Installation apparatus for pipe fittings and method of verifying proper installation

Abstract

A mounting device for connecting a fluid fitting to a fluid element, comprising: a tool mechanism having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface facing the first abutment surface and movable relative to the first abutment surface; a first sensor configured to detect a first property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and to provide a first output corresponding to the first property; a second sensor configured to detect a second property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and to provide a second output corresponding to the second property; and a processing unit configured to generate a first result data set based on the first and second outputs, and to compare the result data set to a first predetermined data set to determine whether the first result data set complies with the first predetermined data set.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 004,576, filed April 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to installation devices for pipe fittings, and more particularly, to methods of verifying proper installation of pipe fittings using the installation devices. BACKGROUND

[0004] Generally, one type of fitting for a fluid conduit, such as a tube or pipe, includes a connector body that fits over the fluid conduit, and a swage ring that compresses and / or physically deforms the connector body against the outer surface of the fluid conduit to provide one or more seals that establish a secure and leak-proof mechanical connection around the fluid conduit.

[0005] Prior art tools for assembling such fittings to fluid conduits often include a fixed jaw or frame, a moveable jaw or frame, and one or more hydraulic cylinders for moving the moveable frame toward the fixed frame. The frame can be configured to grip the swage ring and the connector body such that upon actuation, the frame forcibly moves the swage ring over the connector body, causing the connector body to compress or move radially into the fluid conduit to provide the seal and mechanical connection. When the swaging is complete, the hydraulic pressure in the one or more hydraulic cylinders is reduced to allow the tool to be removed from the fitting. SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of example embodiments of the application. This summary is not intended to identify key elements or to delineate the scope of the application.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a mounting device for connecting a fluid fitting to a fluid element comprises: a tool mechanism operable to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element, the tool mechanism comprising a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface facing the first abutment surface and movable relative to the first abutment surface; a first sensor configured to detect a first property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and to provide a first output corresponding to the first property; a second sensor configured to detect a second property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and to provide a second output corresponding to the second property; and a processing unit configured to generate a first result dataset based on the first and second outputs, and to compare the result dataset to a first predetermined dataset to determine whether the first result dataset complies with the first predetermined dataset.

[0008] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the processing unit is configured to acquire the first output from the first sensor at discrete times to generate a first dataset corresponding to the first property over time, and to acquire the second output from the second sensor at the same discrete times to generate a second dataset corresponding to the second property over time.

[0009] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the processing unit is configured to correlate the first and second datasets with respect to the discrete times to generate the result dataset, such that the first result dataset corresponds to the first property versus the second property. In one embodiment, the first predetermined dataset comprises a maximum dataset corresponding to a maximum first property per second property, and a minimum dataset corresponding to a minimum first property per second property. In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to determine whether the first result dataset complies with the first predetermined dataset by determining whether the first result dataset is between or equal to the maximum and minimum datasets.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the processing unit is configured to provide an output based on whether the first result dataset complies with the first predetermined dataset.

[0011] In still yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the first property corresponds to a force property, and the second property corresponds to a spatial property.

[0012] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the first property corresponds to a strain property, and the second property corresponds to a spatial property.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the installation device further comprises a third sensor configured to detect a third property of the installation device or fluid fitting and to provide a third output corresponding to the third property, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate a second result data set based on the second output and the third output, and to compare the second result data set with a second predetermined data set to determine whether the second result data set complies with the second predetermined data set. In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to provide an output based on whether both the first result data set and the second result data set correspondingly comply with the first predetermined data set and the second predetermined data set.

[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of connecting a fluid fitting to a fluid element using an installation device, the installation device comprising a tool mechanism, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processing unit having an output device. The method comprises: operating the tool mechanism to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element; operating the first sensor during the step of operating the tool mechanism, wherein the first sensor detects a first property of the installation device or fluid fitting and provides the first output corresponding to the first property; operating the second sensor during the step of operating the tool mechanism, wherein the second sensor detects a second property of the installation device or fluid fitting and provides the second output corresponding to the second property; and operating the processing unit. The processing unit: generates the first result data set based on the first output and the second output, compares the first result data set with the first predetermined data set to determine whether the first result data set complies with the first predetermined data set, and operates the output device to provide an output based on whether the first result data set complies with the first predetermined data set.

[0015] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the processing unit: acquires the first output from the first sensor at discrete times to generate a first data set corresponding to the first property over time, and acquires the second output from the second sensor at the same discrete times to generate a second data set corresponding to the second property over time. In one embodiment, the processing unit correlates the first data set and the second data set with respect to the discrete times to generate the result data set, such that the first result data set corresponds to the first property versus the second property. In one embodiment, the first predetermined data set includes a maximum data set and a minimum data set, the maximum data set corresponding to a maximum first property for each second property, and the minimum data set corresponding to a minimum first property for each second property. In one embodiment, the processing unit determines whether the first result data set complies with the first predetermined data set by determining whether the first result data set is between or equal to the maximum data set and the minimum data set.

[0016] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the output device includes an indicator light.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the second aspect, the first property corresponds to a force property, and the second property corresponds to a spatial property.

[0018] In still another embodiment of the second aspect, the first property corresponds to a strain property, and the second property corresponds to a spatial property.

[0019] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the mounting device further includes a third sensor that detects a third property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and provides a third output corresponding to the third property. Further, the processing unit generates a second result data set based on the second output and the third output, and compares the second result data set to a second predetermined data set to determine whether the second result data set complies with the second predetermined data set.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the second aspect, the fluid fitting comprises a coupling body defining a bore at one end of the coupling body for receiving the fluid element therein, and a ring configured to fit over the end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the fluid element, the coupling body comprising a sealing portion for engaging the fluid element. Further, the method comprises providing the fluid fitting in a pre-installation configuration with a drive ring disposed over the end of the coupling body, disposing the fluid element within the bore of the coupling body, and disposing the fluid fitting relative to the tool mechanism with the fluid fitting in the pre-installation configuration such that the first abutment surface faces a surface of the coupling body and the second abutment surface faces a surface of the drive ring. The step of operating the tool mechanism axially forces the drive ring along a longitudinal axis such that the drive ring elastically deforms to an expanded state and exerts a compression force on the sealing portion sufficient to cause a permanent deformation of the coupling body such that teeth of the sealing portion bite into the fluid element, thereby attaching the fluid element to the coupling body in a leak-tight manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will be better understood when read with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid fitting;

[0023] Figure 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the fitting in a pre-installation configuration;

[0024] Figure 3 is another detailed cross-sectional view of the fitting in an installation configuration;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example installation device for installing a fluid fitting;

