Alignment and connection systems and methods

摘要

A connecting structure for connecting a first member in fluid flow connection with a second member may include a receptacle structure provided on the first member and having an interior chamber and an opening into the interior chamber in which a needle and a pierceable member surrounding a piercing end of the needle may be supported. The second member may include a connection portion that has a septum supported in an interior chamber having a size and shape suitable to be received at least partially into the opening of the receptacle structure upon moving the first member and the second member together to push the pierceable member toward the piercing end of the needle to cause the piercing end of the needle to pierce the pierceable member and the septum to come into fluid flow communication with the interior chamber of the connection portion.

主权项

1. A fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system comprising:
a first member; a receptacle structure provided on the first member and defining an interior chamber and an opening into the interior chamber; a needle supported within the interior chamber of the receptacle structure, the needle having a piercing end; a pierceable member provided within the interior chamber, the pierceable member extending along a longitudinal dimension of the needle; a second member for connecting with the first member; a connection portion provided on the second member, the connection portion having an interior chamber and an opening into the interior chamber of the connection portion, the connection portion having a size and shape suitable to be received at least partially into the opening of the receptacle structure as the first member and the second member are connected; and a septum supported by the connection portion of the second member in a position to cover the opening of the connection portion; wherein the pierceable member is arranged to be moved, by the connection portion as the connection portion is received into the opening of the receptacle structure within the interior chamber of the receptacle structure in a direction along the longitudinal dimension of the needle toward the piercing end of the needle to cause the piercing end of the needle to pierce the pierceable member and the septum to establish fluid flow communication between the needle and the interior chamber of the connection portion; wherein the receptacle structure is fixed with respect to a base portion; and wherein the connection portion of the second member is provided in a housing that is connectable to the base portion.