Patent Publication Number: US-11048994-B2

Title: Fluid line connector and assembly with securement detection

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/404,551, filed May 6, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/102,256, filed Aug. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/544,057, filed Aug. 11, 2017. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to connector assemblies used to join fluid lines together and, more particularly, to ways of detecting proper and full engagement of connector assembly members. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Connector assemblies, especially those with quick-connect functionality, are commonly used to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications. One example is coolant fluid lines in electric vehicle automobiles. For initial assembly and inspection and subsequent service, visual measures are sometimes employed in the design and construction of a connector assembly in order to verify that a proper and full engagement has been made between members of the connector assembly. Examples include secondary latches that are closable upon full engagement, and windows framed in one the members of the connector assembly for viewing engagement. These measures, as well as others like them, require physical interaction and viewing by the assembler, inspector, or servicer to ensure that a proper and full engagement has been made between the members of the connector assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passage resides in the body, and an opening resides in the body. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The retainer can move through the body&#39;s opening. The actuator member is situated near the body&#39;s passage and is situated near the retainer. The switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The switch changes its state when it is impinged by the actuator member. Impingement from the actuator member occurs upon both of: i) insertion of another connector into the fluid line connector, and ii) movement of the retainer in a direction that is generally transverse to a direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector. 
     In another embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passage resides in the body, and an opening resides in the body. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The retainer can move through the body&#39;s opening. The actuator member has a base and an appendage depending from the base. The switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The switch changes its state when it is impinged by the actuator member. Impingement from the actuator member occurs upon both of: i) a first force exerted to the appendage from another connector that is inserted into the fluid line connector, and ii) a second force exerted to the base from the retainer. 
     In yet another embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passage resides in the body, and an opening resides in the body. The retainer can move through the body&#39;s opening. The actuator member has a base and an appendage. The base receives abutment from the retainer, and the appendage receives abutment from another connector. The switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The switch can change its state when impinged by the actuator member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the fluid line connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a fluid line connector of the fluid line connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the fluid line connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line connector; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of a connector that can be used with the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 , with a connector assembled thereto; 
         FIG. 8  is yet another perspective view of the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of an actuator member and a switch that can be used with the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an embodiment of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag that can be used with the fluid line connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line connector; and 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the fluid line connector of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of a fluid line connector and assembly are detailed in this description. The connectors and assemblies are designed and constructed to enable detection of proper and full securement between connectors without the necessity of the secondary latches and windows of the past that required some level of physical interaction and viewing by an assembler, inspector, or servicer at the site of securement. Instead, the connectors and assemblies of this description are provided with means in which proper and full securement can be detected via a device that is located remote of an immediate site of securement of the connectors, and the device need not necessarily make physical contact with the site of securement for detection. In this way, the connectors and assemblies are equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous—those found, for instance, in advanced manufacturing facilities in automotive production. The connectors and assemblies hence could prove useful in many applications, such as when an immediate power supply is not readily available and not readily at-hand. This description presents the connectors and assemblies in the context of automotive fluid lines, such as coolant fluid lines in electric vehicle automobiles, but the connectors and assemblies have broader application and are suitable for use in aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, agricultural fluid lines, as well as other fluid lines. 
     As used herein, the phrase “full securement” and its grammatical variations is used to refer to a state of securement in which a fluid-tight joint is established via the fluid line connector. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms radially, axially, and circumferentially, and their grammatical variations refer to directions with respect to the generally circular shape of the passage of the fluid line connector. 
     The fluid line connector and assembly can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the application in which the fluid line connector and assembly are employed.  FIGS. 1-4  present a first embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly  10 . The fluid line connector and assembly  10  here includes a fluid line connector  12  and another separate and discrete connector  14 . The fluid line connector  12  has quick-connect functionality for ready connect and disconnect actions with the connector  14  and is used to join automotive fluid lines together. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector  12  is a female connector and the connector  14  is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector  12  receives insertion of the connector  14  at a first end  16  in installation, and couples to a fluid line at a second end  18 . The fluid line connector  12  has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but could have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. The connector  14  could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities. With particular reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the connector  14  has a first flange  20  protruding radially-outboard of its body, and has a second flange  22  spaced axially from the first flange  20  and likewise protruding radially-outboard of the connector&#39;s body. The first and second flanges  20 ,  22  extend circumferentially around the connector  14 . The connector  14  has an outer surface  24 . 
     In this embodiment, the fluid line connector  12  includes a body  26 , an o-ring  28 , an insert  30 , a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip  32 , a switch  34 , and an actuator member  36 ; still, in other embodiments, the fluid line connector  12  can have more, less, and/or different components. Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the body  26  has a passage  38  defined in its structure for allowing fluid-flow through the fluid line connector  12 . The body  26  also has a compartment  40  for receipt and placement of the RFID chip  32 . The compartment  40  is a space that is separate from the passage  38 . A removable cover  42  can be provided to close the compartment  40  and enclose the RFID chip  32  therein. The body  26  further has a pass-through  44  for situating and seating the actuator member  36  within the body  26  in assembly. When the actuator member  36  is taken from the body  26  (for instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 ), the passage  38  and compartment  40  communicate with each other by way of the pass-through  44  which is open to both of the passage  38  and compartment  40 . The o-ring  28  is received within the passage  38 , as perhaps depicted best by  FIG. 4 , and forms a seal thereat between the fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14 . The insert  30  is also received within the passage  38  and is used to help retain the connector  14  when the connector  14  and fluid line connector  12  are secured together. In the example of the figures, the insert  30  has a pair of tangs  46  with hook ends  48  that capture the first flange  20  upon insertion of the connector  14  into the fluid line connector  12  to an appropriate overlapping depth, as demonstrated in  FIG. 4 . The insert  30  includes a first ring structure  50  and a second ring structure  52  that are bridged together by the tangs  46 . Press-downs  54  on opposite sides of the second ring structure  52  can be squeezed to undo the captured first flange  20  for disassembling the connector  14  from the fluid line connector  12 . 
