System and method for fluid fitting installation

Abstract

A fluid fitting installation system includes a first handle and a second handle movably coupled to the first handle. The second handle is movable between a first position and a second position. The fluid fitting installation system includes a gripping member coupled to the second handle. The gripping member is configured to be coupled to a first fluid fitting. Movement of the second handle from the first position to the second position is configured to couple the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to systems and methods of fluidly coupling fluid lines together, and more particularly to systems and methods for fluid fitting installation, in which a first fluid fitting associated with a fluid line is installed onto a second fluid fitting in a reduced clearance area. BACKGROUND

[0002] During assembly, in some instances, one or more fluid fittings can need to be coupled together to provide fluid communication between components. In the example of a vehicle, during assembly, a fluid fitting associated with a fluid line, such as a coolant line, can need to be coupled to another fluid fitting to fluidly couple the fluid lines together. For example, in the case of a battery powered vehicle, a sleeve of a coolant line is coupled to a quick connect fitting associated with a coolant line of a battery pack to supply coolant to the battery pack. Due to the encasement of the battery pack within the vehicle, it can be difficult for an operator to reach the quick connect fitting during assembly, and it can be difficult for the operator to install the sleeve onto the quick connect fitting to achieve fluid communication.

[0003] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for fluid fitting installation that enable an operator to install a fluid fitting, such as a sleeve associated with a fluid line of another fluid fitting, such as a quick connect fitting, to achieve fluid communication in a reduced clearance area. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. SUMMARY

[0004] According to various embodiments, a fluid fitting installation system is provided. The fluid fitting installation system includes a first handle and a second handle movably coupled to the first handle. The second handle is movable between a first position and a second position. The fluid fitting installation system includes a gripping member coupled to the second handle. The gripping member is configured to be coupled to a first fluid fitting. Movement of the second handle from the first position to the second position is configured to couple the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting.

[0005] The first handle includes a body having a first end opposite a second end, a first flange at the first end, and a second flange between the first end and the second end, the second handle being movably coupled to the second flange. The second end defines a recess configured to receive over a fluid line. The second flange defines at least one aperture, the second handle including at least one leg received in the at least one aperture to movably couple the second handle to the first handle. The fluid fitting installation system includes a biasing member disposed between the first handle and the second handle. Each of the first handle and the second handle includes a post to guide the biasing member. The biasing member is configured to move the second handle from a second position to a first position. A gripping member includes a gripping base coupled to a gripping arm, and the gripping base is coupled to the second handle to move with the second handle. The gripping arm includes a receiving structure configured to be positioned around a first fluid fitting. The gripping arm is coupled to the gripping base such that the gripping arm is offset from a longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting installation system.

[0006] A method of installing a first fluid fitting over a second fluid fitting is also provided. The method includes positioning a fluid fitting installation system in a first state near a fluid line including the second fluid fitting, and engaging a claw of the fluid fitting installation system with the first fluid fitting. The method includes moving the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to a second state to couple the first fluid fitting to the second fluid fitting.

[0007] Moving the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to the second state includes moving a second handle of the fluid fitting installation system relative to a first handle of the fluid fitting installation system to move the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to the second state. The method includes returning the fluid fitting installation system to the first state by releasing the second handle. The engaging of the claw of the fluid fitting installation system with the first fluid fitting includes positioning a gripping member of the fluid fitting installation system around a portion of a perimeter of the first fluid fitting.

[0008] A fluid fitting installation system is also provided. The fluid fitting installation system includes a first handle having a first flange and a second flange. The fluid fitting installation system includes a second handle movably coupled to the second flange of the first handle. The second handle is movable relative to the first handle between a first position and a second position. The fluid fitting installation system includes a gripping member coupled to the second handle. The gripping member includes a gripping arm configured to be coupled to a first fluid fitting, and the gripping arm extends along an axis that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting installation system. Movement of the second handle from the first position to the second position is configured to couple the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting.

