated to a temperature between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, as described above, liquid crystal sheet 116 may be configured to change color when heated within this range.

[0051] Pressure and temperature ranges other than those described above may also be selected. Other temperature ranges may be selected based on how the liquid crystal cell 116 is configured (eg, at which temperature the liquid crystal cell 116 exhibits a desired degree of color change).

[0052] In an example, the act of pressurizing the plenum 114 with pressurized air and heating the pressurized air within the plenum 114 may involve controlling a heating device (e.g., Figure 4 The heating device 124) is configured to heat the pressurized air and, after heating the pressurized air, deliver the heated pressurized air to the plenum 114. The heating device can be configured to heat the pressurized air before it is delivered to the plenum 114 and can take various forms, such as being an inline heater. In addition, the heating device can be controlled by a controller (e.g., Figure 4The controller 130 may be controlled by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller or other type of controller. Further, a temperature sensor may be located in the plenum 114 and configured to acquire data indicative of the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum 114. As such, the controller may use the acquired data to adjust the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum 114, such as by adjusting the temperature of the pressurized air by a heating device.

[0053] In an example, the act of adjusting the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum based on data acquired by the temperature sensor may involve the controller receiving data from the temperature sensor and determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of a predetermined temperature range (e.g., outside of a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit). In response to the controller determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of the predetermined temperature range, the controller may control the heating device to adjust the temperature at which the pressurized air is heated by the heating device.

[0054] As discussed above, if the temperature of the air in the plenum 114 is too low or too high (e.g., outside the above-mentioned range of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit), more air is delivered into the plenum 114, but at a higher or lower temperature than before during the inspection. This can increase the pressure in the plenum 114, and the resulting pressure can be higher than the desired pressure (e.g., outside the range of 0.05 psig to 0.1 psig). Therefore, in an example, before pressurizing the plenum 114 with pressurized air, an outlet in the insulation blanket 110 can be provided, wherein the outlet is configured to discharge the pressurized air from the plenum 114, thereby increasing the flow rate of the pressurized air into the plenum 114 and maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the plenum 114. The location of such an outlet can vary, but in order to achieve a substantially uniform distribution of the heated pressurized air, the outlet should generally be located near the location 119 where the heated pressurized air is inserted into the plenum 114. As an example, the outlet may be located within a distance from the location 119 that is 10% of the distance between the edge of the thermal protection device 106 and the location 119. Other examples are possible.

[0055] As described above, the liquid crystal sheet 116 changes color when exposed to heated air, and thus can be used to detect the presence and location (and possibly additionally the size) of a gap (e.g., gap 118) in the thermal protection device 106, because when the plenum 114 is pressurized with heated air, the heated air will leave the gap. Also, to facilitate this, the liquid crystal sheet 116 can be inserted between the composite wall 108 and the thermal blanket 110 at one or more locations along the perimeter of the sealant 112. In an example, the action of inserting the liquid crystal sheet 116 can involve inserting the liquid crystal sheet 116 for a time in the range of 0.5 to 3 seconds, after which the liquid crystal sheet 116 can be removed (or left inserted) and the color change checked. The short exposure time required to cause the color change can reduce the overall inspection time of the thermal protection device 106. However, in some cases, more or less time than 0.5 to 3 seconds may be required for the crystals in the liquid crystal sheet 116 to absorb heat and present a color change indicating a gap. The type of liquid crystal sheet used can affect the exposure time and / or temperature level required to cause the color change.

[0056] In an example, after the liquid crystal sheet 116 is inserted, the liquid crystal sheet 116 can be inspected to determine the location of the gap relative to the location of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 that exhibits a color change when the liquid crystal sheet 116 is inserted. As a more specific example, consider a case involving a square thermal protector 106. In this case, when the plenum 114 is pressurized with heated air, a liquid crystal sheet 116 having the same length as one side of the thermal protector 106 (however, a similar length is not required to determine the gap) can be inserted, as described above. As a result, a surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 that is approximately 5 centimeters away from the end of the liquid crystal sheet 116 can be exposed to the heated air from the gap and exhibit a color change. In this way, it can be determined that the gap in the thermal protector 106 is approximately 5 centimeters from the end of the thermal protector 106 on the side where the liquid crystal sheet 116 is inserted. Other examples are also possible.