     The RFID chip  32  assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14 . The RFID chip  32  transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals with an RFID interrogator  56 . The RFID interrogator  56  sends an interrogating signal  58  to the RFID chip  32 , which responds with an RF signal  60 . In this way, proper and full securement detection is carried out with the use of RFID technologies. In a manufacturing facility, for instance, the RFID interrogator  56  can be stationed amid an assembly, inspection, and/or installation production line, and can establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator  56  seeks to intercommunicate with the RFID chip  32  as the fluid line connector and assembly  10  and larger application are transported through the securement zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator  56  may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator  56 . In another setting, the RFID interrogator  56  can be a mobile device such as a hand-held device. The RF signal  60  can convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator  56 . In an embodiment, the information conveyed can be an indication of the state of securement between the fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14 . For example, when the fluid line connector  12  and connector  14  exhibit full securement, the RF signal  60  can convey the fully secured information in the form of an ON signal to the RFID interrogator  56 . The RFID interrogator  56  can in turn process the conveyed information. The information conveyed can also include a serial number, location of installation, etc. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the RFID chip  32  is carried by the body  26 . Support between the RFID chip  32  and the body  26  can be effected in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID chip  32  resides within the compartment  40  and is protected by the cover  42  in installation. At this location, the RFID chip  32  is shielded from exposure to fluid-flow traveling through the passage  38 , and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. The RFID chip  32  has an antenna  62  that exchanges (i.e., transmits and receives) RF signals, and has an integrated circuit (IC)  64  that stores data and information, among other possible functions. 
     The switch  34  interacts with the RFID chip  32  in order to activate and enable the RFID chip  32  to transmit and receive RF signals with the RFID interrogator  56 , and in order to deactivate and disable the RFID chip  32  from transmitting and receiving RF signals. Still, the interaction can influence the functioning of the RFID chip  32  in other ways. In the embodiment presented by the figures, the switch  34  is electrically coupled with the RFID chip  32  to enable and disable the antenna  62  to and from transmitting and receiving RF signals. The switch  34  can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the RFID chip that it interacts with and the design and construction of the accompanying connectors. For instance, the switch  34  can take mechanical, electrical, and magnetic forms. In one embodiment, and referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the switch  34  is in the form of a button  66  mounted to the RFID chip  32 . As demonstrated best by  FIG. 4 , the button  66  is located between the RFID chip  32  and the actuator member  36 , and adjacent the pass-through  44 . When impinged and physically pressed, the button  66 —due to its electrical coupling to the RFID chip  32 —activates and enables the antenna  62  to transmit and receive RF signals. A single press and release of the button  66  can activate the RFID chip  32 , or a maintained impingement and pressing can activate the RFID chip  32  for the duration over which the impingement and pressing persists, depending on the embodiment. Conversely, a single press and release of the button  66  can deactivate the RFID chip  32 , or an absence of a maintained impingement and pressing can deactivate the RFID chip  32  for the duration over which the impingement and pressing is lacking. 
     Furthermore, in other embodiments, the switch  34  can be prompted to activate and deactivate the RFID chip  32  by other means. With particular reference to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment carries out the prompting by use of a non-contact switch in lieu of a contact-based switch. A reed switch  68  is carried by the body  26  of the fluid line connector  12 , and a magnetic component  70  is carried by the connector  14 . Here, when the fluid line connector  12  and connector  14  are in full securement, the proximity between the reed switch  68  and magnetic component  70  prompts activation of the RFID chip  32 . Conversely, less than full securement and the attendant remoteness of the reed switch  68  and the magnetic component  70  relative to each other deactivates the RFID chip  32 . In this embodiment, the actuator member  36  need not be provided. 
     The actuator member  36  receives abutment amid full securement actions and at full securement between the fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14 , and thereby prompts impingement of the switch  34 . The actuator member  36  can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the design and construction of the switch  34  and the accompanying connectors. In the embodiment of the figures, and referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the actuator member  36  spans between the passage  38  and the switch  34  to provide an interrelationship between the connector  14  and the RFID chip  32 . The actuator member  36  is carried within the body  26  of the fluid line connector  12  and is situated and seated in the pass-through  44 . At its location, the actuator member  36  has one end at the passage  38  and another end at the switch  34 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the actuator member  36  is in the form of a cam member  72 . The cam member  72  is one-piece and has a U-shaped profile with a base portion  74  and a pair of prong portions  76  depending from the base portion  74 . The base portion  74  has a first working surface  78  residing at the switch  34  and maintaining contact with the switch  34 . And the prong portions  76  each have a second working surface  80  that reside in the passage  38  for abutment with the connector  14  upon its insertion into the fluid line connector  12 . The second working surfaces  80  can be slanted relative to an axis of the connector  14  in order to ease abutment with the connector  14  and to induce the concomitant displacement of the cam member  72 . 
     When the fluid line connector and assembly  10  is employed in use, proper and full securement can be detected via RFID technologies. The fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14  are brought together as the connector  14  is inserted into the body  26  at the first end  16 . The first flange  20  comes into abutment with the cam member  72  and displaces the cam member  72  upward (relative to the orientation of the figures) and toward the button  66 . The first flange  20  makes surface-to-surface abutment with the second working surfaces  80  of the cam member  72 . The cam member  72  is urged upward and impinges the button  66  via surface-to-surface contact between the first working surface  78  and a confronting surface of the button  66 . In this embodiment, the first flange  20  maintains abutment with the cam member  72  and the cam member  72  hence maintains impingement with the button  66  at full securement. 