[0026] Figure 5 is a top view of a tool mechanism of the installation device;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a processing unit of the installation device;

[0028] Figure 7 is a graphical depiction of an example first data set;

[0029] Figure 8 is a graphical depiction of an example second data set;

[0030] Figure 9is a graphical depiction of a result data set generated based on the first data set and the second data set in Figure 7 Figure 8

[0031] Figure 10 is a graphical depiction of another result data set for comparison with the result data set shown in Figure 9

[0032] Figure 11 is a graphical depiction of an example third data set; and

[0033] Figure 12 is a graphical depiction of another result data set generated based on the second data set and the third data set shown in Figure 8 Figure 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following is a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the application. As these embodiments of the application are described in relation to the above figures, various modifications or adaptations of the described methods and or specific structures can become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such modifications, adaptations or variations that rely on the teachings of the present application and fall within the spirit and scope of the application are considered to be within the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are not to be considered limiting in scope so as to confine the application to the embodiments illustrated. Furthermore, certain terminology is used in this document for convenience only and is not to be taken literally or to affect the scope of the application. Still further, in the drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate like elements throughout the various figures.

[0035] Turning to Figures 1-3 , an example fitting 10 is illustrated that can be connected to two or more fluid elements. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "fluid element" refers to a pipe, a tube, a fitting, or any other element configured to convey, deliver, and / or receive a fluid. Further, a "fitting" refers to any element that can be connected to two or more fluid elements to fluidly couple the two or more fluid elements together.

[0036] Figures 1-3 A cross-sectional view of the fitting 10 is shown taken along a plane parallel to and containing the longitudinal axis LI. As Figures 1-3 The components of the fitting 10, as arranged in Figure 1 The components of the fitting 10 are shown aligned generally along the longitudinal axis LI. At the same time, Figure 2 Figure 3 one side of the fitting 10 in a pre-installation configuration and an installation configuration, respectively, i.e., as viewed​​​​​​Figure 1 (As viewed on the right side). It should be understood that the opposite side of assembly 10 (i.e., as seen in...) Figure 1 The left side (as viewed in the image) may include similar pre-installed and installed configurations that are mirrored along the longitudinal axis L1.

[0037] The assembly 10 in this embodiment includes a coupling body 12 and two drive rings 14 (sometimes referred to as "forged rings") that can slide over the coupling body 12 to connect a pair of pipe bodies 16 to the assembly 10, as discussed further below. The pipes 16 can be thin-walled or thick-walled pipes, such as those ranging in size from 1 / 4" NPS to 4" NPS. However, other pipe sizes can also benefit from the example assembly 10. Furthermore, the assembly 10 can be similarly connected to other types of fluid elements, such as flanges, tee fittings, and other fittings.

[0038] like Figure 2 & Figure 3 As shown, the connector 12 defines an orifice 18 extending through the connector 12 for receiving a conduit 16 therein at each end. The connector 12 extends symmetrically about a central axis X1 of the orifice 18 and includes a sleeve portion 20, a flange portion 22, and a sealing portion 24. The flange portion 22 extends radially outward from the sleeve portion 20 and defines an annular abutment surface 26 that is radially to and co-centered with the central axis X1. Furthermore, the sealing portion 24 includes a main seal 30, an inner seal 32, and an outer seal 34, wherein each seal 30, 32, 34 includes one or more teeth extending radially inward from the sleeve portion 20. It is contemplated that the sealing portion 24 may include other numbers and / or arrangements of seals. The connector 12 has an inner surface 36 facing the orifice 18 and defining an internal profile of the connector 12, and an outer surface 38 facing away from the orifice 18 and defining an external profile of the connector 12.

[0039] The drive ring 14 is similarly an open-center body that defines a hole 46 extending through the drive ring 14 for receiving the coupling body 12 therein. The drive ring 14 extends symmetrically about the central axis X2 of the hole 46 and includes an inner surface 48 facing the hole 46, an outer surface 50 facing away from the hole 46, and an annular abutment surface 52 extending radially about the central axis X2.

[0040] The connector 12 and the drive ring 14 can be initially assembled into Figure 2The pre-installation configuration is shown. Specifically, the drive ring 14 can be arranged on the end of the connector 12 such that the central axes X1, X2 of the connector 12 and the drive ring 14 are collinear with the longitudinal axis L1, and the connector 12 is arranged within the hole 46 of the drive ring 14. In this configuration, the abutting surfaces 26, 52 of the connector 12 and the drive ring 14 are opposite to each other, radial to the longitudinal axis L1, and co-centered with the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the upwardly angled section 54 of the drive ring 14 is adjacent to the stepped section 56 of the connector 12, but slightly spaced from the stepped section. Through an interference fit, the drive ring 14 can be maintained on the connector 12 in a pre-installation configuration and shipped to the customer, facilitating easy use and installation by the end user.

[0041] To install the fitting 10 onto the pipe 16, the pipe 16 can be positioned within the hole 18 of the connector 12, while the fitting 10 is in its pre-installation configuration. Figure 2 Then, the drive ring 14 can be pushed axially along the longitudinal axis L1 toward the flange portion 22 of the connecting body 12 until the assembly 10 presents its installed configuration. Figure 3 The drive ring 14 and the coupling body 12 have a predetermined interference ratio, such that axial movement of the drive ring 14 toward the mounting configuration causes deformation of the coupling body 12, the drive ring 14 and the pipe 16, thereby creating a mechanical connection between these elements with a metal-to-metal seal between the pipe 16 and the coupling body 12.

[0042] More specifically, when the drive ring 14 is pushed axially toward the flange portion 22, it applies a compressive force to the coupling body 12, causing radial deformation of the body 12, thereby forcing one or more teeth of its seals 30, 32, 34 to engage with the conduit 16. The coupling body 12 sequentially—first elastically (i.e., non-permanently) and then plastically (i.e., permanently) compresses the conduit 16. This compression is high enough that the conduit 16 plastically buckles below the sealing land, thereby forming a 360° circumferential, permanent, metal-to-metal seal between the conduit 16 and the coupling body 12. Simultaneously with the radial compression of the body 12 and the conduit 16, the drive ring 14 expands radially outward. This radial expansion of the drive ring 14 is elastic and results in a slight increase in the diameter of the drive ring 14.

[0043] The seal is considered to be fully set (i.e., sufficiently set) when one or more of its teeth are in full deformed contact with the pipe 16 (e.g., when the outer surface 58 of the pipe 16 directly opposite the seal 30, 32, 34 does not have additional radial movement due to being forced inward by a particular section of the drive ring 14). Alternatively, sufficient setting of the seal can be defined as when the drive ring 14 has forced one or more of the seal's teeth furthest into the pipe 16, or when the actuation taper of the drive ring 14 tends to level out to a constant diameter cylindrical section as the drive ring 14 moves past the seal.

