Bonded nutplate rapid cure system with fixtured heater

A method of positioning and bonding a nutplate to a substrate comprising at least one aperture, the method comprising:

• coupling a nutplate with a nutplate retention fixture, the nutplate retention fixture comprising a threaded insert and an elastomeric tube engaged with the threaded insert, wherein
• the threaded insert is operable to engage the nutplate at one end and extend through one aperture of the substrate, and
• the elastomeric tube is configured to anchor the nutplate retention fixture at the aperture and secure the nutplate in contact with the substrate;
• applying adhesive onto a bonding surface of the nutplate;
• inserting the nutplate retention fixture through the aperture until a surface of the substrate contacts the bonding surface having adhesive applied thereon;
• positioning a heater assembly concentrically around the nutplate retention fixture in a position operable to deliver heat to the bonding surface of the nutplate, wherein the heater assembly comprises:
• a heating element,
• a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature of the heating element, and
• a heater housing, the heater housing comprising a hollow interior to encase the heating element;
• securing a heater retention fixture to the nutplate retention fixture to maintain the heater assembly in contact with the substrate, wherein the heater retention fixture comprises:
• a cam-lock clamp provided concentrically around the nutplate retention fixture at a position distal the substrate relative to the heater assembly and configured to provide a circumferential clamping force to secure the heater retention fixture to the nutplate retention fixture;
• and
• adhering the nutplate to the substrate by applying heat through the heater assembly.