[0009] The second flange defines at least one aperture and the second handle includes at least one leg that is received in the at least one aperture to movably couple the second handle to the first handle. The fluid fitting installation system includes a biasing member disposed between the first handle and the second handle, and each of the first handle and the second handle includes a post that guides the biasing member. The biasing member is configured to move the second handle from the second position to the first position. The gripping member includes a gripping base coupled to a gripping arm, and the gripping base is coupled to the second handle to move with the second handle. The gripping arm includes a receiving structure configured to be positioned around the first fluid fitting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, in which like numbers represent like elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid fitting installation system according to various embodiments, with the fluid fitting installation system in a first state, a first fluid fitting fluidly coupled to a second fluid fitting;

[0012] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded front view of the fluid fitting installation system shown;

[0013] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid fitting installation system shown;

[0014] Figure 4 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gripping member of the fluid fitting installation system shown;

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method that can be performed by a fluid fitting installation system according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic environmental view of a fluid fitting installation system in a first state, with the fluid fitting installation system positioned proximate to a first fluid fitting for coupling the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a fluid fitting installation system in a first state, with the fluid fitting installation system coupled to a first fluid fitting for coupling the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting;

[0018] Figure 8 is an environmental schematic view of a fluid fitting installation system in a second state and a first fluid fitting coupled or installed to a second fluid fitting; and

[0019] is an environmental schematic view of a fluid fitting installation system in a second state and a first fluid fitting coupled or installed to a second fluid fitting; andFigure 9 schematic front view of a fluid fitting installation system in a second state and a first fluid fitting coupled or installed to a second fluid fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. Moreover, one skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced with any number of systems, and that the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternatives or additions can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof in accordance with the application.

[0021] As used herein, the term "axial" refers to a direction that is approximately parallel to or coincident with an axis of rotation, axis of symmetry, or centerline of one or more components. For example, in a cylinder or disc having a centerline and generally circular end or opposing faces, an "axial" direction can refer to a direction that extends approximately parallel to the centerline between the opposing ends or faces. In some cases, the term "axial" can be used with respect to components that are not cylindrical (or radially symmetric). For example, an "axial" direction of a rectangular housing containing an axis of rotation can be considered to be a direction that is approximately parallel to or coincident with the axis of rotation of the shaft. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "radial" can refer to a direction or component relationship with respect to a line extending outward from a shared centerline, axis, or similar reference, such as in a plane of a cylinder or disc that is perpendicular to the centerline or axis. In some cases, components can be considered to be "radially" aligned even if one or both of the components can not be cylindrical (or radially symmetric). Furthermore, the terms "axial" and "radial" (and any derivatives thereof) can include direction relationships that are not precisely aligned (e.g., tilted) with true axial and radial dimensions, so long as the relationship is primarily in the corresponding nominal axial or radial direction. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "approximately" means within 5% to account for manufacturing tolerances.

[0022] REFERENCE Figure 1FIG. 1 illustrates an example fluid fitting installation tool or system 100. As will be discussed, the fluid fitting installation system 100 can be used to couple a first fluid fitting (e.g., a sleeve 300) associated with a fluid line 302 (e.g., a coolant line) to a second fluid fitting, such as a quick connect fitting 304 of a component fluid line 306 of a component 308, such as a coolant line associated with a battery pack of a vehicle. By coupling the sleeve 300 to the quick connect fitting 304, fluid communication between the fluid line 302 and the component fluid line 306 is reliably achieved in a reduced clearance area. Generally, the fluid fitting installation system 100 enables the sleeve 300 to be coupled or installed to the quick connect fitting 304 in an area where the clearance is less than about 5 millimeters (mm). By providing the fluid fitting installation system 100, an operator is able to easily and securely couple the sleeve 300 to the quick connect fitting 304, which reduces the likelihood of fluid leaking between the sleeve 300 and the quick connect fitting 304. It should be noted that while an example of the sleeve 300 for a coolant line of a battery pack and the quick connect fitting 304 for a coolant line is described herein, the fluid fitting installation system 100 can be used with any fluid system for coupling a first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting in a reduced clearance area. Thus, the installation of the sleeve 300 associated with a coolant line of a battery pack and the quick connect fitting 304 associated with a coolant line discussed herein is merely one example.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2 The fluid fitting installation system 100 includes a first stationary handle 102, a biasing member or spring 104, a second movable handle 106, and a gripping member 108. In one example, the first handle 102 is constructed of a polymer-based material, including but not limited to polyamide 12. In this example, the first handle 102 is manufactured as a single piece using an additive manufacturing method, such as multi-jet fusion, however, other manufacturing techniques can be employed, such as casting, extruding, molding, etc. For this example, by constructing the first handle 102 of a polymer-based material, the first handle 102 is electrically non-conductive, which is desirable for some manufacturing operations. However, it should be noted that while the first handle 102 is described herein as being constructed of a polymer-based material, the first handle 102 can also be constructed of a metal or metal alloy and manufactured by additive manufacturing, such as by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), depending on the manufacturing operation in which the fluid fitting installation system 100 is used.

