Fluid connector system for a planar manifold assembly

Abstract

A fluid connector system for connecting a conduit having a fluid-bearing capability to a channel having a fluid-bearing capability in a planar manifold assembly, thereby providing a substantially leak-free fluid communication between the conduit and the channel. A preferred embodiment of the fluid connector system is effective for connecting a conduitto a planar manifold situated in a sample analysis system. The conduit is located in a fluid-handling functional device and communicates with a device port located in a port surface region on the fluid handling functional device. Located within the port surface region, and encircling the first port, is a weld projection. The channel is located in a receiver portion of a planar assembly and communicates with a manifold port. A port surface region on the exterior of the planar assembly encompasses the manifold port. The port surface regions are complementary in that they may be superimposed so as to co-locate the device port and the manifold port. The leading edge may contact the port surface region on the planar manifold in a fashion that defines 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 intermixed, thereby becoming fused together. Upon cooling, the weld projection and the line of contact are merged and thus nearly indistinguishable, thus fixing the port surface regions together such that a hermetic seal is imposed about the juncture of the superimposed device port and manifold port.