     In another embodiment, the fluid line connector  12  includes more than a single RFID chip. With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , a second RFID chip  33  is provided in addition to the first RFID chip  32 . And like the first RFID chip  32 , the second RFID chip  33  assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector  12  and the connector  14 . In this embodiment, both of the first and second RFID chips  32 ,  33  transmit and receive RF signals with the RFID interrogator  56 . In an example, when the fluid line connector  12  and connector  14  exhibit full securement, the first RFID chip  32  can convey the fully secured information to the RFID interrogator  56 . Conversely, when the fluid line connector  12  and connector  14  are not fully secured together, the second RFID chip  33  can convey this less-than fully secured information to the RFID interrogator  56 . Further, at full securement, the second RFID chip  33  does not convey the less-than fully secured information to the RFID interrogator  56 ; and, when not fully secured together, the first RFID chip  32  does not convey the fully secured information to the RFID interrogator  56 . As in the previous embodiment, the first and second RFID chips,  32 ,  33  can convey additional information such as a serial number, location of installation, etc. Whether the first RFID chip  32  conveys its fully secured information or the second RFID chip  33  conveys its less-than fully secured information is managed in part by the switch  34 . In this embodiment, the switch  34  interacts with both of the first and second RFID chips  32 ,  33  and is electrically coupled to both of the first and second RFID chips  32 ,  33 . The interaction and conveyance of information can be effected in different ways. For example, when impinged, the switch  34  can activate and enable the first RFID chip  32  to convey the fully secured information and, when not impinged, the switch  34  can activate and enable the second RFID chip  33  to convey the less-than fully secured information. The impingement and absence of impingement of the switch  34  can deactivate and disable the first RFID chip  32  or the second RFID chip  33 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5-11 , yet another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly  110  is presented. This embodiment has some similarities with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  and the similarities might not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-11 . The fluid line connector and assembly  110  includes a fluid line connector  112  and another separate and discrete connector  114 . The fluid line connector  112  has quick-connect functionality for ready connect and disconnect actions with the connector  114  and is used to join automotive fluid lines together, as well as other fluid lines in other applications. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector  112  is a female connector and the connector  114  is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector  112  receives insertion of the connector  114 , as demonstrated best by  FIG. 7 . The fluid line connector  112  has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but could have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. The connector  114  could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 6 , the connector  114  has an extension  115  and a slot  117  located at an end of the connector  114  that is inserted into the fluid line connector  112 . The extension  115  can be received in a complementary cavity of the fluid line connector  112  for relative rotational alignment purposes between the connectors  112 ,  114 , and need not be provided in some embodiments. The extension  115 , in some embodiments, could make abutment with a first actuator member (set forth below) of the fluid line connector  112  and hence could prompt actuation thereof. When provided, the extension  115  spans axially over the inserted end of the connector  114 , and protrudes radially-outboard of the connector&#39;s surrounding body. The slot  117  receives insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector  112 , as set forth below. The slot  117  spans circumferentially around the connector  114 . Furthermore, the connector  114  has a ramp  119 . The ramp  119  presents an increasing diameter in the connector  114 . An exterior surface  113  is situated from the slot  117  and ramp  119 . The connector  114  is inserted into the fluid line connector  112  with the ramp  119  received in the fluid line connector  112  before the extension  115  and before the slot  117  are received in the fluid line connector  112  (i.e., from right to left in the orientation of  FIG. 6 ). 
     In the embodiment presented by  FIGS. 5-11 , the fluid line connector  112  includes a body  126 , a retainer  129 , a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag  132 , one or two switches  134 ,  135 , and one or two actuator members  136 ,  137 ; still, in other embodiments, the fluid line connector  112  can have more, less, and/or different components. Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 7-9 , the body  126  has a passage  138  defined in its structure for allowing fluid-flow through the fluid line connector  112 . Further, the body  126  has a compartment for receipt and placement of the RFID tag  132 . A cover  142  is provided to close the compartment and enclose the RFID tag  132  therein (the compartment and cover are only depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , but the depiction of  FIGS. 8 and 9  could have a similar construction for housing the RFID tag  132 ). The cover  142  could be removable, though need not. Moreover, though only partially shown in  FIG. 5 , an insert assembly  143  can be provided and carried at the interior of the fluid line connector  112  and within the passage  138 . Depending on its design and construction, the insert assembly  143  can facilitate fit, reception, and/or sealing between the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114 . The insert assembly  143 , for instance, could include an o-ring  145  and a carrier  147 , and could also include a bushing, depending on the embodiment. 
     The body  126  has a construction that, in cooperation with the retainer  129 , furnishes the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector  112 . With reference again to  FIGS. 5 and 7-9 , a first opening  149  and a second opening  151  are defined on opposite sides of the body&#39;s wall and span wholly therethrough and lead to the passage  138 . At the wall&#39;s exterior, a first recess  153  and a second recess  155  reside for temporarily deploying the retainer  129  as the retainer  129  is pulled radially-outboard for release of the connector  114  from the fluid line connector  112 . Flanges  157  project radially-outboard of the body&#39;s wall and partially enclose sections of the retainer  129  to prevent inadvertent dislodging of the retainer  129  when it is received in the slot  117 . 
     Furthermore, the body  126  has a structure intended to accommodate assembly and installation of the actuator member(s)  136 ,  137 . The precise design and construction of that structure can vary, and can depend on the design and construction of the actuator member(s) and switch(es) utilized in the fluid line connector  112 . In the embodiment presented by the figures, and turning now to  FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 , a first socket  159  and a second socket  161  reside in the body  126 . The first socket  159  receives and holds the first actuator member  136  and is in the form of a slotted construction in this embodiment. The first socket  159  is located at an entrance  163  of the passage  138  for situating the first actuator member  136  thereat, and is defined in the body&#39;s wall near the entrance  163 . To fully receive the first actuator member  136 , an axial depth of the first socket  159  can be approximately equivalent to the length of the first actuator member  136 . And, in a similar way, a radial width of the first socket  159  can be approximately equivalent to the width of the first actuator member  136 . The axial depth of the first socket  159  is in general alignment with an axis of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . The figures depict an enlarged structure in the body&#39;s wall to accommodate the first actuator member  136  and for furnishing the first socket  159 , but in other embodiments the accommodation can be more coherent and integrated into the body  126  such that the enlargement can be minimized. 
     Referring now particularly to  FIG. 9 , the second socket  161  receives and holds the second actuator member  137  and is in the form of a slotted construction in this embodiment. The second socket  161  is located external of the passage  138  and at a side of the body&#39;s wall for situating the second actuator member  137  thereat. To fully receive the second actuator member  137 , a radial depth of the second socket  161  can be approximately equivalent to the length of the second actuator member  137 . And, in a similar way, an axial width of the second socket  161  can be approximately equivalent to the width of the second actuator member  137 . The radial depth of the second socket  161  is in general alignment with a radius of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . The figures depict an enlarged structure projecting from the side of the body&#39;s wall to accommodate the second actuator member  137  and for furnishing the second socket  161 , but in other embodiments the accommodation can be more coherent and integrated into the body  126  such that the enlarged structure can be minimized. In  FIG. 9 , a base wall  165  and a pair of side walls  167  depending from the base wall  165  together partially enclose the second actuator member  137  and help protect against inadvertent contact from foreign components when the fluid line connector  112  is put to use. 