[0044] As the seal 30, 32, 34 bites into the pipe 17, the pipe 16 becomes locally strained near the seal. In particular, as the seal 30, 32, 34 continues to bite into the surface and the pipe 16 begins to plastically deform or move radially inward, the pipe 16 typically becomes strained beyond its elastic limit, resulting in permanent deformation. The teeth of the seal 30, 32, 34 bite into and deform the outer surface 58 of the pipe 16, and they themselves can become somewhat deformed. This acts to fill in any rough or irregular surface defects found on the outside of the pipe 16.

[0045] Once installed, the drive ring 14 will abut or engage the flange portion 22 (although in other embodiments it can be spaced from the flange portion 22). Furthermore, because the drive ring 14 elastically deforms during installation such that it expands radially outward, the drive ring 14 will exert a constant elastic force against the coupling body 12 and the pipe 16, which is maintained throughout the life of the fitting 10 after installation, thereby preventing the loosening of the metal-to-metal seal between the pipe 16 and the coupling body 12. The coupling body 12 can thus be attached to the pipe 16 in a permanent, leak-tight manner that complies with industry standards.

[0046] It should be understood that fitting 10 can include other configurations for mechanical attachment to a fluid element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, coupling body 12 and drive ring 14 described above extend symmetrically about their respective central axes X1, X2, such that their features extend circumferentially about and concentrically with their associated central axes. However, one or more of these features (e.g., abutment surfaces 26, 52) can extend only partially about and / or asymmetrically with their associated central axis. Indeed, in some embodiments, coupling body 12 and / or drive ring 14 can be irregular bodies having minimal or no symmetry about a central axis. For example, coupling body 12 can be a T- or Y-shaped body having multiple legs that do not extend symmetrically about a common axis. Coupling body 12 and drive ring 14 can be any body that defines a bore therethrough such that coupling body 12 can receive a fluid element and drive ring 14 can be forced over coupling body 12 to mechanically attach coupling body 12 to the fluid element. Various other example fittings having coupling bodies and drive rings are described in commonly-owned U.S. Patent Nos. 10,663,093; 8,870,237; 7,575,257; 6,692,040; 6,131,964; 5,709,418; 5,305,510; and 5,110,163, all of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference.

[0047] The terms "axial," "radial," and variations thereof have been used above in describing various features of coupling body 12, drive ring 14, and pipe 16. It should be understood that those terms used above (and further below) are relative to the central axis of the element being described, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the terms "axial," "radial," and variations thereof: when describing features of coupling body 12, are relative to the central axis X1 of the coupling body; when describing features of drive ring 14, are relative to the central axis X2 of the drive ring; and when describing features of pipe 16, are relative to the central axis of the pipe, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further, it should be understood that in configurations where the central axes of coupling body 12, drive ring 14, and pipe 16 are co-linear with one another and have a common axis (see, e.g. Figures 1-3 ) when describing features of coupling body 12, drive ring 14, and pipe 16, the terms "axial," "radial," and variations thereof will similarly be relative to the common axis and all central axes of coupling body 12, drive ring 14, and pipe 16.

[0048] Turning to Figure 4, the mounting device 100 is illustrated as having a tool mechanism 102 that can be operated to connect the fitting 10 and the pipe 16 as described above, although it should be understood that the tool mechanism 102 can be useful for connecting other fittings and fluid elements. More specifically, the tool mechanism 102 can be operated to axially move or advance the drive ring 14 over the coupling body 12 of the fitting 10 while the pipe 16 is within the coupling body 12 to compress or plastically deform the coupling body 12 radially against the outer surface 58 of the pipe 16 and provide a sealed mechanical connection between the coupling body 12 and the pipe 16.

[0049] Figure 5 A top view of the tool mechanism 102 is shown in greater detail, which includes a first body 130 and a second body 132 that are movable relative to one another. Specifically, the first body 130 is a stationary body having a base 134 that slidably supports the second body 132 such that the second body 132 is movable in a linear fashion along a longitudinal axis L2 of the tool mechanism 102. The tool mechanism 102 can also include one or more adapters coupled to the first body 130 and / or the second body 132. For example, the tool mechanism 102 in the present embodiment includes a first adapter 140 coupled to the first body 130 and a second adapter 142 coupled to the second body 132 such that the second adapter 142 is movable with the second body 132 relative to the first body 130 and the first adapter 140.

[0050] The tool mechanism 102 also includes a first abutment surface 146 and a second abutment surface 148 that face one another and are separated by a distance D. In the present embodiment, the first abutment surface 146 is defined by the first adapter 140 and includes a semi-annular surface that extends radially to the longitudinal axis L2, while the second abutment surface 148 is defined by the second adapter 142 and similarly includes a semi-annular surface that extends radially to the longitudinal axis L2. Further, the first abutment surface 146 and the second abutment surface 148 are both concentric with the longitudinal axis L2. However, the first abutment surface 146 and the second abutment surface 148 can be defined by other portions, such as the first body 130 and the second body 132, respectively. Further, the first abutment surface 146 and the second abutment surface 148 can include other shapes or orientations, and in some embodiments can not be concentric with the longitudinal axis L2.

[0051] The first and second abutment surfaces 146, 148 are movable relative to each other because they are carried by the first and second bodies 130, 132, respectively. In other words, movement of the second body 132 along the longitudinal axis L2 will cause the second abutment surface 146 to move similarly along the longitudinal axis L2 relative to the first abutment surface 148. Thus, the distance D between the first and second abutment surfaces 146, 148 can be adjusted by moving the first and second bodies 130, 132 relative to each other along the longitudinal axis L2.

[0052] The tooling mechanism 102 defines a channel 152 that can receive the fluid fitting 10 described above in its pre-installation configuration. Specifically, the fluid fitting 10 can be nested within the channel 152 such that the longitudinal axis LI of the fitting 10 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the tooling mechanism 102 are collinear. Moreover, the abutment surface 26 of the coupling body 12 and the abutment surface 52 of the drive ring 14 can be positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces 146, 148 of the tooling mechanism 102 such that the abutment surface 26 of the coupling body 12 and the abutment surface 52 of the drive ring 14 face the first and second abutment surfaces 146, 148 of the tooling mechanism 102, respectively.