[0057] In an example, after the liquid crystal sheet 116 is inserted, the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 that exhibits a color change can be measured, and based on the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 that exhibits a color change, it can be determined whether there is a gap in the thermal protection device. In some cases, a small portion of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 may change color due to reasons other than a gap, such as the liquid crystal sheet 116 being inadvertently exposed to other heat sources, and such a small portion may not be considered to be related to a gap in the thermal protection device 106. In addition, if a gap is determined to exist, the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet 116 that exhibits a color change can be roughly related to the size of the gap (e.g., a larger surface area means that a larger gap exists), which can be used to determine which gap (if any) is the most important (e.g., the gap that is most likely to cause damage to the composite wall 108 if it is not properly sealed).

[0058] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting aspects and equipment involved in an example process for inspecting the thermal protection device 106 according to an example implementation. Figure 4 Includes all aspects and equipment described above, as well as some additional aspects and equipment.

[0059] As shown, source air 120 is stored in an accumulator 122, which is configured to store pressurized air. The pressurized air can then be delivered from the accumulator 122 to a heating device 124, and then to the plenum 114. The accumulator 122 can be an air tank or other housing configured to store pressurized air.

[0060] The inspection process may also involve a charge inlet needle valve 126 configured to control intake air into the heating device 124 (e.g., by an individual manually opening the valve or by an indicating device opening the valve), and may also involve a charge inlet rotameter 128 configured to monitor the inlet air flow rate of the pressurized air entering the heating device 124. Although the accumulator 122 and the heating device 124 are shown as separate components, in some examples, the accumulator 122 may include a heating device configured to heat the pressurized air stored in the accumulator 122.

[0061] As described above, the controller 130 can regulate the temperature of the pressurized air delivered to the plenum 114. To facilitate this, for example, a charge air temperature sensor 132 (e.g., a thermocouple) configured to monitor the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum 114 can be disposed in the plenum 114. The controller 130 can receive periodic or continuous measurements of the temperature of the air in the plenum 114, and when the temperature is below or above a predetermined threshold (or outside a predetermined range), the controller 130 can responsively adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the pressurized air heated by the heating device 124 and delivered to the plenum 114.

[0062] Figure 4 Also shown in FIG. 1 are an air inlet temperature sensor 134 (e.g., another thermocouple), an air pressure sensor 136, and an outlet 138. The air inlet temperature sensor 134 can be configured to monitor the temperature of the air leaving the heating device 124. The temperature read by the air inlet temperature sensor 134 can be used as an additional basis for adjusting the temperature at which the heating device 124 heats the pressurized air, such as in the same manner as discussed above regarding how to use the temperature data from the air temperature sensor 132. The air pressure sensor 136 can be disposed in the plenum 114 and configured to monitor the pressure of the air in the plenum 114. In an example, the air pressure sensor 136 can be communicatively linked to the controller 130 or another computing device so that when the pressure in the plenum 114 is below or above a predetermined threshold (or outside a predetermined range), the controller 130 or other device can responsively adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the pressure at which the source air 120 is pressurized. Other examples are also possible. In addition, the outlet 138 can be used to exhaust air so as not to increase the pressure in the plenum 114 to an undesirable level.

[0063] pass Figure 4 In the arrangement shown, when a gap exists in the thermal protector 106 , heated air exits the plenum 114 into the atmosphere 140 , and thus the liquid crystal sheet 116 may be interposed between the composite wall 108 and the insulation blanket 110 at one or more locations along the perimeter of the sealant 112 .

[0064] Figure 5 A flow chart is shown of an example method 200 of inspecting a thermal protection device according to an example implementation. Figure 5 The method 200 shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a method for use with the thermal protection device 106 shown. In addition, the device or system can be used or configured to perform Figure 5. In some cases, the components of the device and / or system may be configured to perform functions so that the components are actually configured and constructed (by hardware and / or software) to achieve such performance. In other examples, the components of the device and / or system may be arranged to be suitable, capable of, or adapted to perform functions, such as when operated in a particular manner. Method 200 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as shown in one or more of the blocks 202-206. Although the blocks are shown in a continuous order, these blocks may also be executed in parallel, and / or in an order different from the order described herein. Moreover, various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based on the desired implementation.

