System for attaching a tubular device to a planar device

摘要

A fluid connector system for connecting a tubular device such as a conduit having a fluid-bearing capability to a channel port having a fluid-bearing capability in a planar surface, thereby providing a substantially leak-free fluid communication between the conduit and the channel port. The conduit bore communicates with a conduit outlet located in a surface region on the outlet end of the conduit. Located within the outlet end surface region is a weld projection. The channel port is located in a receiver portion of a planar surface and communicates with a channel . A port surface region on the exterior of the planar surface encompasses the channel port. The outlet end surface region and the port surface region are complementary in that they may be superimposed so as to co-locate the conduit outlet and the channel port. The leading edge of the conduit outlet is oriented to contact the port surface region so as to define a line of contact. The weld projection and the material that underlies the line of contact are both formed of electrically resistive material suited to melting and subsequent fusion via resistive heating due to a brief application of an electric current. Accordingly, upon application of a current pulse that is sufficient to cause resistive heating at the weld projection, the weld projection and the material that underlies the line of contact are heated and fused. Upon cooling, the outlet end and the port surface region joined such that a hermetic seal is imposed about the juncture of the superimposed conduit outlet and channel port. A preferred embodiment of the fluid connector system is effective for connecting a conduit to a planar surface in a planar manifold assembly.