Installation tool and associated method for applying a patch to a surface

A system configured to apply a patch to a surface, the system comprising:

• a frame comprising first and second portions and defining an internal cavity;
• an outer vacuum bag configured to maintain a vacuum seal with the frame and the surface;
• a flexible elastomeric membrane formed of an elastomeric material and coupled to the frame to divide the internal cavity into a first chamber proximate the surface and a second chamber separated from the surface by the first chamber and the flexible elastomeric membrane, wherein the elastomeric material of the flexible elastomeric membrane extends from a first surface facing the first chamber to an opposed, second surface facing the second chamber, wherein at least portions of the first and second surfaces of the flexible elastomeric membrane are exposed to the first and second chambers, respectively, and wherein the flexible elastomeric membrane comprises an edge portion positioned and secured between the first and second portions of the frame;
• the patch carried by the flexible elastomeric membrane, wherein the patch is smaller than the flexible elastomeric membrane such that the patch is spaced apart from the frame;
• a first adhesive disposed between the patch and the flexible elastomeric membrane, wherein the patch is releasably attached directly to the first surface of the flexible elastomeric membrane so as to face the surface;
• a second adhesive disposed between the patch and the surface, wherein the first adhesive has a bond strength that is less than a bond strength of the second adhesive;
• and
• a vacuum source in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, wherein the vacuum source is configured to separately control the pressures within the first and second chambers such that the second adhesive is degassed while the patch remains spaced from the surface and the flexible elastomeric membrane is thereafter caused to be stretched such that the patch is urged toward the surface.