[0065] It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the flow chart illustrates the functions and operations of one possible implementation of this example. In this regard, each box or part of each box can represent a module, a segment or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions that can be executed by a processor to implement a specific logical function or step in the process. The program code can be stored on any type of computer-readable medium or data storage device, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or a hard drive. In addition, the program code can be encoded in a machine-readable format on a computer-readable storage medium, or encoded on other non-transitory media or products. The computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory, for example, a computer-readable medium that stores data for a short time such as a register memory, a processor cache, and a random access memory (RAM). The computer-readable medium may also include a non-transitory medium, for example, a secondary or persistent long-term storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical disk or disk, a read-only optical disk memory (CD-ROM). The computer-readable medium may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. For example, a computer-readable medium may be considered to be a tangible computer-readable storage medium.

[0066] in addition, Figure 5 Each block or portion of each block in the and other processes and methods disclosed herein may represent circuits connected by lines to perform specific logical functions in the process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure, where functions may be performed in a different order than shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functions involved, as reasonably understood by those skilled in the art.

[0067] At block 202 , method 200 includes pressurizing a plenum with pressurized air.

[0068] Figure 6A flow chart is shown of an example method for performing pressurization as shown in block 202, according to an example implementation. At block 208, functionality includes introducing pressurized air into the plenum chamber at an approximate geometric center of the thermal protection device, whereby distribution of the pressurized air is substantially uniform.

[0069] Figure 7 A flow chart is shown of another example method for performing pressurization as shown in block 202, according to an example implementation. At block 210, the function includes pressurizing the plenum chamber to a pressure within a range between 0.05 psig and 0.1 psig.

[0070] In some embodiments, certain actions may be performed prior to pressurizing the plenum with pressurized air. Figure 8 A flow chart is shown of an example method for use with method 200 according to an example implementation. Prior to pressurizing the plenum chamber with pressurized air, an action includes providing an outlet in the insulation blanket configured to exhaust pressurized air from the plenum chamber, thereby increasing the flow rate of pressurized air into the plenum chamber and maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the plenum chamber, as indicated by block 212.

[0071] Return to reference Figure 5 At block 204 , method 200 includes heating pressurized air within the plenum.

[0072] Fig. 9 A flow chart is shown of an example method for performing heating as shown in block 204, according to an example implementation. At block 214, the function includes heating the pressurized air within the plenum to a temperature within a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0073] Fig.10 A flow chart is shown of an example method for performing pressurization and heating as shown in blocks 202 and 204, respectively, according to an example implementation. At block 216, the functionality includes controlling a heating device to heat the pressurized air, and at block 218, the functionality includes causing the heated pressurized air to be delivered to the plenum after heating the pressurized air.

[0074] In some embodiments where a heating device heats pressurized air and the heated pressurized air is then delivered to the plenum, as indicated at blocks 216 and 218 , other functions may be performed. Fig.11 A flow chart of an example method for use with method 200 is shown according to an example implementation. In particular, Fig.11 The example method shown is for use with Fig.10 As described above, the heating device may be an inline air heater or other type of heating device configured to heat air.

[0075] At box 220, the functionality includes receiving, by the controller, data indicating the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum from a temperature sensor in the plenum. At box 222, the functionality includes determining, by the controller, that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of a predetermined temperature range. And at box 224, the functionality includes, in response to determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of the predetermined temperature range, controlling, by the controller, the heating device to adjust a heating temperature at which the pressurized air is heated by the heating device. As described above, the controller may be a PID controller.

[0076] Return to reference Figure 5 At block 206, method 200 includes inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant. As described above, the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits the gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0077] Fig.12 A flow chart is shown of an example method for performing the insertion as shown in block 206 according to an example implementation. At block 226, the function includes inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant for a time ranging between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds.

[0078] In some embodiments, some actions may be performed after the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant. For example, such actions may involve determining the location of potential gaps in the thermal protection device. Fig.13 A flow chart is shown of another example method for use with method 200 according to an example implementation. After inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, the function includes determining the location of the gap relative to the location of a surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits a color change when the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, as shown in block 228.

