Protection from excessive heating of components on an object during curing of paint on a localized area of the object

摘要

The present invention protects from excessive heating at least one component on an object during curing of paint at a localized area on the object by exposure to a heat source. The present invention circulates air including cold air near the at least one component to be protected. An air pocket is formed adjacent the at least one component to be protected. This air pocket has an inlet and an outlet. A cold air source is coupled to the inlet via a tubing that directs cold air from the cold air source into the air pocket. Heated air within the air pocket flows out through the outlet of the air pocket such that air circulates through the air pocket. In this manner, the temperature of the at least one component to be protected is maintained below a predetermined temperature when the localized area of the object is exposed to the heat source for curing of the paint at the localized area. In contrast to the prior art, the components to be protected are not removed, discarded, and replaced when repairing a paint imperfection on the object. Thus, the higher cost and added labor associated with such removal and replacement of the heat sensitive components are avoided with the present invention.