[0024] The first handle 102 includes a body 110, a first flange 112, and a second flange 114. Typically, the first handle 102 is ergonomically shaped to provide operator comfort during use. The body 110 has a first body end 116 opposite to a second body end 118 and extends along the longitudinal axis L of the fluid fitting mounting system 100. The first flange 112 is coupled to the first body end 116. In one example, the body 110 includes a tapered portion 120 on the opposite side near the first body end 116, such that the first body end 116 has a width different from and greater than that of a front section 122 of the body 110 defined between the first body end 116 and the second flange 114. The front section 122 of the body 110 extends from the tapered portion 120 near the first body end 116 to the second flange 114. The front section 122 is generally rectangular and has a generally constant width; however, the shape and width of the front section 122 can vary. The body 110 also includes a rear section 124 defined from the second flange 114 to the second body end 118. In one example, the rear section 124 includes a second taper 126 on the opposite side, defined at a distance 128 from the second flange 114. The distance 128 is predetermined based on the available clearance at the second body end 118. The rear section 124 is generally rectangular and has a first width near the second flange 114, which is different from and greater than a second width of the rear section 124 at and near the second body end 118. The second body end 118 includes a recess 130. In this example, the recess 130 is concave and is shaped to correspond to the component fluid conduit 306 ( Figure 1 The recess 130 allows the fluid fitting installation system 100 to be positioned on the component fluid line 306. Figure 1 ) is used to connect the sleeve 300 to the quick-connect fitting 304. Figure 1 It should be noted that the second body end 118 can have any shape corresponding to the component fluid conduit 306; therefore, the concave shape of the recess 130 is merely an example.

[0025] The first flange 112 is connected to or integrally formed with the first body end 116. The first flange 112 extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The first flange 112 includes a first surface 140 opposite to the second surface 142. The first surface 140 is substantially rectangular and smooth. Figure 1 The first surface 140 provides a contact surface for a portion of the operator's hand, such as the operator's palm. The second surface 142 is suspended above the body 110. Figure 1 ), and includes a post 144. Post 144 facilitates the connection of spring 104 to the first handle 102 and maintains the alignment of spring 104 relative to the first handle 102 during compression and extension of spring 104. Circular or annular recess 144a (Figure 3 It can be confined around post 144 to help connect spring 104 to post 144.

[0026] The second flange 114 is coupled to or integrally formed with the body 110 and positioned between the front section 122 and the rear section 124. The second flange 114 extends along an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The second flange 114 includes a first flange surface 150, a second flange surface 152 opposite to the first flange surface 150, a notch 154, and at least one hole 156. When the fluid fitting installation system 100 is in the first state, the first flange surface 150 is substantially smooth so that a portion of the second handle 106 can rest on the first flange surface 150. The second flange surface 152 is also substantially smooth and provides a stop for the movement of the second handle 106 and the gripping member 108, as will be discussed. The contact between the second flange surface 152 and the gripping member 108 can also provide tactile and auditory feedback to the operator. The notch 154 is defined to extend through the second flange 114 so as to be opposite to the body 110 and to provide clearance for the operator's hand to manipulate the second handle 106.