[0079] As another example, such action may involve determining the size of a potential gap in the thermal protection device. Fig.14 A flow chart is shown of another example method for use with method 200 according to an example implementation. After inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, the functions include measuring the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits the color change, and based on the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits the color change, determining whether there is a gap in the thermal protection device, as shown in blocks 230 and 232.

[0080] In examples of the methods and systems described herein, and in accordance with the above discussion, a computing device may be configured to perform one or more of the operations described herein, and / or cause one or more other devices, components, etc. to perform one or more of the operations described herein.

[0081] Fig.15 A block diagram of a computing device 300 according to an example implementation is shown. As shown, the computing device 300 includes a communication interface 302, such as a wireless interface, which is configured to send and receive data (e.g., commands) from other devices (e.g., sensors, local control systems of electromechanical devices). In addition, the computing device 300 includes one or more processors 304, data storage 306, and executable instructions 308. The communication interface 302, the one or more processors 304, and the data storage 306 are each connected to a communication bus 310.

[0082] The data storage device 306 may include or take the form of a memory, such as one or more computer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed by the one or more processors 304. The computer-readable storage media may include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic, or other memory or disk storage devices, which may be integrated in whole or in part with the one or more processors 304. The data storage device 306 is considered to be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some examples, the data storage device 306 may be implemented using a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic, or other memory or disk storage unit), while in other examples, the data storage device 306 may be implemented using two or more physical devices.

[0083] Thus, data storage device 306 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and has stored thereon executable instructions 308. Executable instructions 308 include computer-executable code.

[0084] The one or more processors 304 may be general purpose processors or special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, etc.). The one or more processors 304 may be configured to execute executable instructions 308 (e.g., computer readable program instructions) stored in the data storage device 306 and executable to provide the functionality of the computing device 300.

[0085] In one example, in operation, when the executable instructions 308 are executed by one or more processors 304 of the computing device 300, the one or more processors 304 perform functions including the following operations: pressurizing an inflatable chamber within a thermal protection device with pressurized air, wherein the thermal protection device includes a composite wall and an insulation blanket, wherein the insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall via a sealant, the sealant is disposed around a perimeter of the composite wall and offset from the perimeter of the composite wall, and is disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket, and wherein the composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form an inflatable chamber within the thermal protection device; heating the pressurized air within the inflatable chamber; inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air leaves a gap of the thermal protection device and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0086] In the above example, another function may include, after the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant, determining the location of the gap relative to the location of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits a color change when the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant. Other functions are also possible.

[0087] In an example, the act of pressurizing the plenum chamber may involve the computing device 300 transmitting instructions that, when received by another device, cause a valve to open so that the stored pressurized air is delivered through the heating device and into the plenum chamber. Additionally, in such an example, the act of heating the pressurized air may involve the computing device 300 transmitting instructions that, when received by the heating device (or a controller of the heating device (e.g., a PID controller)), cause the heating device to heat the pressurized air as it passes through the heating device, or to heat the pressurized air already in the plenum chamber. Additionally, in such an example, the act of inserting a liquid crystal sheet may involve transmitting instructions that, when received by a control system of a robotic device (e.g., a robotic arm), cause the robotic device to insert a liquid crystal sheet of a specific size in a predetermined area along the perimeter of the sealant for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds or less). Other examples are also possible.

[0088] Different examples of the (one or more) systems, (one or more) devices, and (one or more) methods disclosed herein include various components, features, and functions. It should be understood that the various examples of the (one or more) systems, (one or more) devices, and (one or more) methods disclosed herein may include any components, features, and functions of any combination or any sub-combination of any other examples of the (one or more) systems, (one or more) devices, and (one or more) methods disclosed herein, and all of these possibilities are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0090] Clause 1. A method of inspecting a thermal protector, wherein the thermal protector comprises a composite wall and an insulation blanket, wherein the insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall by a sealant, the sealant being disposed about and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket, and wherein the composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum within the thermal protector, the method comprising:

[0091] pressurizing the plenum chamber with pressurized air;

[0092] heating the pressurized air within the plenum; and

[0093] A liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits the gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0094] Clause 2. The method according to clause 1, further comprising:

[0095] Prior to pressurizing the plenum with pressurized air, an outlet is provided in the insulation blanket, the outlet being configured to exhaust the pressurized air from the plenum, thereby increasing the flow rate of the pressurized air into the plenum and maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the plenum.

