Negative pressure connector seal

A fluid connector system, comprising:

• a first connector;
• a complementary second connector fluidly coupled with the first connector;
• and
• a tubular sealing member defining a lumen extending between a first end and a second end, the tubular sealing member configured to receive the first connector via the first end and a second connector via the second end, the tubular sealing member, comprising an annular wall defining:
• a first annular portion adjacent the first end, the first annular portion configured to engage the first connector;
• a second annular portion adjacent the second end, the second annular portion configured to engage the second connector;
• and
• an annular chamber extending between the first annular portion and the second annular portion, the annular chamber configured to receive the first connector and the second connector therein;
• wherein during use:
• the first connector and the second connector extend into the annular chamber such that the annular chamber defines an annular space between the annular wall and each of the first connector and the second connector,
• the annular chamber adjacent the first annular portion is in fluid communication with the annular chamber adjacent the second annular portion, and
• when a pressure within the lumen is negative, atmospheric pressure acting on the annular wall compresses the tubular sealing member to define at least a contact force between the second annular portion and the second connector sufficient to define a fluid seal between the tubular sealing member and the second connector.

A method of defining a seal between fluid connectors, comprising:

• providing a tubular sealing member defining a lumen extending between a first end and a second end;
• inserting a first connector into the tubular sealing member via the first end to define a first engagement;
• inserting a second connector into the tubular sealing member via the second end to define a second engagement;
• establishing a negative pressure within the lumen to transition the tubular sealing member from a first engagement configuration to a second engagement configuration, wherein:
• in the first engagement configuration, at least one of the first connector or the second connector is not sealably coupled with the tubular sealing member, and
• in the second engagement configuration, atmospheric pressure compresses the tubular sealing member to define a fluid seal between the at least one of the first connector or the second connector and the tubular sealing member.