[0053] The tooling mechanism 102 can then be operated to move the second body 132 along the longitudinal axis L2 toward the first body 130, which in turn causes the second abutment surface 148 to move toward the first abutment surface 146. Eventually, the two abutment surfaces 146, 148 will abut the abutment surface 26 of the coupling body 12 and the abutment surface 52 of the drive ring 14, respectively. Moreover, further movement of the second abutment surface 148 toward the first abutment surface 146 will axially force the drive ring 14 along the longitudinal axes LI, L2 toward the flange portion 22 of the coupling body 12, eventually assuming the installation configuration shown in FIG. 2. Figure 3

[0054] ​Thus, as described above, the tool mechanism 102 can be operated to connect the fitting 10 to the pipe 16, thereby creating a mechanical connection of these elements with a metal-to-metal seal between the pipe 16 and the coupling body 12. In other words, movement of the second abutment surface 148 toward the first abutment surface 146 will axially force the drive ring 14 along the longitudinal axis LI toward the flange portion 22 of the coupling body 12. As the drive ring 14 is axially forced toward the flange portion 22, it will apply a radially deforming compression force to the body 12, thereby forcing one or more teeth of its seal 30, 32, 34 to bite into the pipe 16. The coupling body 12 will in turn compress the pipe 16, first elastically (i.e., non-permanently) and then plastically (i.e., permanently), ultimately forming a 360° circumferential, permanent, metal-to-metal seal between the pipe 16 and the coupling body 12. Simultaneous with the radial compression of the body 12 and the pipe 16, the drive ring 14 will elastically expand radially outward. Thus, once installed, the drive ring 14 will exert a constant elastic force on the coupling body 12 and the pipe 16 that is maintained throughout the life of the fitting 10, thereby preventing the metal-to-metal seal between the pipe 16 and the coupling body 12 from loosening.

[0055] It should be appreciated that the tool mechanism 102 can be configured to install additional or alternative fittings other than the fitting 10 described above. For example, in some embodiments, the first adapter 140 and / or the second adapter 142 can be removed from the tool mechanism 102 so that it can accommodate a fitting having a larger coupling body and / or drive ring. In such cases, the first body 130 and / or the second body 132 can themselves define abutment surfaces for engagement with the coupling body and / or drive ring. In other embodiments, the first adapter 140 and / or the second adapter 142 can be removed and replaced with a different adapter to accommodate a different fitting. Broadly speaking, the tool mechanism 102 can be any mechanism having two abutment surfaces movable relative to one another so that the mechanism can be operated to connect a fluid fitting to a pipe. Various example tool mechanisms are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,189,817; 5,305,510; 5,694,670; 6,434,808; and 9,278,441, all of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0056] Turning back to Figure 4 , the installation device 100 can include a drive assembly 160 operable to apply a driving force to the tool mechanism 102 to move the first body 130 and the second body 132 relative to one another, as described above. In the present embodiment, the drive assembly 160 includes a hydraulic source 164 positioned away from the tool mechanism 102 and a hose assembly 166 fluidly connecting the hydraulic source 164 to the tool mechanism 102.

[0057] The hydraulic source 164 is a hydraulic pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic source 164 can be driven by a hand actuator, a gas engine, or an electric motor. Further, the hose assembly 166 includes a plurality of hoses 168a, 168b and connectors 170a-d that are fluidly coupled in series to form a fluid passageway that conveys pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic source 164 to the tool mechanism 102. In particular, the connector 170a is connected directly to an outlet of the hydraulic source 164, while the connector 170d is connected directly to an input port 174 of the tool mechanism 102. Further, conventional male / female quick disconnects are provided as the connectors 170a-d for enabling readily disconnectable fluid connections with their mating components.

[0058] In operation, the drive assembly 160 delivers hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) of the tool mechanism 102, which in turn exerts a corresponding linear force F on the second body 132. This force F will cause the second body 132 to move along the longitudinal axis L2 toward the first body 130 - as described above - so long as it is greater than any total counterforce exerted on the second body 132 in the axial direction (e.g., counterforces generated by the drive ring 14, friction, or other elements).

[0059] However, the drive assembly 160 can include various other structures for providing driving force to the tool mechanism 102. For example, the tool mechanism 102 can require more than one input of hydraulic fluid. In such cases, the hose assembly 166 can deliver hydraulic fluid to a manifold that distributes the hydraulic fluid to multiple input ports on the tool mechanism 102. In other embodiments, the hydraulic source 164 can be connected directly to the tool mechanism 102 without any intervening hose assembly. Still further, the drive assembly 160 can use electromechanical devices to apply force to the tool mechanism 102 without using any hydraulic fluid. Broadly speaking, the drive assembly 160 can include any conventional device operable to apply force to an object (e.g., the second body 132) to cause linear movement thereof.

[0060] As described below, the installation device 100 can also include a diagnostic system configured to detect one or more properties of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10 during installation and determine a quality of the attachment between the fluid fitting 10 and the pipe 16 based on the detected one or more properties.

[0061] More particularly, the diagnostic system can include one or more sensors each configured to detect an associated property of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10 and provide an output corresponding to the detected output. For example, the diagnostic system can include a first sensor 182 (schematically shown inFigure 4 The first sensor is configured to detect a force property of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10 and provide an output corresponding to the force property (for the purposes of the present disclosure, a “force property” of an object refers to a force exerted by or on the object, in absolute terms or per unit area). The sensor 182 in the present embodiment is a pressure sensor connected in line with (via the connectors 170c, 170d) the hoses 168a, 168b of the hose assembly 166 such that the sensor can detect the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered to the tool mechanism 102 and provide an electrical output (e.g., a voltage or radio frequency output) corresponding to the detected pressure. It will be appreciated that the pressure detected by the sensor 182 (and its output) will correspond to the linear force F ultimately exerted on the second body 132 of the tool mechanism 102, as it is known how the hydraulic pressure is transmitted in the form of a linear force to the second body 132 and either of these values can be inferred from the other. However, the sensor 182 can comprise other means for detecting a force property of the installation device 100. For example, the sensor 182 can be a load cell configured to directly measure the linear force F.

[0062] The diagnostic system can further comprise a second sensor 184 (schematically shown in Figure 4 & Figure 5 The second sensor is configured to detect a spatial property of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10 and provide an output corresponding to the spatial property (for the purposes of the present disclosure, a “spatial property” of an object refers to a particular position of the object or a distance traveled by the object). The sensor 184 in the present embodiment is an electrically operated sensor in the form of a linear transducer configured to detect the distance d that the second body 132 (and the second abutment surface 148 coupled thereto) moves from an initial position and provide an electrical output (e.g., a voltage or radio frequency output) corresponding to the detected distance d. It will be appreciated that the distance d detected by the sensor 184 (and its output) will correspond to the distance D between the first and second abutment surfaces 146, 148, as it is known the initial position of the second body 132 relative to the first body 130 and either of these values can be inferred from the other.