[0096] Clause 3. The method of clause 1, wherein pressurizing the plenum with pressurized air comprises introducing pressurized air into the plenum at an approximate geometric center of the thermal protection device, whereby distribution of the pressurized air is substantially uniform.

[0097] Clause 4. The method of Clause 1, wherein pressurizing the plenum with pressurized air comprises pressurizing the plenum to a pressure within a range between 0.05 psig and 0.1 psig.

[0098] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein heating the pressurized air within the plenum comprises heating the pressurized air within the plenum to a temperature within a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0099] Clause 6. The method of clause 1, wherein pressurizing the plenum with pressurized air and heating the pressurized air within the plenum comprises:

[0100] controlling a heating device to heat the pressurized air; and

[0101] After the pressurized air is heated, the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum.

[0102] Clause 7. The method according to clause 6, further comprising:

[0103] receiving, by the controller, data indicative of a temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum from a temperature sensor within the plenum;

[0104] determining, by the controller, that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of a predetermined temperature range; and

[0105] In response to determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of a predetermined temperature range, the heating device is controlled by the controller to adjust a heating temperature at which the heating device heats the pressurized air.

[0106] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, wherein inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant comprises inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant for a time ranging between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds.

[0107] Clause 9. The method according to clause 1, further comprising:

[0108] After inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant, determine the position of the gap relative to the position of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits color change when the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant.

[0109] Clause 10. The method according to clause 1, further comprising:

[0110] After inserting the LCD sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and close to the perimeter of the sealant:

[0111] measuring the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal piece that exhibits the color change; and

[0112] Based on the size of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits the color change, it is determined whether a gap exists in the thermal protection device.

[0113] Clause 11. A system comprising:

[0114] a thermal protector comprising a composite wall and an insulation blanket, wherein the insulation blanket is coupled to the composite wall by a sealant, the sealant being disposed about and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket, wherein the composite wall, the insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum within the thermal protector; and

[0115] A liquid crystal sheet is removably disposed between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and proximate a perimeter of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits the gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0116] Clause 12. The system of clause 11, wherein the thermal protection device is disposed within a thrust reverser of the aircraft.

[0117] Clause 13. The system of clause 11, wherein the sealant is a preformed seal.

[0118] Clause 14. The system of clause 11, wherein the sealant is a string of sealants.

[0119] Clause 15. The system of clause 11, wherein the sealant is offset from the perimeter of the composite wall by a distance in the range between 10 mm and 60 mm, and

[0120] Wherein the sealant has a substantially uniform width in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm.

[0121] Clause 16. The system of clause 11, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air is at a temperature within a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0122] Clause 17. The system of clause 11, further comprising:

[0123] a heating device configured to heat the pressurized air before the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum;

[0124] a temperature sensor in the plenum configured to acquire data indicative of a temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum; and

[0125] A controller is configured to control the heating device to heat the pressurized air before the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum and is further configured to adjust a temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum based on the data.

[0126] Clause 18. A system according to clause 17, wherein regulating the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the inflation chamber based on data includes the controller (i) receiving data from a temperature sensor, (ii) determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of a predetermined temperature range, and (iii) in response to determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside of the predetermined temperature range, controlling the heating device to adjust the heating temperature of the pressurized air heated by the heating device.

[0127] Clause 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform functions comprising:

[0128] pressurizing a plenum within a thermal protector with pressurized air, wherein the thermal protector includes a composite wall and an insulating blanket, wherein the insulating blanket is coupled to the composite wall by a sealant, the sealant being disposed about and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the insulating blanket, and wherein the composite wall, the insulating blanket, and the sealant form a plenum within the thermal protector;

[0129] heating the pressurized air within the plenum; and

[0130] A liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the thermal blanket and proximate the perimeter of the sealant, wherein the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits the gap in the thermal protector and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

[0131] Clause 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 19, wherein the functions further include:

[0132] After inserting the liquid crystal sheet between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant, determine the position of the gap relative to the position of the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal sheet that exhibits color change when the liquid crystal sheet is inserted between the composite wall and the insulation blanket and near the perimeter of the sealant.