[0027] In this example, reference Figure 3 At least one hole 156 includes two holes 156a and 156b. Hole 156a is defined to pass through the second flange 114 so as to be opposite to hole 156b. Holes 156a and 156b are defined on opposite sides of the recess 154. Holes 156a and 156b are defined to pass through the second flange 114 from the first flange surface 150 to the second flange surface 152, and along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Figure 2 The axis of the second handle 106 extends from the first handle 102. Each hole 156a, 156b includes a bushing 158. The bushing 158 provides smooth movement of the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 102. The bushing 158 is cylindrical and can be connected to the corresponding hole 156a, 156b by means of, for example, drilling. It should be noted that the bushing 158 can be optional, and furthermore, the bushing 158 can be connected to the second flange 114 by any technique, such as adhesive, press fit, etc. Each bushing 158 defines an opening 159. As will be discussed, a portion of the second handle 106 is slidably received within the bushing 158 and the holes 156a, 156b to allow the second handle 106 and the gripping member 108 to move relative to the first handle 102, thereby mounting the sleeve 300 onto the quick-connect fitting 304. Figure 1 ).

[0028] refer to Figure 2The spring 104 is a compression spring and, in one example, has a 34.6 pound per inch (lb. / in.) rate of compression. The spring 104 has a first spring end 160 and a second spring end 162 opposite the first spring end 160, and a spring length of approximately 2.5 inches defined between the first spring end 160 and the second spring end 162. In one example, the spring 104 has an inner diameter of approximately 0.55 inches (in.) and an outer diameter of approximately 0.72 inches (in.). It should be noted that the dimensions and rate of compression of the spring 104 are merely an example, and the spring 104 can have different dimensions and different rates of compression depending on the manufacturing operation. The first spring end 160 is coupled around the post 144 of the first handle 102, and the second spring end 162 is coupled around the second post 170 of the second handle 106.

[0029] The second handle 106 is coupled to the grip member 108 and is movably coupled to the first handle 102. In one example, the second handle 106 is constructed of a polymer-based material, including but not limited to polyamide 12. In this example, the second handle 106 is manufactured as a single piece using an additive manufacturing method, such as multi-jet fusion, however, other manufacturing techniques can also be employed, such as casting, extruding, molding, etc. For this example, by constructing the second handle 106 of a polymer-based material, the second handle 106 is electrically non-conductive, which is desirable for some manufacturing operations. However, it should be noted that while the second handle 106 is described herein as being constructed of a polymer-based material, the second handle 106 can also be constructed of a metal or metal alloy and manufactured by additive manufacturing, such as by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), depending on the manufacturing operation in which the fluid fitting installation system 100 is used.