[0063] However, the second sensor 184 can include other means for detecting a spatial property of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10. For example, the sensor 184 can be a proximity sensor that detects when a portion of the second body 132 (e.g., the second abutment surface 148) reaches a particular position. As another example, the sensor 184 can be a device that directly detects the distance D between the first abutment surface 146 and the second abutment surface 148. As yet another example, the sensor 184 can be a device that directly detects the distance that the drive ring 14 of the fluid fitting 10 moves.

[0064] Optionally, the diagnostic system can further include a third sensor 186 (shown schematically in Figures 1-3 the middle), which is configured to detect a strain property of the installation device 100 or the fluid fitting 10 and provide an output corresponding to the strain property. For example, the sensor 186 in the present embodiment is an electrically operated strain gauge that is configured to detect a strain in a portion of the fitting 10 and produce an electrical output (e.g., a voltage or radio frequency output) corresponding to the detected strain. In particular, the sensor 186 is affixed to the outer surface 50 of the drive ring 14 and is configured to detect a strain present in the drive ring 14. As discussed above, the drive ring 14 will expand radially during installation, thereby generating a strain in the drive ring 14 that can be measured by the sensor 186. This detectable strain is directly related to the deformation of the body 12 and / or the conduit 16. Depending on the strain gauge used and the orientation of its strain sensing element, the physical strain of the drive ring 14 that is detected can be any of a circumferential or hoop strain, an axial or radial strain, or a combination thereof.

[0065] The third sensor 186 can be applied along the longitudinal axis L of the fluid fitting 10 (i.e., the body 12, the drive ring 14) lAt various locations. Preferably, sensor 186 is positioned in an area experiencing relatively high strain in the installation configuration or at a potential point of failure. In many cases, such a location may be found near or aligned with one of the main seal 30, the inner seal 32, and / or the outer seal 34. For example, the physical strain in the material of the drive ring 14—due to its elastic expansion during installation—is relatively high in locations above the main seal 30, as this is where the coupling body 12 and the conduit 16 are highly deformed. Therefore, sensor 186 may be positioned substantially radially aligned with at least one of the seals 30, 32, 34, such as the main seal 30, relative to the longitudinal axis X1 of the assembly 10. However, it is contemplated that a third sensor 186 may be attached to various other parts of the assembly 10, internally or externally, including body 12 or conduit 16. Furthermore, sensor 186 may correspond to any of the example sensors described in U.S. Patent No. 10,663,093.

[0066] The sensors 182, 184, and 186 described above can be configured to detect properties other than those described above, such as acceleration, vibration, and temperature. Furthermore, the detected properties can be properties of the assembly 10 or the mounting device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the third sensor 186 can be configured to detect the strain properties of the mounting tool 102 instead of the strain properties of the assembly 10, and can be positioned on a portion of the mounting tool 102, for example, on either or both of the first body 130 or the second body 132.

[0067] Furthermore, the diagnostic system may include additional and / or alternative sensors configured to detect additional and / or alternative properties. For example, any one or all of the sensors 182, 184, and 186 described above may be used individually or in various combinations with each other and / or with other sensors. More broadly, the diagnostic system may include any configuration of one or more sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to detect properties of the mounting device 100 or fluid assembly 10 and provide a corresponding output.

[0068] Turning Figure 6 The diagnostic system may also include a processing unit 192, which can acquire the outputs of sensors 182, 184, and 186 and generate one or more result datasets for comparison with one or more predetermined datasets to determine the quality of the attachment between the fluid fitting 10 and the pipe 16.

[0069] More specifically, the processing unit 192 in the present embodiment is a handheld unit having a user interface 194 and a display 196. Each sensor 182, 184, 186 can be in electrical communication with the processing unit 192 via a wire or cable (e.g., a USB cable). Alternatively, communication between the processing unit 192 and one or more sensors 182, 184, 186 can be established wirelessly. For example, one or more sensors 182, 184, 186 can include an RFID tag configured to emit an RF signal corresponding to its detected property. An RFID tag typically includes an antenna that emits an RF signal related to an identification and / or information stored within the RFID tag. The processing unit 192 can provide power, in whole or in part, to the RFID tag, whereby the wireless communication transceiver of the RFID tag is passively powered by an electromagnetic field from the processing unit 192. The processing unit 192 can be configured to probe or interrogate the RFID tag, and can include a transmitter and receiver for wirelessly exchanging RFID information with the RFID tag. Alternatively, the processing unit 192 can wirelessly communicate with one or more sensors 182, 184, 186 via other wireless data communication protocols, such as any of Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular (analog or digital, including all past or present iterations), etc.

[0070] When the fitting 10 is installed with the tool mechanism 102 as described above, the processing unit 192 can be configured to acquire the output from the first sensor 182 at discrete times to generate a first data set 202 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the detected property of the sensor over time. Figure 7 ). Figure 7 The X-axis in FIG. 2 represents a specified time interval during operation of the tool mechanism 102, and the Y-axis represents the linear force F applied to the second body 132 during that time interval (it should be understood that the linear force F corresponds to the pressure detected by the sensor 182 - as discussed above, or other linear force data ultimately applied to the second body 132 obtained by an alternative variation of the sensor 182).

[0071] The first data set 202 includes various peaks and valleys that correlate to specific instances in time when the drive ring 14 traverses over and interacts with the coupling body 12. Specifically, the peak "a" occurs due to the outer seal 34 of the coupling body 12 engaging and biting into the pipe 16 as this is the first seal that is compressed as a result of the operation of the drive ring. As the drive ring 14 is forced over the coupling body 12 by the second abutment surface 148 of the tool mechanism 102, the outer seal 34 will engage and press against the pipe 16, requiring an increase in the linear force F to continue moving the drive ring 14 over the coupling body 12. The linear force F will therefore increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the outer seal 34, at which point the linear force F required for further movement of the drive ring 14 will decrease. This linear force F fluctuation corresponds to the peak "a".

[0072] The linear force F will continue to decrease until the next seal is compressed - which in this embodiment is the primary seal 30 of the coupling body 12 engaging and pressing against the pipe 16, requiring another increase in the linear force F to continue moving the drive ring 14 over the coupling body 12. This linear force F fluctuation corresponds to the valley "b". The linear force F will continue to increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the primary seal 30, at which point the linear force F required for further movement of the drive ring 14 will decrease. This linear force F fluctuation corresponds to the peak "c".