     The retainer  129  interacts with the body  126  to furnish the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector  112  so that the connector  114  can be readily inserted into and held in the fluid line connector  112  and can be released and removed therefrom as needed or as desired. The retainer  129  can vary in design and construction. With particular reference to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , in this embodiment the retainer  129  is a one-piece stainless steel wire spring that is inwardly biased. The retainer  129  has a first leg  169 , a second leg  171 , and bridge  173  spanning between the legs. The first and second legs  169 ,  171  can be substantially similar in shape and size. A first position of use of the retainer  129  is presented in  FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 . In the first position of use, the retainer  129  is carried by the body  126  with the first and second legs  169 , 171  moved through the first and second openings  149 ,  151 . The first and second legs  169 ,  171  reside partially within the passage  138 . The connector  114  is not inserted into the fluid line connector  112  in the first position of use. A second position of use of the retainer  129  lacks specific depiction in the figures. In the second position of use, the connector  114  is inserted into the fluid line connector  112  and the ramp  119  engages the first and second legs  169 ,  171 . The engagement urges the first and second legs  169 ,  171  to spread apart away from each other (i.e., radially-outboard) and can move the bridge  173  radially-outboard. As insertion of the connector  114  continues, the retainer  129  is brought to a third position of use in which the retainer  129  is received in the slot  117 . The first and second legs  169 ,  171  ride over the ramp  119  and can snap back into their location of the first position of use, but are now received in the slot  117 . The first and second legs  169 ,  171  are moved respectively through the first and second openings  149 . Receipt of one or both of the first and second legs  169 ,  171  into the slot  117  secures the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114  together. Movement of the retainer  129  between its first and second and third positions of use moves the retainer  129  in a direction that is generally transverse and orthogonal to a direction of insertion  179  ( FIG. 5 ) of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 —in other words, the retainer&#39;s movement is radially-outboard and radially-inboard, or up and down. When a servicer pulls the retainer  129  up for release and removal of the connector  114  from the fluid line connector  112 , a terminal foot  173  ( FIG. 9 ) of the first leg  169  can be seated in the first recess  153  and, likewise, a terminal foot (not specifically depicted) of the second leg  171  can be seated in the second recess  155 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , the RFID tag  132  assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114 . The RFID tag  132  communicates with an RFID interrogator or reader  156  ( FIG. 7 ). The RFID interrogator  156  sends an interrogating signal  158  to the RFID tag  132 , which communicates in turn with the RFID interrogator  156 . In this way, proper and full securement detection is carried out with the use of RFID technologies. In a manufacturing facility, for instance, the RFID interrogator  156  can be stationed amid an assembly, inspection, and/or installation production line, and can establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator  156  seeks to intercommunicate with the RFID tag  132  as the fluid line connector and assembly  110  and larger application are transported through the securement zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator  156  may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator  156 . In another setting, the RFID interrogator  156  can be a mobile device such as a hand-held device. 
     The RFID tag  132  is of the passive RFID tag type in this embodiment, but could be of another type such as an active RFID tag. The communications received from the RFID tag  132  can convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator  156 . In an embodiment, the information conveyed can be an indication of the state of securement between the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114 . For example, when the fluid line connector  112  and connector  114  exhibit full securement, the RFID tag  132  can convey the fully secured information in the form of an ON signal to the RFID interrogator  156 . And conversely, when the fluid line connector  112  and connector  114  lack full securement, the RFID tag  132  can convey the not-fully-secured information in the form of an OFF signal to the RFID interrogator  156 . The RFID interrogator  156  can in turn process the conveyed information. The information conveyed can also include a part serial number, location of installation, etc. In an embodiment in which the fluid line connector  112  is equipped with both of the switches  134 ,  135  and both of the actuator members  136 ,  137 , the RFID tag  132  can convey the state of each of the actuator members  136 ,  137  based upon impingement or non-impingement of the switches  134 ,  135 . For example, the RFID tag  132  can convey one or more of the following: i) both of the actuator members  136 ,  137  lack actuation and hence both of the first and second switches  134 ,  135  are in an open state, ii) the first actuator member  136  lacks actuation and hence the first switch  134  is in an open state and the second actuator member  137  is actuated and hence the second switch  135  is in a closed state, iii) the first actuator member  136  is actuated and hence the first switch  134  is in a closed state and the second actuator member  137  lacks actuation and hence the second switch  135  is in an open state, and/or iv) both of the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  are actuated and hence both of the first and second switches  134 ,  135  are in a closed state. 
     The RFID tag  132  is carried by the body  126 . Support between the RFID tag  132  and the body  126  can be effected in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag  132  resides within the body&#39;s compartment and is protected by the cover  142  in installation. At this location, the RFID tag  132  is shielded from exposure to fluid-flow traveling through the passage  138 , and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the RFID tag  132  has an antenna  162  and has an integrated circuit (IC)  164  that stores data and information, among other possible functions. The antenna  162  and IC  164  can be carried on a substrate of the RFID tag  132 . When both are provided, in an embodiment the first and second switches  134 ,  135  can be electrically coupled with the RFID tag  132  in a series arrangement. The series arrangement serves to establish a continuity loop with beneficial circuitry and detection capabilities in some embodiments. For instance, when the continuity loop is disestablished at one or both of the switches  134 ,  135 , detection of the consequent discontinuity can be readily carried out. In other embodiments, the electrical coupling among the first and second switches  134 ,  135  and the RFID tag  132  could have siring arrangements at the IC  164  other than the series arrangement in order to, for example, effect the capability to convey the state of each of the switches  134 ,  135  independent of each other, as presented above. Furthermore, as previously described with reference to  FIG. 3 , in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-11  the fluid line connector  112  can include more than a single RFID tag. 
