Connector system

A medical system comprising:

• a plug defining a channel extending between a plug inlet defined by the plug and a plug outlet defined by the plug, wherein the plug inlet is configured to mechanically and fluidically engage a first conduit, and wherein the plug further comprises an outer surface defining a first portion and a rim portion, the rim portion extending more radially outwards than the first portion;
• a dialysis machine comprising a second conduit and a socket fluidically connected to an end of the second conduit, the socket comprising:
• a socket body including a flange and including a socket well inner surface, wherein the socket well inner surface defines a socket well, wherein the flange defines an opening which opens into the socket well, wherein the second conduit is mechanically engaged with the socket body, wherein the plug is configured to insert through the opening of the flange and into the socket well to mechanically mate with the socket and fluidically connect the plug inlet and an outlet defined by the end of the second conduit, wherein the rim portion is configured to contact the flange when the plug mechanically mates with the socket, and wherein a housing of the dialysis machine mechanically supports the socket body;
• and
• a socket membrane supported by the socket well inner surface between the flange and the end of the second conduit, wherein the socket membrane comprises at least three substantially equal-section leaflets including a first leaflet, a second leaflet, and a third leaflet and the at least three leaflets are biased to a closed position in which the socket membrane blocks a fluid flow through the socket well, and wherein the first leaflet comprises a first free end, the second leaflet comprises a second free end, and the third leaflet comprises a third free end, and, when the plug is inserted into the socket well, the first free end, the second free end, and the third free end are configured to move distally away from the plug to transition to an open position to enable the fluid flow through the socket well,
• wherein the plug is configured to insert into the socket well in a first direction extending from the flange to the end of the second conduit,
• wherein the plug is configured to linearly translate against the socket membrane in the first direction until the rim portion contacts the flange, and
• wherein the first portion is configured to remain outside of the socket well when the plug is inserted into the socket well.

A method comprising:

• inserting a plug through a socket membrane and into a socket well defined by a socket, wherein:
• the plug defines a channel extending between a plug inlet defined by the plug and a plug outlet defined by the plug, wherein the plug inlet is configured to mechanically and fluidically engage a first conduit,
• the socket comprises a socket body including a flange and including a socket well inner surface, wherein the socket well inner surface defines the socket well, wherein the flange defines an opening which opens into the socket well, wherein the socket well is fluidically connected to an end of a second conduit of a medical machine, wherein the second conduit is mechanically engaged with the socket body, and wherein the plug is configured to insert into the socket well to mechanically mate with the socket and to fluidically connect the plug inlet and the second conduit,
• the socket membrane is supported by the socket well inner surface between the flange and the end of the second conduit, wherein the socket membrane comprises at least three substantially equal-section leaflets including a first leaflet, a second leaflet, and a third leaflet and the at least three leaflets are biased to a closed position in which the socket membrane blocks a fluid flow through the socket well, and wherein inserting the plug into the socket well opens the socket membrane to enable the fluid flow through the socket well from the plug inlet to the second conduit,
• the plug further comprises an outer surface defining a first portion and a rim portion, the rim portion extending more radially outwards than the first portion and configured to contact the flange,
• the plug is configured to insert into the socket well in a first direction from the flange to an outlet of the second conduit, and
• the plug is configured to linearly translate against the socket membrane in the first direction until the rim portion contacts the flange, and
• the first portion is configured to remain outside of the socket well when the plug is inserted into the socket well;
• and, subsequently,
• removing the plug from the socket.