[0030] The second handle 106 includes a handle body 172 and at least one handle leg 174. The handle body 172 extends along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The handle body 172 includes a first handle surface 176 opposite a second handle surface 178 and a guide notch 180 Figure 1 The first handle surface 176 includes the second post 170. The second post 170 protrudes outwardly from the first handle surface 176. The second post 170 helps retain the spring 104 between the first handle 102 and the second handle 106 and guides the movement of the spring 104 during movement of the second handle 106. Generally, as will be discussed, the second handle 106 is movable in the direction D away from the second flange 114 toward the first flange 112 of the first handle 102 to compress the spring 104 until the grip member 108 contacts the second flange surface 152 of the second flange 114. The second handle 106 is in the first position in Figure 1 and 7 the first position when the second handle 106 is moved in the direction D away from the second flange 114 toward the first flange 112 of the first handle 102 to compress the spring 104 until the grip member 108 contacts the second flange surface 152 of the second flange 114. The second handle 106 is in the second position when the second handle 106 is moved in the direction D toward the second flange 114 to decompress the spring 104 until the grip member 108 is spaced apart from the second flange surface 152 of the second flange 114.Figure 9 The second handle 106 is in the second position. Once the second handle 106 is released, the spring 104 moves the second handle 106 in the D2 direction to the first position such that the second handle surface 178 rests on the first flange surface 150. In other words, the spring 104 biases the second handle 106 in the first position. Referring to Figure 3 , the second handle surface 178 includes two raised positioning features or ribs 179 that help the operator position their fingers on the second handle 106. In this example, the positioning ribs 179 are circles that provide tactile feedback to the operator of the site to position their fingers to move the second handle 106. It should be noted that in other examples, the second handle surface 178 can include knurling, bumps, or other features to indicate to the operator the position of the operator’s fingers. Alternatively, the second handle surface 178 can be smooth. When the fluid fitting installation system 100 is in the first state ( Figure 7 ), the second handle surface 178 contacts the first flange surface 150 of the second flange 114. In the second state of the fluid fitting installation system 100 ( Figure 9 ), the second handle surface 178 is spaced a distance from the first flange surface 150 of the second flange 114. Thus, the second handle 106 has a first position in the first state of the fluid fitting installation system 100 and the second handle 106 has a second position in the second state of the fluid fitting installation system 100.

[0031] Referring again to Figure 1 , the guide notch 180 is substantially U-shaped in size to fit around the front section 122 of the body 110. Generally, the guide notch 180 is slidably coupled to the front section 122 such that movement of the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 102 is guided by the body 110. This ensures that the movement of the second handle 106 is linear or in the direction D, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 2In this example, the at least one handle leg 174 includes two handle legs 174a, 174b. Each handle leg 174a, 174b has a first leg end 181 opposite a second leg end 182. The first leg end 181 is coupled to or integrally formed with the second handle surface 178 and extends outwardly therefrom along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The second leg end 182 is coupled to the gripping member 108 such that the gripping member 108 moves with the second handle 106. In one example, a heat set insert 184 is used to couple each second leg end 182 to the gripping member 108. In this example, each heat set insert 184 is commercially available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Illinois, and each heat set insert includes a tapered heat set insert for plastic, part number 94180A353. However, it should be noted that other heat set inserts for polymer-based materials can be employed, and the use of this particular insert is merely an example. It should also be noted that the second leg end 182 can be fixedly coupled to the gripping member 108 such that the gripping member 108 moves with the second handle 106 by any technique, including but not limited to thermoplastic welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, etc.

[0033] The gripping member 108 couples the sleeve 300 to the fluid fitting installation system 100. In one example, the gripping member 108 is constructed of a polymer-based material, including but not limited to polyamide 12. In this example, the gripping member 108 is manufactured as a single piece using an additive manufacturing process, such as multi-jet fusion, however, other manufacturing techniques can be employed, such as casting, extrusion, molding, etc. For this example, by constructing the gripping member 108 of a polymer-based material, the gripping member 108 is electrically non-conductive, which is desirable for some manufacturing operations. However, it should be noted that while the gripping member 108 is described herein as being constructed of a polymer-based material, the gripping member 108 can also be constructed of a metal or metal alloy and manufactured by additive manufacturing, such as by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), depending on the manufacturing operations in which the fluid fitting installation system 100 is used.