     In alternatives to the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-11 , the fluid line connector  112  can be equipped with: i) only the first switch  134  and first actuator member  136 , ii) only the second switch  135  and second actuator member  137 , or iii) both of the first and second switches  134 ,  135  and both of the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137 . The third [iii)]alternative is depicted in the figures, but skilled artisans can readily envision the first [i)] and second [ii)]alternatives by removal of the other from the fluid line connector  112  in the figures. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , the first and second switches  134 ,  135  are electrically coupled with the RFID tag  132  in order to convey their state to the RFID tag  132  based on impingement or non-impingement of the switches  134 ,  135  by the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137 . The electrical coupling can be in the form of wires  175  spanning from the first and second switches  134 ,  135  and to the RFID tag  132 . The wiring can establish a series arrangement. In the example of the wires  175 , the wires  175  could be routed through one or more grooves residing in the body  126  or could be embedded within the body&#39;s walls, among other possibilities. The first and second switches  134 ,  135  can take various forms in various embodiments depending in some cases upon the RFID tag that it interacts with and the design and construction of the accompanying actuator members. With respect to each other and in the embodiment in which both of the switches  134 ,  135  are present, the first and second switches  134 ,  135  can take different forms. In  FIG. 10 , the first and second switches  134 ,  135  are in the form of a button  166 . When impinged and physically pressed by the particular actuator member, the button  166  is in a closed state. And when not impinged and not physically pressed by the particular actuator member, the button  166  is in an open state. 
     The first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  receive abutment amid full securement actions and at full securement between the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114 , and are thereby actuated and in turn respectively impinge the first and second switches  134 ,  135  to close the switches. The first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments depending in some cases upon the design and construction of the particular switch and connector. With respect to each other and in the embodiment in which both of the actuator members  136 ,  137  are present, the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  can take different forms. 
     In the embodiment of the figures and turning now to  FIGS. 5, 8, and 10 , the first actuator member  136  is intended to facilitate detection of axial insertion of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 . The first actuator member  136  is situated near the entrance  163  of the passage  138 . In general, the first actuator member  136  resembles a V-shape turned on its side. A longitudinal extent  177  of the first actuator member  136 , in assembly, is arranged generally in-line with the direction of insertion  179  of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 . The longitudinal extent  177  is in general alignment with the axis of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . The first actuator member  136  has a base  181  and an appendage  183  depending from the base  181 . The base  181  carries the first switch  134  and is inserted and received in the first socket  159  of the body  126 . The appendage  183  can move relative to the base  181  over an arced path  185  when the first actuator member  136  receives abutment from the connector  114 . The appendage  183 , as demonstrated perhaps best by  FIG. 5 , is suspended partly within the passage  138  prior to insertion of the connector  114  so that the connector&#39;s ramp  119  can make abutment with the appendage  183  upon such insertion. The appendage  183  remains in this extended and suspended position when it is at rest and when it lacks abutment from the ramp  119 —this constitutes an unactuated state of the first actuator member  136  and a correspondingly open state of the first switch  134 . When abutted, the appendage  183  then moves toward the base  181  and impinges the first switch  134 —this constitutes an actuated state of the first actuator member  136  and a correspondingly closed state of the first switch  134 . 
     At one side, the appendage  183  has an outer working surface  187  that maintains general confrontation with the passage  138  and with the connector  114 . At its opposite side, the appendage  183  has an inner working surface  189  that maintains general confrontation with the first switch  134 . A projection  191  can extend from the inner working surface  189  for direct impingement with the first switch  134 . The appendage  183  has a proximal end  193  about which the appendage  183  bends relative to the base  181 , and has a distal end  195 . The proximal end  193  serves as a hinge, and the distal end  195  constitutes a free terminal end of the appendage  183 . For the first actuator member  136 , an axis  197  of the hinge lies in a generally orthogonal arrangement with the direction of insertion  179  of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , and likewise is generally orthogonal to the axis of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . 
     In this embodiment, the second actuator member  137  has a similar design and construction as the first actuator member  136 . Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the second actuator member  137  is intended to facilitate detection of proper positioning of the retainer  129  and accompanying receipt of the legs  169 ,  171  in the slot  117 . The second actuator member  137  is situated at a location that is external of the passage  138  and at a side of the body&#39;s wall; still, in other embodiments lacking depiction the second actuator member could be located internal of the body  126  and need not be external. Because of its location, and unlike the first actuator member  136 , the longitudinal extent  177  of the second actuator member  137  is arranged generally transverse to the direction of insertion  179  of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 . The longitudinal extent  177  is generally orthogonal to the axis of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . The base  181  of the second actuator member  137  carries the second switch  135  and is inserted and received in the second socket  161  of the body  126 . The appendage  183  is positioned at the body&#39;s exterior with its distal end  195  lying in intersection with a path over which the terminal foot  173  descends and resides when the retainer  129  is in its first and third positions of use. In this way, the terminal foot  173  can make abutment with the appendage  183  when the legs  169 ,  171  are moved in the slot  117  and can hence cause actuation of the second actuator member  137 . Actuation of the second actuator member  137  via abutment from the terminal foot  173  is demonstrated in  FIG. 9 . The appendage  183  remains in its extended position when it is at rest and when it lacks abutment from the terminal foot  173 —this constitutes an unactuated state of the second actuator member  137  and a correspondingly open state of the second switch  135 . The appendage  183  lacks abutment from the terminal foot  173  when the retainer  129  is in its second position of use. When abutted by the terminal foot  173 , the appendage  183  then moves toward the base  181  and impinges the second switch  135 —this constitutes an actuated state of the second actuator member  137  and a correspondingly closed state of the second switch  135 . For the second actuator member  137 , the axis  197  of the hinge is arranged generally in-line with the direction of insertion  179  of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , and likewise is in general alignment with the axis of the passage  138  at the entrance  163 . 