[0073] Again, the linear force F will continue to decrease until the next seal is compressed - which in this embodiment is the inner seal 32 of the coupling body 12 engaging and pressing against the pipe 16, requiring another increase in the linear force F to continue moving the drive ring 14 over the coupling body 12. This linear force F fluctuation corresponds to the valley "d". The linear force F will continue to increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the inner seal 32, at which point the linear force F required for further movement of the drive ring 14 will decrease. This linear force F fluctuation corresponds to the peak "e".

[0074] During installation, the processing unit 192 can be further configured to acquire the output from the second sensor 184 (corresponding to the spatial property of the tool mechanism 102) at the same discrete times at which the output from the first sensor 182 is acquired. The processing unit 192 will then generate a second data set 204 (see Figure 8 ), which corresponds to the detected property of the second sensor 184 at those same discrete times. Figure 8 The X-axis in FIG. 2 represents a designated time interval during operation of the tool mechanism 102, and the Y-axis represents the distance d to which the second body 132 (and the second abutment surface 148 coupled thereto) moves during that time interval.

[0075] After the processing unit 192 creates the first data set 202 and the second data set 204, the processing unit 192 can be further configured to correlate the first data set 202 and the second data set 204 with respect to their discrete times to generate a result data set 208 (see Figure 9 ), which corresponds to the first attribute detected by the first sensor 182 versus the second attribute detected by the sensor 184. Figure 9 The X-axis in the graph of FIG. 6 represents the distance d to which the second body 132 (and the second abutment surface 148 coupled thereto) moves during the time interval, and the Y-axis represents the linear force F applied to the second body 132 during the movement (it should be understood that the linear force F corresponds to the pressure detected by the first sensor 182, as described above).

[0076] In some embodiments, the processing unit 192 can store a predetermined data set that can then be compared to the result data set 208 to determine whether the result data set 208 is compliant. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9 , the predetermined data set can include a maximum first attribute (e.g., linear force F) corresponding to each second attribute (e.g., distance d) of the installation device 100 and a minimum first attribute for each second attribute. In other words, the maximum data set 210 and the minimum data set 212 represent upper and lower limits of the result data set 208 that would result in a proper installation of the fitting 10. The limits can be predetermined based on known attributes of the fitting 10 and the pipe 16 (e.g., material, dimensions, etc.) and / or experimental data.

[0077] Accordingly, the processing unit 192 can determine whether the fitting 10 has been properly installed by determining whether the result data set 208 is between or equal to the maximum data set 210 and the minimum data set 212. As can be seen in Figure 9 , the result data set 208 is between the maximum data set 210 and the minimum data set 212— indicating that the fitting 10 has been properly installed. In contrast, Figure 10 shows a result data set 214 of the comparison, which has segments SI, S2 that fall outside of the acceptable limits— indicating possible faults in the installation process. Moreover, the particular locations at which the result data set 214 falls outside of the acceptable limits can provide additional indications of the particular type of fault.

[0078] In some embodiments, the processing unit 192 can be configured to correlate the second data set 204 (corresponding to the spatial properties of the tool mechanism 102 over time) with other properties of the assembly 10 or tool mechanism 102 as an alternative or redundant means of determining whether the assembly 10 has been properly installed. For example, in some embodiments, the processing unit 192 can be configured to acquire the output from the third sensor 186 (corresponding to the strain properties of the assembly 10) at the same discrete times at which the output from the second sensor 184 is acquired. The processing unit 192 would then generate a third data set 216 (see FIG. 21) corresponding to the strain properties over those same discrete times. Figure 11 Figure 11 The X-axis in FIG. 21 represents a specified time interval, and the Y-axis represents the strain detected by the sensor 186 during that time interval.

[0079] Figure 11 The third data set 216 in FIG. 21 similarly includes various changes in slope that correlate to particular torques of the drive ring 14 traversing over and interacting with the coupling body 12. Specifically, a peak "f" occurs as the outboard seal 34 of the coupling body 12 engages and bites into the pipe 16. As the drive ring 14 is forced over the coupling body 12 by the second abutment surface 148 of the tool mechanism 102, the outboard seal 34 will engage and press against the pipe 16, increasing the strain in the assembly 10. This strain will increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the outboard seal 34, at which point the strain will decrease. This strain fluctuation corresponds to the peak "f".

[0080] As the drive ring 14 moves over the coupling body 12, the strain in the assembly 10 will continue to decrease until the primary seal 30 of the coupling body 12 engages and presses against the pipe 16, again causing the strain in the assembly 10 to increase. This strain fluctuation corresponds to the valley "g". The strain will continue to increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the primary seal 30, at which point the strain will decrease. This strain fluctuation corresponds to the peak "h".

[0081] Again, as the drive ring 14 moves over the coupling body 12, the strain in the assembly 10 will continue to decrease until the inboard seal 32 of the coupling body 12 engages and presses against the pipe 16, causing the strain in the assembly 10 to increase. This strain fluctuation corresponds to the valley "i". The strain will continue to increase until the pipe 16 yields to the compression of the inboard seal 32, at which point the strain will decrease. This strain fluctuation corresponds to the peak "j".

[0082] ​After the processing unit 192 creates the second data set 204 and the third data set 216, the processing unit 192 can be configured to correlate the second data set 204 and the third data set 216 with respect to their discrete times to generate a result data set 218 (see Figure 12 corresponding to the second property detected by the second sensor 184 versus the third property detected by the third sensor 186. Figure 12 The X-axis in FIG. 22 represents the distance d to which the second body 132 (and the second abutment surface 148 coupled thereto) moves during the time interval, and the Y-axis represents the strain experienced by the fitting 10 during the movement.

[0083] The processing unit 192 can similarly store a predetermined data set that can then be compared to the result data set 218 to determine whether the result data set 218 is compliant. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the predetermined data set can include a maximum third property (e.g., strain) corresponding to each second property (e.g., distance d) and a minimum third property for each second property. In other words, the maximum data set 226 and the minimum data set 228 represent upper and lower limits of the result data set 218 that would result in a proper installation of the fitting 10. The limits can be predetermined based on known properties (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of the fitting 10 and the pipe 16 and / or experimental data. Figure 12

[0084] Accordingly, the processing unit 192 can determine whether the fitting 10 has been properly installed by determining whether the result data set 218 is between or equal to the maximum data set 226 and the minimum data set 228. As can be seen in FIG. 24, the result data set 218 is between the maximum data set 226 and the minimum data set 228— indicating that the fitting 10 has been properly installed. Although not shown in FIG. 24, if the result data set 218 has any segments that fall outside of the acceptable limits (i.e., data sets 210, 212), the processing unit 192 can likewise determine a failure of the installation process. Figure 12 Figure 12

[0085] Although the data sets 202, 204, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 226, 228 described above have been illustrated in graphical form in FIGS. 22-24, it should be understood that the data sets can be represented in other forms, such as, for example, tables. Figures 7-12

[0086] ​​​​In some embodiments, the processing unit 192 can include one or more output devices (e.g., a speaker, a light, a display 196, etc.) that can be electrically operated to provide an output (e.g., an audible output, an indicator light, a video image, an electrical signal, a vibration, etc.) based on the conformance of one or both of the result data sets 208, 218 to their respective maximum and minimum data sets, thereby indicating whether the fitting 10 has been properly installed.