[0034] In one example, the gripping member 108 includes a gripping base 186 and a gripping arm 188. The gripping base 186 includes a first gripping surface 190 and an opposite second gripping surface 192. The first gripping surface 190 is fixedly coupled to each second leg end 182 of the second handle 106 to couple the second handle 106 to the gripping member 108. In one example, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first gripping surface 190 is fixedly coupled to each second leg end 182 of the second handle 106 by the heat set insert 184. In this example, the heat set insert 184 is fixedly coupled to the first gripping surface 190 of the gripping base 186 and to the second leg end 182 of the second handle 106. In this example, the heat set insert 184 is fixedly coupled to the first gripping surface 190 of the gripping base 186 by a first heat set insert leg 194 and to the second leg end 182 of the second handle 106 by a second heat set insert leg 196. In this example, the first heat set insert leg 194 is integrally formed with the second heat set insert leg 196, however, it should be noted that the first heat set insert leg 194 and the second heat set insert leg 196 can be separate pieces that are fixedly coupled to one another. Figure 3The gripping base 186 defines apertures 193 defined through the gripping base 186 from the first gripping surface 190 to the second gripping surface 192. Each aperture 193 receives a respective one of the heat set inserts 184 to couple a respective one of the handle legs 174a, 174b of the second handle 106 to the gripping base 186. The second gripping surface 192 is coupled to or integrally formed with a gripping arm 188. The gripping arm 188 has a first arm end 194 coupled to the second gripping surface 192 and an opposite second arm end 196. The gripping arm 188 is generally sized to be positioned proximate or adjacent to the component fluid line 306( Figure 1 ) when the gripping member 108 is coupled to the sleeve 300. In one example, referring again to Figure 2 , the gripping arm 188 extends outwardly from the second gripping surface 192 along an axis A that is substantially parallel to but offset from the longitudinal axis L of the fluid fitting installation system 100. In other words, the gripping arm 188 is coupled to or integrally formed with the gripping base 186 so as to be offset from the longitudinal axis L. This enables the gripping arm 188 to be positioned proximate to the component fluid line 306( Figure 1 ) so as to engage the sleeve 300 during use. Referring to Figure 4 , the gripping member 108 is shown in greater detail. As shown, the second arm end 196 includes a receiving structure, such as a claw 198. In this example, the claw 198 is substantially U-shaped and is sized to be positioned around the sleeve 300 to couple the sleeve 300 to the fluid fitting installation system 100. The claw 198 is coupled to a side 196a of the second arm end 196 so as to extend radially outwardly from the gripping arm 188.

[0035] In its entirety, the claw 198 includes a first claw arm 200 and a second claw arm 202 and defines an opening 204 between the first claw arm 200 and the second claw arm 202. Referring to Figure 1The diameter of the opening 204 is less than the diameter of a portion of the sleeve 300. The claw 198 extends radially outward from the gripping arm 188 such that the axis C of the opening 204 is substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the fluid fitting installation system 100. In this example, the sleeve 300 has a collar 310 that has a diameter that is different than and greater than the diameter of the opening 204. A rear portion 312 of the sleeve 300 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the collar 310. The different diameters of the sleeve 300 enable the claw 198 to be positioned around the sleeve 300 such that a portion of the sleeve 300 is positioned within the opening 204. The first claw arm 200 and the second claw arm 202 are sized such that when the claw 198 is positioned around the sleeve 300, the first claw arm 200 and the second claw arm 202 contact the collar 310 of the sleeve 300. As will be discussed, the contact between the first claw arm 200, the second claw arm 202, and the collar 310 enables movement of the second handle 106 to lift the sleeve 300 into engagement with the quick connect fitting 304. It should be noted that the gripping member 108 can have any structure at the second arm end 196 that is configured to mate with the shape of the sleeve 300, thus the shape of the claw 198 is merely one example.

[0036] In one instance, referring again to Figure 2To assemble the fluid fitting installation system 100, after the first handle 102, the second handle 106, and the gripping member 108 are formed, the bushings 158 are coupled to the holes 156a, 156b of the second flange 114. The second handle 106 is coupled to the first handle 102 by inserting the handle legs 174a, 174b through the openings 159 defined by the bushings 158 coupled to the second flange 114 of the first handle 102. The heat-set inserts 184 are used to couple the gripping member 108 to the second handle 106. Typically, each heat-set insert 184 is heated to a predetermined temperature, such as approximately 100 degrees Celsius, and inserted into the gripping member 108. The temperature of the heat-set insert 184 causes the gripping member 108 to melt around the heat-set insert 184, which couples the heat-set insert 184 to the gripping member 108 when the gripping member 108 cools. While the heat-set insert 184 is still at a temperature near the predetermined temperature, the second leg end 182 is coupled to the respective heat-set insert 184. The temperature of the heat-set insert 184 causes the respective second leg end 182 to melt and fixedly couple the second handle 106 to the heat-set insert 184 and the gripping member 108. In one example, the heat-set insert 184 can be heated by a welding tip that reaches a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius, however, any technique can be used to heat the heat-set insert 184 to a predetermined temperature that enables the polymer-based material of the second handle 106 and the gripping member 108 to melt to couple the gripping member 108 to the second handle 106 through the heat-set insert 184. With the gripping member 108 coupled to the second handle 106, and the second handle 106 movably coupled to the first handle 102, the spring 104 is inserted between the first handle 102 and the second handle 106. The spring 104 is inserted by compressing the spring 104 and positioning the first spring end 160 around the post 144 and positioning the second spring end 162 around the second post 170.