     The embodiment of the fluid line connector  112  that employs the use of both of the switches  134 ,  135  and both of the actuator members  136 ,  137  provides an enhanced resolution of full securement and precludes a false-negative detection reading. Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a first bar schematic  200  is representative of the state of the first switch  134  at certain axial insertion depths of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , and a second bar schematic  202  is representative of the state of the second switch  135  at the same axial insertion depths of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 . The first and second bar schematics  200 ,  202  are examples and could differ in other embodiments. In  FIG. 6 , the first and second bar schematics  200 ,  202  are placed next to the connector  114  and parallel with the axis of the connector  114  to serve as a representation of the corresponding axial section of the connector  114  as it is inserted into the fluid line connector  112  and the two axially overlap. Although not necessary in all embodiments, the first and second bar schematics  200 ,  202  are based on the assumption that the retainer  129  is initially in its first position of use. In this embodiment, along a first axial depth of insertion  204  (or initial axial depth of insertion) of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , the first switch  134  should be in its open state. Along a first axial depth of insertion  206  of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , the second switch  135  may be in its closed state. Further, along a second axial depth of insertion  208  (or intermediate axial depth of insertion), the state of the first switch  134  can be uncertain, of the first switch  134  may be in its closed state. At the second axial depth of insertion  208 , as illustrated, the retainer  129  has now come into engagement with the ramp  119  and the appendage  183  of the first actuator member  136  is abutted by the ramp  119  or by the extension  115 . Along a second axial depth of insertion  209 , the state of the second switch  135  can be uncertain, or can be closed. Along a third axial depth of insertion  210 , the second switch  135  should be in its open state. Again here, the ramp  119  is engaging the retainer  129  in the second axial depth of insertion  210 . Lastly, along a third axial depth of insertion  212  (or final axial depth of insertion), the first switch  134  should be in its closed state. And along a fourth axial depth of insertion  214 , the second switch  135  should also be in its closed state. At the third and fourth axial depth of insertions  212 ,  214 , the first and second legs  169 ,  171  are received in the slot  117  and the fluid line connector  112  and the connector  114  are fully secured together. Also, the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  are actuated and impinge the first and second switches  134 ,  135  at the third and fourth axial depth of insertions  212 ,  214 . Over insertion movement of the connector  114  into the fluid line connector  112 , in this embodiment the first switch  134  goes from its open state, to an uncertain state, and to its closed state; and the second switch  135  goes from its closed state, to an uncertain state, to its open state, and then back to its closed state. The second switch  135 , in a sense, acts like a momentary switch and is only in its closed state when impinged by the second actuator member  137 . Moreover, because at the time when the first switch  134  initially enters its closed state (or at least may be in its closed state) at the second axial depth of insertion  208  the second switch  135  is concurrently in its open state at the third axial depth of insertion  210 , a false-negative detection reading is precluded. Put another way, at least one of the first or second switches  134 ,  135  remains in its open state until the third and fourth axial depth of insertions  212 ,  214 . 
     Still, additional alternatives are possible for the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-11 . In one alternative, impingement from the first and second actuator members  136 ,  137  changes the state of the respective first and second switches  134 ,  135 —for example, brings the switches from an initially open state to a subsequently closed state via impingement, or conversely brings the switches from an initially closed state to a subsequently open state via impingement. In another alternative, the first switch  134  can itself receive abutment from the connector  114 , with the first actuator member  136  being indirectly acted on and indirectly moved by the abutment via the first switch  134 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly  310  is presented. This embodiment has some similarities with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  and with the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-11 , and the similarities might not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The fluid line connector and assembly  310  includes a fluid line connector  312  and another separate and discrete connector  314 . The fluid line connector  312  has quick-connect functionality for ready connect and disconnect actions with the connector  314  and is used to join automotive fluid lines together, as well as other fluid lines in other applications. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector  312  is a female connector and the connector  314  is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector  312  receives insertion of the connector  314 , as demonstrated by  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The fluid line connector  312  has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but could have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. The connector  314  could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 13 , the connector  314  in this embodiment has a ramp  319  and a slot  317 . The ramp  319  resides a distance from a terminal end  321  but closer to the terminal end  321  than the slot  317 . The ramp  319  establishes an increasing diameter at an outer portion of the connector  314 . The slot  317  receives insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector  312 , as set forth below. The slot  317  spans circumferentially around the connector  314 . 
     The fluid line connector  312  can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments. In the embodiment presented by  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the fluid line connector  312  includes a body  326 , a cover  342 , a retainer  329 , a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag  332 , a switch  334 , and an actuator member  336 ; still, in other embodiments, the fluid line connector  312  can have more, less, and/or different components. Turning particularly to  FIG. 13 , the body  326  has a passage  338  defined in its structure for allowing fluid-flow through the fluid line connector  312 . An insert assembly can be furnished at an interior of the fluid line connector  312  and within the passage  338 . Depending on its design and construction, the insert assembly can facilitate fit, reception, and/or sealing between the fluid line connector  312  and the connector  314 . In the embodiment here, the insert assembly includes an o-ring  345 . Furthermore, the body  326  has a construction that, in cooperation with the retainer  329 , furnishes the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector  312 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , a first opening  349  and a second opening (not visible) are defined on opposite sides of the body&#39;s wall and span wholly therethrough and lead to the passage  338 . At the wall&#39;s exterior, a first recess  353  and second recess (again not visible) reside for temporary deployment of the retainer  329 . Flanges  357  project radially-outboard of the body&#39;s wall and partially blockade sections of the retainer  329  to prevent inadvertent dislodging of the retainer  329  when it is received in the slot  317 . To accommodate utilization of the actuator member  336 , a pass-through  344  is defined in the body&#39;s wall and spans completely therethrough and leads to the passage  338 . The actuator member  336  is accessible at the passage  338  by way of the pass-through  344 . The actuator member  336  resides in and travels through the pass-through  344 . As demonstrated by  FIG. 13 , the pass-through  344  is located near an end of the body  326  that receives insertion of the connector  314  so that the actuator member  336  can interact with the connector  314 , as set forth below. 