[0133] Descriptions of different advantageous arrangements have been given for purposes of illustration and description, and these descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to examples of the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, different advantageous examples may describe different advantages compared to other advantageous examples. The selected one or more examples are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the examples, practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various examples of the present disclosure, with various modifications suitable for specific intended uses.

Claims

1. A method of inspecting a thermal protection device (106), wherein the thermal protection device (106) comprises a composite wall (108) and a thermal insulation blanket (110), wherein the thermal insulation blanket (110) is coupled to the composite wall (108) by a sealant (112), the sealant (112) being disposed around and offset from a periphery of the composite wall (108) and disposed between the composite wall (108) and the thermal insulation blanket (110), wherein the composite wall (108), the thermal insulation blanket (110) and the sealant (112) form a plenum (114) within the thermal protection device (106), the method comprising: providing an outlet (138) in the insulation blanket (110), the outlet (138) being configured to exhaust pressurized air from the plenum (114), increase the flow rate of pressurized air into the plenum (114), and maintain a substantially constant pressure in the plenum (114); pressurizing the plenum chamber (114) with pressurized air; heating the pressurized air within the plenum (114); and A liquid crystal sheet (116) is inserted between the composite wall (108) and the insulation blanket (110) and proximate the perimeter of the sealant (112), wherein the liquid crystal sheet (116) is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits the gap (118) in the thermal protection device (106) and heats the liquid crystal sheet (116).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein pressurizing the plenum (114) with pressurized air comprises introducing the pressurized air into the plenum (114) at an approximate geometric center of the thermal protection device (106), whereby the distribution of the pressurized air is substantially uniform.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein pressurizing the plenum (114) with pressurized air and heating the pressurized air within the plenum (114) comprises: controlling a heating device (124) to heat the pressurized air; and After heating the pressurized air, the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum (114).

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: receiving, via a controller (130), data indicative of a temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum (114) from a temperature sensor (132) in the plenum (114); determining, by the controller (130), that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside a predetermined temperature range; and In response to determining that the temperature of the heated pressurized air is outside the predetermined temperature range, the heating device (124) is controlled by the controller (130) to adjust a heating temperature at which the heating device (124) heats the pressurized air.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting the liquid crystal sheet ( 116 ) between the composite wall ( 108 ) and the insulation blanket ( 110 ) and proximate the perimeter of the sealant ( 112 ) comprises inserting the liquid crystal sheet ( 116 ) between the composite wall ( 108 ) and the insulation blanket ( 110 ) and proximate the perimeter of the sealant ( 112 ) for a period of time ranging between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds.

6. A system for inspecting a thermal protection device (106), comprising: A thermal protection device (106) comprising a composite wall (108) and an insulation blanket (110), wherein the insulation blanket (110) is coupled to the composite wall (108) by a sealant (112), the sealant (112) is disposed around and offset from a perimeter of the composite wall (108) and disposed between the composite wall (108) and the insulation blanket (110), and wherein the composite wall (108), the insulation blanket (110) and the sealant (112) form a plenum (114) within the thermal protection device (106); and a liquid crystal sheet (116) removably disposed between the composite wall (108) and the insulation blanket (110) and proximate a perimeter of the sealant (112), wherein the liquid crystal sheet (116) is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits a gap (118) in the thermal protection device (106) and heats the liquid crystal sheet (116), An outlet (138) is provided in the insulation blanket (110), and the outlet (138) is configured to discharge pressurized air from the inflation chamber (114), increase the flow rate of pressurized air into the inflation chamber (114), and maintain a substantially constant pressure in the inflation chamber (114).

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the thermal protection device (106) is disposed within a thrust reverser of an aircraft.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the sealant (112) is offset from the perimeter of the composite wall (108) by a distance in the range between 10 mm and 60 mm, and Wherein the sealant (112) has a substantially uniform width in a range between 10 mm and 40 mm.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the liquid crystal sheet (116) is configured to change color when the heated pressurized air is at a temperature within a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: a heating device (124) configured to heat pressurized air before the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum (114); a temperature sensor (132) in the plenum (114) configured to acquire data indicative of a temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum (114); as well as A controller (130) is configured to control the heating device (124) to heat the pressurized air before the heated pressurized air is delivered to the plenum (114), and is further configured to adjust the temperature of the heated pressurized air within the plenum (114) based on the data.

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