[0037] With the fluid fitting installation system 100 assembled, reference is made to Figures 5-7 , Figure 5 A method 400 is provided for using the fluid fitting installation system 100 to couple the sleeve 300 to the quick connect fitting 304. In this example, the sleeve 300 is directly aligned below the quick connect fitting 304 and needs to be raised or lifted by an operator to engage with the quick connect fitting 304, but the operator is unable to access the sleeve 300 to engage the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304 due to the clearance of surrounding components. The method begins at 402. At 404, with the fluid fitting installation system 100 in the first state and the second handle 106 in the first position, the fluid fitting installation system 100 is positioned at the fluid line, such as the component fluid line 306 Figure 5 Figure 6 ​Near or above. At 406, for example by using the recess 130 of the first handle 102, the fluid fitting installation system 100 is positioned along the component fluid line 306. Figure 6 Advance until the first claw arm 200 and the second claw arm 202 are positioned around the collar 310 of the sleeve 300, and a portion of the sleeve 300 is positioned within the opening 204. Figure 7 In other words, the fluid fitting installation system 100 is located in the component fluid line 306 ( Figure 6 Advance forward until claw 198 engages with the first fluid fitting or sleeve 300, and claw 198 is positioned around a portion of the periphery of sleeve 300. It should be noted that in some examples, due to the size of the component fluid line 306, the fluid fitting installation system 100 can be inserted horizontally and then rotated 90 degrees to… Figure 6 The position shown is for placement along component fluid line 306.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The sleeve 300 is connected to the claw 198. At 408, the operator's palm is placed on the first flange 112, and the operator's fingers, through the notch 154 defined by the second flange 114, grasp the second handle 106. By applying force to the surface 178 of the second handle, the second handle 106 is lifted upward toward the first flange 112 of the first handle 102. In other words, the operator grasps the second handle 106 and moves it in direction D from the first position ( Figure 7 Move to the second position. Figure 9 ), causing the fluid fitting installation system 100 to move from the first state ( Figure 7 Move to the second state ( Figure 9 ). Reference Figure 9 As the second handle 106 moves from the first position to the second position, the gripping member 108, along with the claw 198 and the sleeve 300, moves together with the second handle 106. This pulls or lifts the sleeve 300 onto the quick-connect fitting 304 to fluidly connect the sleeve 300 to the quick-connect fitting 304. Figure 5 At position 410, once the second handle 106 has advanced to the point where the gripping base 186 contacts the second flange 114, the sleeve 300 is fully secured and fluidly connected to the quick-connect fitting 304. Figure 9 The operator releases the second handle 106, and the force of the spring 104 moves or biases the second handle 106 back to the first position, causing the fluid fitting installation system 100 to return to the first state. Simultaneously, the sleeve 300 is fluidly connected to the quick-connect fitting 304, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The method ends at 412. It should be noted that in the second state, the gripping base 186 and the second flange 114 ( Figure 9contact between the gap reduction region and the second handle 106 provides the operator with audible and tactile feedback that the sleeve 300 is fluidly coupled to the quick connect fitting 304. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the first handle 102 and the second handle 106 can include indicia, such as one or more lines, that visually indicate a position of the second handle 106 that corresponds to fluid engagement and coupling of the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304. Generally, the grip base 186 and the second flange 114 define a range of motion for the second handle 106 that can be tailored based on an amount of travel required to engage the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304. In one example, the second handle 106 is moved approximately 30 millimeters (mm) in the direction D, thereby compressing the spring 104 to engage the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304.