     The cover  342  is carried by the body  326  and partly or more encloses the RFID tag  332  to protect the RFID tag  332  against exposure to foreign objects and things during use of the fluid line connector  312 . The cover  342  can have various designs and constructions. In this embodiment, when in place, the cover  342  is situated at an outer boundary of the body  326  and wholly encloses the RFID tag  332 . For attachment with the body  326 , the cover  342  has a pair of extensions  343  (only one visible in  FIG. 12 ) disposed on each side of its structure that snap over interconnecting constructions on the body  326  and thereby establish an attachment therewith. Furthermore, and as described below as well, the actuator member  336  is a monolithic construction of the cover  342  in the embodiment presented here. The actuator member  336  extends unitarily from a front end  345  of the cover  342 . Here, the actuator member  336  extends at an outer periphery  347  of the cover  342 . This construction facilitates assembly and installation of the actuator member  336  as it is carried by the cover  342  and received in the pass-through  344  upon attachment of the cover  342  with the body  326 . Still, in other embodiments the cover  342  and actuator member  336  need not exhibit the monolithic construction set forth herein. 
     The retainer  329  interacts with the body  326  to furnish the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector  312  so that the connector  314  can be readily inserted into and held in the fluid line connector  312  and can be released and removed therefrom as needed or as desired. The retainer  329  can vary in design and construction. With particular reference to  FIG. 12 , in this embodiment the retainer  329  is a one-piece stainless steel wire spring that is inwardly biased. The retainer  329  has a first leg  369 , a second leg (not visible), and a bridge  373  spanning between the legs. The first and second legs  369  can be substantially similar in shape and size. In a first position of use, the retainer  329  is carried by the body  326  with the first and second legs  369  moved through the first and second openings  349 . The first and second legs  369  reside partially within the passage  338 . The connector  314  is not inserted into the fluid line connector  312  in the first position of use. In a second position of use, the connector  314  is in the midst of being inserted into the fluid line connector  312  and the ramp  319  engages the first and second legs  369 . The engagement urges the first and second legs  369  to spread apart away from each other (i.e., radially-outboard) and can move the bridge  373  radially-outboard. As insertion of the connector  314  continues, the retainer  329  is brought to a third position of use, or position of securement, in which the retainer  329  is received in the slot  317 . The third position of use is depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The first and second legs  369  ride over the ramp  319  and can snap back into their location of the first position of use, but are now received in the slot  317 . The first and second legs  369  are moved respectively through the first and second openings  349 . Receipt of the first and second legs  369  into the slot  317  secures the fluid line connector  312  and the connector  314  together. Movement of the retainer  329  between its first and second and third positions of use moves the retainer  329  in a direction that is generally transverse and orthogonal to a direction of insertion  379  ( FIG. 13 ) of the connector  314  into the fluid line connector  312  in other words, the retainer&#39;s movement is generally radially-outboard and radially-inboard, or up and down. When a servicer pulls the retainer  329  up for release and removal of the connector  314  from the fluid line connector  312 , a terminal foot  373  ( FIG. 12 ) of the first leg  369  can be seated in the first recess  353  and, likewise, a terminal foot (not specifically depicted) of the second leg (not visible) can be seated in the second recess (not visible). 
     The RFID tag  332  assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector  312  and the connector  314 . The RFID tag  332  communicates with an RFID interrogator or reader  356  ( FIG. 12 ). The RFID interrogator  356  sends an interrogating signal  358  to the RFID tag  332 , which in turn communicates with the RFID interrogator  356 . In this way, proper and full securement detection is carried out with the use of RFID technologies. In a manufacturing facility, for instance, the RFID interrogator  356  can be stationed amid an assembly, inspection, and/or installation production line, and can establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator  356  seeks to intercommunicate with the RFID tag  332  as the fluid line connector and assembly  310  and larger application are transported through the securement zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator  356  may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator  356 . In another setting or just another example, the RFID interrogator  356  can be a mobile device such as a hand-held device. 
     The RFID tag  332  is of the passive RFID tag type in this embodiment, but could be of another type such as an active RFID tag. The communications received from the RFID tag  332  can convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator  356 . In an embodiment, the information conveyed can be an indication of the state of securement between the fluid line connector  312  and the connector  314 . For example, when the fluid line connector  312  and connector  314  exhibit full securement, the RFID tag  332  can convey the fully secured information in the form of an ON signal to the RFID interrogator  356 . And conversely, when the fluid line connector  312  and connector  314  lack full securement, the RFID tag  332  can convey the not-fully-secured information in the form of an OFF signal to the RFID interrogator  356 . The RFID interrogator  356  can in turn process the conveyed information. The information conveyed can also include a part serial number, location of installation, date of installation, etc. 
     The RFID tag  332  is carried by the body  326 . Support between the RFID tag  332  and the body  326  can be effected in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag  332  sits at the body&#39;s outer boundary and is protected by the cover  342  in installation. At this location, the RFID tag  332  is away from exposure to fluid-flow traveling through the passage  338 , and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. The RFID tag  332  can have a similar design as that presented by  FIG. 11 , and hence can have an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) that stores data and information, among other possible functionalities. The antenna and IC can reside on a substrate of the RFID tag  332 . Of course, the RFID tag  332  could have other designs that differ from that of  FIG. 11 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , the switch  334  is electrically coupled with the RFID tag  332  in order to convey its state to the RFID tag  332  based on impingement or non-impingement of the switch  334  by the actuator member  336 . The electrical coupling can be in the form of wiring. In this embodiment, the switch  334  is mounted directly to the RFID tag  332  and carried thereby. The switch  334  is carried at a location of the RFID tag  332  so that, in assembly, the switch  334  is physically sandwiched by the actuator member  336  as demonstrated by  FIG. 13 . In the orientation of  FIG. 13 , the switch  334  resides on an underside of the RFID tag  332 . The switch  334  can take various forms in various embodiments depending in some cases upon the RFID tag that it interacts with and the design and construction of the accompanying actuator member. In  FIG. 13 , the switch  334  is in the form of a button  366 . When impinged and physically pressed by the actuator member  336 , the button  366  is in a closed state. And when not impinged and not physically pressed by the actuator member  336 , the button  366  is in an open state. 
