Patent ID: 8708376

Claim:
A combination comprising: a medium connector comprising: a passage allowing the flow of medium therethrough; a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage, the multi-portion engagement surface including: a first surface extending along a first portion of the length of the passage, and a second surface extending along a second portion of the length of the passage; wherein the first surface is arranged at a first taper angle relative to a centerline of the passage and the second surface is arranged at a second taper angle relative to the centerline of the passage, wherein the first taper angle and the second taper angle are different; and a cantilever feature disposed about the multi-portion engagement surface, the cantilever feature including a first retention feature formed on an outer surface thereof; and a mating connector comprising: a sealing surface configured to engage the medium connector; and a cantilever arm extending adjacent to the sealing surface, the cantilever arm having a second retention feature formed at a distal end thereof; wherein the first surface of the medium connector provides an interference fit with the sealing surface of the mating connector and the second surface of the medium connector provides a clearance fit with the sealing surface of the mating connector; wherein the ratio of the first surface and the second surface is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector; wherein the passage of the medium connector is adapted to be fluidly coupled to the mating connector to allow the medium to flow through the passage of the medium connector and to exit the passage into the mating connector when the medium connector is engaged with the mating connector; wherein the interference fit between the sealing surface of the mating connector and the first surface of the medium connector prevents leakage of the medium flowing through the passage of the medium connector and into the mating connector as the medium passes from the medium connector to the mating connector through the passage; and wherein the cantilever feature of the medium connector is adapted to be disposed between the sealing surface and the cantilever arm of the mating connector with the second retention feature on the cantilever arm engaging the first retention feature on the outer surface of the cantilever feature.