[0039] Accordingly, the fluid fitting installation system 100 can enable an operator to easily couple the sleeve 300 to the quick connect fitting 304 in a gap reduction region. Additionally, the feedback provided by the fluid fitting installation system 100 ensures that the operator fully fluidly couples or engages the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304. By using the first handle 102 spaced apart from the grip member 108 by the second handle 106, the operator’s hand is spaced apart from the sleeve 300 and does not interfere with the coupling of the sleeve 300 with the quick connect fitting 304. This enables tighter gaps between adjacent components, which can improve the packaging within a vehicle. Additionally, by additively manufacturing the first handle 102, the second handle 106, and the grip member 108, the first handle 102, the second handle 106, and the grip member 108 can be formed to correspond to a shape of the sleeve 300 and also to correspond to a gap available for the fluid fitting installation system 100. This enables the fluid fitting installation system 100 to be tailored for a particular environment. For example, the length of the rear section 124 of the first handle 102 can be adjusted along with the length of the handle legs 174a, 174b to provide additional clearance between the operator’s hand and the sleeve 300, if desired. Additionally, the grip member 108 and the claws 198 of the grip member 108 can be differently shaped to engage with sleeves having different diameters, for example. Further, the amount of travel of the second handle 106 can be adjusted (by adjusting the position of the grip base 186 and / or the second flange 114) to account for different lengths of travel for coupling the sleeve 300 to the quick connect fitting 304. Generally, the fluid fitting installation system 100 is used to provide an ergonomic insertion force in a tight gap region.

[0040] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A fluid fitting installation system, comprising: a first handle including a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first flange at the first end, and a second flange between the first end and the second end, wherein the body extends along a longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting installation system, the second end defines a recess configured to be received on a fluid line; a second handle movably coupled to the second flange of the first handle, the second handle movable between a first position and a second position, the second handle moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a gripping member coupled to the second handle, the gripping member configured to be coupled to a first fluid fitting, and movement of the second handle from the first position to the second position configured to couple the first fluid fitting to a second fluid fitting.

2. The fluid fitting installation system of claim 1, the second flange defining at least one aperture, and the second handle including at least one leg, and the at least one leg received within the at least one aperture to movably couple the second handle to the first handle.

3. The fluid fitting installation system of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member disposed between the first handle and the second handle, each of the first handle and the second handle including a post to guide the biasing member, and the biasing member configured to move the second handle from the second position to the first position.

4. The fluid fitting installation system of claim 1, wherein, the gripping member including a gripping base coupled to a gripping arm, the gripping base coupled to the second handle to move with the second handle, the gripping arm including a receiving structure configured to be positioned around the first fluid fitting.

5. The fluid fitting installation system of claim 4, wherein, the gripping arm coupled to the gripping base such that the gripping arm is offset from the longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting installation system.

6. A method for installing a first fluid fitting on a second fluid fitting, the method performed using the fluid fitting installation system of any of claims 1-5, the method comprising: positioning the fluid fitting installation system in a first state proximate a fluid line including a second fluid fitting; engaging a claw of the fluid fitting installation system with the first fluid fitting; and moving the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to a second state to couple the first fluid fitting to the second fluid fitting. moving the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to the second state further comprises:

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, moving a second handle of the fluid fitting installation system relative to a first handle of the fluid fitting installation system to move the fluid fitting installation system from the first state to the second state.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: returning the fluid fitting installation system to the first state by releasing the second handle. engaging a claw of the fluid fitting installation system with the first fluid fitting further comprises:

9. The method of claim 6, wherein, ​ Positioning a gripping member of the fluid fitting installation system around a portion of a perimeter of the first fluid fitting.

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