     The actuator member  336  serves to impinge the switch  334  and change its state (e.g., open state to closed state, or vice versa) upon actuation. In this embodiment, the actuator member  336  actuates and impinges the switch  334  only when two actions occur: a) insertion of the connector  314  into the fluid line connector  312 , and b) movement of the retainer  329  to its position of securement. If one of these two actions is lacking and absent, the actuator member  336  remains unactuated and the switch is not impinged. The actuator member  336  can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments depending in some cases upon the design and construction of the particular switch and connector. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , and as previously described, the actuator member  336  is a unitary extension of the cover  342 . The actuator member  336  is received in the pass-through  344  in assembly and installation, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . At this location, the actuator member  336  is partly suspended within the passage  338  to accept abutment from the connector  314  when the connector  314  is in the midst of being inserted into the fluid line connector  312 , and is partly exposed external of the body  326  to accept abutment from the retainer  329 . The actuator member  336  is situated near an entrance  363  of the passage  338 . A longitudinal extent  377  of the actuator member  336  is arranged generally in-line with the direction of insertion  379 . 
     In this embodiment, the actuator member  336  has a base  381  and an appendage  383  depending from the base  381 . In general, the base  381  is located exterior of the passage  338  and confronts the retainer  329 , while the appendage  383  is located at the passage  338  and suspended partly therein and confronts the connector  314 . Relative to the switch  334 , the base  381  is situated on a radially-outboard side thereof, and the appendage  383  is situated on an opposite radially-inboard side thereof. In this way, the switch  334  is sandwiched by the actuator member  336  and the actuator member  336  can press the switch  334  at each side. The base  381  spans directly and immediately from the cover  342 , and the appendage  383  spans directly and immediately from the base  381 . 
     A first extension  385  joins the cover  342  and base  381 , and a second extension  387  joins the base  381  and appendage  383 . The second extension  387  has a bend in it and wraps the actuator member  336  over and around an edge of the RFID tag  332  and locates the appendage  383  beneath the base  381  with respect to the orientation of  FIG. 13 . Opposite the second extension  387 , the appendage  383  has a terminal and free end  388  ( FIG. 13 ). The base  381  has a first working surface  389  in direct confrontation with the retainer  329  for abutment therewith, and the appendage  383  has a second working surface  391  in confrontation with the connector  314  for abutment therewith. The first working surface  389  is generally directed radially-outward, and the second working surface  391  is generally directed radially-inward. The first working surface  389  receives abutment from the retainer  329 , and the second working surface  391  receives abutment from the connector  314 . A curved seat  393  ( FIG. 13 ) resides at the base  381  to receive and cradle the bridge  373  of the retainer  329  when the retainer  329  is brought to its position of securement. And opposite the second working surface  391 , the appendage  383  has an inner working surface  392  in general confrontation with the switch  334  for direct impingement thereagainst. 
     The actuator member  336  experiences movement amid insertion of the connector  314  into the fluid line connector  312  and securement of the retainer  329 , as described more below. To facilitate the actuator member&#39;s movement, a first hinged end  395  resides at the first extension  385  and a second hinged end  397  resides at the second extension  387 . In this embodiment, the first hinged end  395  is a thinned wall section relative to the thickness of the immediately surrounding wall sections. The first hinged end  395  defines a first axis  399  ( FIG. 12 ). A part of the actuator member&#39;s movement can involve the base  381  being deflected and displaced about the first hinged end  395  and about the first axis  399  with respect to the cover  342 . Similar to the first hinged end  395 , the second hinged end  397  defines a second axis  401  ( FIG. 12 ). Another part of the actuator member&#39;s movement can involve the appendage  383  being deflected and displaced about the second hinged end  397  and about the second axis  401  with respect to the base  381 . The first axis  399  and second axis  401  are parallel to each other in this embodiment, and are arranged generally orthogonal relative to the direction of insertion  379 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the actuator member  336  actuates and impinges the switch  334  only upon the concurrence of: i) full and complete insertion of the connector  314  into the fluid line connector  312 , and ii) conclusive and complete movement of the retainer  329  to its position of securement. The conditions i) and ii) are shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Absent one of the two conditions i) or ii), or absent both of the conditions i) and ii), the actuator member  336  is not actuated and the switch  334  is not impinged. Accordingly, the switch  334  would only change its state when both conditions i) and ii) are satisfied, and the fluid line connector  312  would in turn only indicate proper and full securement when both condition i) and ii) are met. As demonstrated and unlike previous approaches, the fluid line connector  312  employs the use of a single switch and a single actuator member to furnish detection of two conditions—that of the connector  314  [i.e., i)] and that of the retainer  329  [i.e., ii)]. 
     During use of the fluid line connector  312 , the connector  314  is inserted into the fluid line connector  312  and the ramp  319  comes into abutment with the appendage  383 . The second working surface  391  makes direct contact with the ramp&#39;s outer surface. A first force is exerted from the ramp  319  and to the appendage  383 . The first force lies generally transverse to the direction of insertion  379 . In response, and when the connector  314  reaches its full insertion depth as depicted in  FIG. 13 , both the appendage  383  and the base  381  can experience some degree of movement—absent the retainer  329  being in its position of securement, the movement of the appendage  383  and base  381  do not result in impingement of the switch  334 . The appendage  383  moves along an arcuate path relative to the base  381  and about the second axis  401 . The base  381 , on the other hand, is moved slightly outboard relative to the cover  342  and about the first axis  401  in response to the appendage&#39;s movement. The movement of the base  381  occurs and, in a sense, is permitted due to the absence of the retainer  329  in its position of securement. Indeed, it is the movement of the base  381  that forestalls impingement of the switch  334 . When the retainer  329  moves to its position of securement and the legs  369  are received in the slot  317 , the retainer  329  comes into abutment with the base  381 . The first working surface  389  makes direct contact with an exterior surface of the retainer&#39;s bridge  373 . A second force is exerted from the retainer  329  and to the base  381 . Like the first force, the second force lies generally transverse to the direction of insertion  379 . The second force has a direction that is generally opposed to that of the first force. The first and second forces, in this regard, serve as reacting and counter-forces to each other. In response, the base  381  moves inboard relative to the cover  342  and about the first axis  401  and to the position depicted best in  FIG. 13 . This movement, and the opposing exertions of the first and second forces, brings the actuator member  336  to its actuated state and the actuator member  336  impinges and presses the switch  334 . Impingement of the switch  334  is a result of being sandwiched between the base  381  and appendage  383  and between the first and second forces. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is not a definition of the invention, but is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. 
     As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” and “such as,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.