[0087] For example, the processing unit 192 (see Figure 6 ) can include a first indicator light 230 and a second indicator light 232. The processing unit 192 can be configured to illuminate the first indicator light 230 (e.g., green) if the result data set 208 is conformed to the maximum data set 210 and the minimum data set 212, thereby indicating that the fitting 10 is properly installed. In addition, the processing unit 192 can be configured to illuminate the second indicator light 232 (e.g., red) if the result data set 208 is not conformed, thereby indicating that the fitting 10 is not properly installed. It should be understood that the indicator light 230, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that the result data set 208 is not conformed, and the indicator light 232, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that the result data set 208 is conformed. It is also contemplated that a conformed or not conformed notification can also be presented on other output devices (e.g., a speaker, a light, a display 196, etc.).

[0088] In another embodiment, the processing unit 192 can be configured to illuminate the indicator light 230 if the result data set 218 is conformed to the maximum data set 226 and the minimum data set 228, or illuminate the indicator light 232 if the result data set 218 is not conformed. It should be understood that the indicator light 230, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that the result data set 218 is not conformed, and the indicator light 232, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that the result data set 218 is conformed.

[0089] As yet another embodiment, the processing unit 192 can be configured to illuminate the indicator light 230 if both of the result data sets 208, 218 are conformed to their respective maximum and minimum data sets, or illuminate the indicator light 232 if at least one of the result data sets 208, 218 is not conformed to its respective maximum and minimum data set. It should be understood that the indicator light 230, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that at least one of the result data sets 208, 218 is not conformed, and the indicator light 232, when not illuminated, can thereby indicate that both of the result data sets 208, 218 are conformed.

[0090] The processing unit 192 can include any number and configuration of output devices that can be electrically operated to provide one or more outputs based on the conformance of one or both of the result data sets 208, 218 to their respective maximum and minimum data sets.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 192 can be integrated with a computer system. The processing unit 192 preferably has on-board non-transitory computer memory to store the data sets 202, 204, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 226, 228 described above for later retrieval, analysis, or transmission. Further, the processing unit 192 is preferably capable of communicating on a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), including the Internet and World Wide Web. Preferably, the processing unit 192 is itself capable of wireless data communication, such as via Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular (analog or digital, including all past or present iterations), or other like technologies. Further, the processing unit 192 preferably has a programmable microprocessor that can include a variety of features and capabilities. For example, the microprocessor includes a programmable computing core capable of performing any or all of the processing steps described above, including generating, storing, and comparing the data sets 202, 204, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 226, 228 as described above. The programmable computing core can be capable of performing any or all of processing commands, performing calculations, tracking / reading data, storing data, analyzing data, adjusting / manipulating data, receiving new commands or instructions, etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, the diagnostic system can include a remote database 300 (see Figure 6additional or alternative processing unit in the form of a remote database 300 that can receive data from the processing unit 192 and / or sensors 182, 184, 186 for storage and / or to perform one or more of the diagnostic procedures described above (e.g., generating data sets, comparing data sets, and / or providing an output indicative of the conformance of the data sets). The remote database 300 can be a remotely installed site or a centrally located computer server database (e.g., a networked or internet-connected computer, sometimes referred to as being “in the cloud”) that is local to the control company, local to the manufacturer of the assembly, and / or “cloud-based” (as it is maintained at a remote, internet-connected server). Such a “cloud-based” internet-connected server can provide data storage and retrieval capabilities, and / or can also provide computing capabilities to transform, analyze, and / or report cataloged data. Regardless of location, this database 300 can be maintained by the manufacturer of the assembly 10, by a service company that inspects the assembly 10, and / or by the end user of the assembly 10 for use by associated quality assurance personnel. Data obtained from the processing unit 192 and / or sensors 182, 184, 186 can be cataloged over time to help the manufacturer and end customer track the performance of the assembly 10 and installation tool 102 for installation assistance, maintenance, replacement, warranty claims, etc.

[0093] In one embodiment, data from the third sensor 186 described above can be captured as the assembly 10 is installed on the pipe 16 (immediately before, during, and / or after). This reading can provide a baseline reference for the condition of the drive ring 14 at the ambient environment in which it will be installed (although installation can also be performed at the manufacturer or other location). It can be particularly useful to store the installation sensor readings to the remote database 300 for future use.

[0094] In this way, both the manufacturer and the end user can track and otherwise understand the performance of the assembly 10 in the field, such that all parties involved have a high degree of confidence that the assembly 10 will perform as specified. Alternatively, if the sensed readings indicate that the assembly installation is trending outside of the specification (i.e., still acceptable but moving toward unacceptable) or outside of the specification (i.e., unacceptable), the status can be notified to all parties with access to the central computer database 300. This can enable the manufacturer to contact the end user, or the end user to contact the manufacturer, to schedule maintenance or replacement of the assembly 10. By observing the information, data trends can be further understood and identified, such as what impact certain assemblies, customers, installation techniques, environmental factors, etc. have on the installation, performance, and long-term functionality of the assembly 10 in the field. For example, data indicating strain cracking, micro-strain, or other pre-failure or failure modes can be coded into entries and correlations, and then used as a comparison to other fluid assemblies in the field to determine a predicted failure and identify potential remedial actions. The remote database 300 can store, analyze, transform, and report on various types of data, including some or all of the following: historical installation sensor readings, comparisons of installation sensor readings (current vs. historical), minimums / maximums, data drift, calculations, etc. With respect to reporting, it is contemplated that the remote database 300 can be passive in that the data and / or reports can be compiled but the user ultimately takes action based on the data, or can be partially or fully active in which the remote database 300 can take additional steps based on the analysis of the inputted data, such as proactively reporting potential issues to the manufacturer, end user, service company, etc. Such active operations can be partially or fully automated.

[0095] In another embodiment, it is possible that the maximum and minimum data sets indicating that the fluid assembly 10 is properly installed for its intended purpose can change over time. This can occur for various reasons, including further research and development, better understanding of the life performance of the fluid assembly 10 in different environments, changes in manufacturing, etc. By using a cloud computing environment, the maximum and minimum data sets can be easily changed in the remote database 300 and automatically applied to past, present (real-time), or future sensor readings data. For example, based on experience, it can be determined that the data sets are too low or too high; thus, by changing the data sets in a single remote database 300, it can be quickly applied to all past, present (real-time), or future sensor readings. Similarly, based on industry or customer needs, unique or different maximum and minimum data sets can be applied to only a subset of products (i.e., certain products of only a particular customer or industry), which can change from time to time.

[0096] It should be understood that the processing unit 192 and the remote database 300 can be collectively described as processing units that perform the diagnostic procedures described above (e.g., acquiring outputs, generating data sets, comparing data sets, and / or providing outputs indicative of the conformity of the data sets). In fact, the diagnostic procedures can be split between the processing unit 192 and the remote database 300 such that some procedures are performed by the processing unit 192 and other procedures are performed by the remote database 300. Further, in some embodiments, the diagnostic system can exclude the processing unit 192 and the remote database 300 is configured to perform the diagnostic functions of the processing unit 192.

[0097] The diagnostic system as described above can thus determine whether the fitting 10 has been properly installed by monitoring at least two parameters of the fitting 10 and the installation tool 102 (e.g., the linear force F applied to the tool mechanism 102 and the distance d that the second body 132 moves from the initial position), generating two data sets, correlating the two data sets to generate a resultant data set, and comparing the resultant data set to a predetermined data set for conformity. However, it should be understood that the two attributes that are monitored and correlated can vary depending on the implementation. Further, for the purpose of redundancy, the diagnostic system can monitor more than two parameters and compare multiple resultant data sets to respective predetermined data sets. Broadly stated, the diagnostic system can be any system that monitors at least two parameters of the fitting 10 and the installation tool 102 and correlates the parameters for comparison to one or more predetermined data sets to determine whether the fitting 10 has been properly installed.

[0098] The application has been described with reference to the example implementations described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the example implementations incorporating one or more aspects of the present application be included within the scope of the appended claims, and that the application is not limited to the example implementations described herein.

Claims

1. A mounting device for connecting a fluid fitting to a fluid element, comprising: a tool mechanism operable to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element, the tool mechanism comprising a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface facing the first abutment surface and movable relative to the first abutment surface; a first sensor configured to detect a first property of the fluid fitting and provide a first output corresponding to the first property, wherein the first property corresponds to a strain property of the fluid fitting; a second sensor configured to detect a second property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and provide a second output corresponding to the second property, wherein the second property corresponds to a spatial property; and a processing unit configured to: acquire the first output from the first sensor at discrete times to generate a first dataset corresponding to the first property over time, acquire the second output from the second sensor at the same discrete times to generate a second dataset corresponding to the second property over time, correlate the first and second datasets with respect to the discrete times to generate a first resultant dataset based on the first and second outputs, wherein the first resultant dataset corresponds to the first property on the second property, and compare the first resultant dataset to a first predetermined dataset to determine whether the first resultant dataset conforms to the first predetermined dataset, and wherein the fluid fitting has a central axis, and the tool mechanism is operable to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element by moving the second abutment surface relative to the first abutment surface in an axial direction of the central axis.

2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined dataset comprises a maximum dataset corresponding to a maximum first property per second property and a minimum dataset corresponding to a minimum first property per second property.

3. The mounting device of claim 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine whether the first resultant dataset conforms to the first predetermined dataset by determining whether the first resultant dataset is between or equal to the maximum and minimum datasets.

4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to provide an output based on whether the first resultant dataset conforms to the first predetermined dataset.

5. The mounting device of claim 1, further comprising a third sensor configured to detect a third property of the mounting device or fluid fitting and provide a third output corresponding to the third property, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate a second resultant data set based on the second and third outputs, and compare the second resultant data set to a second predetermined data set to determine whether the second resultant data set conforms to the second predetermined data set.

6. The installation device of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to provide an output based on whether the first and second resultant data sets both conform to the first and second predetermined data sets, respectively.

7. A method of using the installation device of claim 1 to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element, wherein the method comprises: operating the tool mechanism to connect the fluid fitting to the fluid element; operating the first sensor during the step of operating the tool mechanism, wherein the first sensor detects the first property and provides the first output; operating the second sensor during the step of operating the tool mechanism, wherein the second sensor detects the second property and provides the second output; and operating the processing unit, wherein the processing unit: acquires the first output from the first sensor at discrete times to generate the first data set corresponding to the first property over time, acquires the second output from the second sensor at the same discrete times to generate the second data set corresponding to the second property over time, correlates the first and second data sets with respect to the discrete times to generate the first resultant data set based on the first and second outputs, compares the first resultant data set to the first predetermined data set to determine whether the first resultant data set conforms to the first predetermined data set, and electrically operates an output device to provide an output based on whether the first resultant data set conforms to the first predetermined data set.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first predetermined data set comprises a maximum data set and a minimum data set, the maximum data set corresponding to a maximum first property per second property, and the minimum data set corresponding to a minimum first property per second property.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the processing unit determines whether the first resultant data set conforms to the first predetermined data set by determining whether the first resultant data set is between or equal to the maximum and minimum data sets.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the output device comprises an indicator light.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein: the installation device further comprises a third sensor that detects a third property of the installation device or fluid fitting and provides a third output corresponding to the third property, and the processing unit generates a second resultant data set based on the second and third outputs, and compares the second resultant data set to a second predetermined data set to determine whether the second resultant data set conforms to the second predetermined data set.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the fluid fitting comprises: a coupling body defining a bore at one end of the coupling body for receiving the fluid element therein; and a drive ring configured to fit over the end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the fluid element, the coupling body including a sealing portion for engaging the fluid element, wherein the method comprises: providing the fluid fitting in a pre-installation configuration, wherein a drive ring is disposed over the end of the coupling body, disposing the fluid element within the bore of the coupling body, and disposing the fluid fitting relative to the tool mechanism with the fluid fitting in the pre-installation configuration such that the first abutment surface faces a surface of the coupling body and the second abutment surface faces a surface of the drive ring, wherein the step of operating the tool mechanism axially forces the drive ring along a longitudinal axis such that the drive ring elastically deforms to an expanded state and exerts a compressive force on the sealing portion sufficient to cause a permanent deformation of the coupling body such that the teeth of the sealing portion bite into the fluid element, thereby attaching the fluid element to the coupling body in a leak-free manner.

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