FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “A MECHANISM, A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A MIRROR ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, having address at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD:
Present disclosure generally relates to the field of rearview assemblies for vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a mechanism for automatically operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle relative to an object proximate to a rearview mirror of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE:
Rear view mirror assemblies are one of the most important components in an automobile as they provide a field of view behind a vehicle while driving. Vehicles typically have two external rear vision mirror assemblies. Each mirror assembly includes a mirror head that is designed to rotate about a substantially vertical pivot axis in both forward and rearward directions. The mirror assembly may be manually operated to be held in a stowed position while to close or position the mirror near a side portion of the vehicle and in a viewing position at which the mirror is open to provide rear view of the vehicles or objects which are behind the vehicle. In recent times, power folding mirrors are being used in most modern vehicles such as cars, trucks etc., which are automatically operated and adjusted to a desired position. These power folding mirrors are equipped with a gear train having multiple gears which are driven by an actuator to displace the mirror assembly between the viewing and stowed positions. These actuators are activated by a user by simply pressing at least one knob that may be provided in a door trim area of the vehicle.
Conventionally, the mirror assemblies tend to be operated or adjusted by the user initially before starting the vehicle and the mirror assemblies stay in the viewing position throughout the drive. Although the mirror assemblies provide the rear view of the vehicle and the objects. However, there is a possibility that the mirror assemblies may be subjected to impact with the objects or vehicles which may pass at closer tolerances of the vehicle. This results in collision of the mirror assembly with the adjacent riders, pedestrians or objects moving proximal to the vehicle. Consequently, this causes injury to the riders or pedestrians upon the impact, and also damages the mirror assembly which is costly to repair or replace the sophisticated folding mechanisms (or) actuators that are equipped within the mirror assembly.
The present disclosure is intended to overcome one or more above stated limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
One or more shortcomings of conventional fuel treatment systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through a mechanism, system, and a method of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the construction and arrangement of the components of the mechanism and system to automatically operate the mirror assembly to prevent damage to the mirror assembly. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a mechanism for operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a housing and a base disposed within the housing. A shaft is rotatably coupled to the base at a first end. A drive unit is coupled to the shaft and is configured to actuate the shaft. A primary plunger is disposed in the housing to engage and disengage with the shaft for selective actuation of the shaft. A secondary plunger is disposed in the housing and connected to the drive unit. The secondary plunger is configured to selectively disengage the drive unit from the shaft. Further, a resilient member is disposed around the shaft. The resilient member biases the shaft to a viewing position from a stowed position upon actuation of the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. A controller is communicatively coupled with the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the primary plunger and the secondary plunger to actuate the mirror assembly between the viewing position and the stowed position.
In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a platform extending vertically from the base, wherein the platform is configured to receive a rotatable hub which accommodates the shaft.
In an embodiment, the drive unit comprises at least one actuator configured to actuate the drive unit. At least one driving gear coupled an output shaft of the at least one actuator meshed to a worm gear at one end. The at least one driving gear is mounted horizontally along an axis with respect to the worm gear. At least one driven gear is mounted on the rotatable hub and orthogonally meshing with the at least one driving gear at an other end of the at least one driving gear. The at least one driving gear is configured to drive the at least one driven gear

In an embodiment, the at least one driving gear comprises a spur gear at one end and a worm wheel at another end opposite to the one end, both the spur gear and the worm wheel are connected with a driving shaft.
In an embodiment, the secondary plunger is connected to the driving shaft to engage and disengage the at least one driving gear from the at least one driven gear.
In an embodiment, the shaft is defined with a plurality of provisions to receive the primary plunger.
In an embodiment, the resilient member is configured to retract the shaft from the plurality of provisions to the stowed position upon actuation of the primary plunger.
In an embodiment, the at least one actuator is at least one of a motor, a servomotor, and a rotary actuator, and the at least one actuator is defined with an output shaft connected to the drive unit.
In an embodiment, in the viewing position the mirror assembly is disposed laterally with respect to a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and in the stowed position, the mirror assembly is disposed along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a system for selectively operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle disclosed. The system comprises a mirror assembly having a casing to receive a mirror, wherein the mirror assembly is mounted to the vehicle. At least one first sensor is connected to a portion of the mirror casing. The at least one first sensor is configured to determine an object proximate to the mirror assembly and generate a first signal and a second signal. At least one second sensor is connected to the portion of the mirror casing proximate to the at least one first sensor. The at least one second sensor is configured to determine an impact on the mirror assembly and generate a third signal and a fourth signal. Further a mechanism is provided for operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle. The mechanism comprises a housing and a base disposed within the housing. A shaft is rotatably coupled to the base at a first end. A drive unit is coupled to the shaft to actuate the shaft. Further, a primary plunger is disposed in the housing to engage and disengage with the shaft for selective actuation of the shaft. A secondary plunger is disposed in the housing and connected to the drive unit. The secondary plunger is configured

to selectively disengage the drive unit from the shaft. A resilient member disposed around the shaft. The resilient member biases the shaft to a viewing position upon actuation of the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. A controller is communicatively coupled with the at least one first sensor, the at least one second sensor, the primary plunger, and the secondary plunger. The controller is configured to receive the first signal from the at least one first sensor. The controller actuates the primary plunger and the secondary plunger simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly to a stowed position. The controller is also configured to receive a second signal from the at least one first sensor and actuate the secondary plunger to operate the mirror assembly to a viewing position. The controller is configured to actuate the primary plunger to accommodate into the plurality of provisions of the shaft to secure the mirror assembly in the viewing position. The controller is configured to receive the third signal from the at least one second sensor and activate the drive unit to simultaneously actuate the primary plunger and the secondary plunger to operate the mirror assembly to the stowed position. Further, the controller is configured to receive a fourth signal from the at least one second sensor and actuate the secondary plunger to operate the mirror assembly to a viewing position. Lastly, the controller actuates the primary plunger to accommodate into the plurality of provisions of the shaft to secure the mirror assembly in the viewing position.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of initially receiving a first signal, from at least one first sensor corresponding to an object proximate to the mirror assembly. The at least one sensor is attached to a casing connected to a base mounted on a vehicle side portion. Then, the controller determines the quantity of biofuel within the fuel tank based on the first signal. Later, the controller actuates a primary plunger and a secondary plunger simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly to a stowed position. The controller is communicatively coupled to the primary plunger and the secondary plunger connected to a mechanism for operating the mirror assembly. Later, the controller receives a second signal corresponding to the object passing away from the mirror assembly from the at least one first sensor and actuates the secondary plunger to operate the mirror assembly to a viewing position. Further, the controller actuates the primary plunger to retain the mirror assembly in the viewing position. The controller receives a third signal corresponding to an impact detected on the mirror

assembly from the at least one second sensor which is attached to the mirror casing. The controller actuates the primary plunger and the secondary plunger simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly to a stowed position Followed by receiving a fourth signal by the controller corresponding to the object positioned away from the impact on the mirror assembly from the at least one second sensor. The controller actuates the secondary plunger to operate the mirror assembly to a viewing position. Lastly, the controller actuates the primary plunger to retain the mirror assembly in the viewing position.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism for operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the mechanism of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of a system for operating the mirror assembly of a vehicle with the mechanism of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the system of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5a is a bottom view of the mirror assembly in a viewing position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5b is a bottom view of the mirror assembly in a stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram depicting a controller connected to the system of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7 is a top view of the vehicle equipped with the system of Fig. 3 depicting an alert and impact zones relative to an object proximate to the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and
Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the mirror assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify a mechanism, system, and a method for the purpose of operating a mirror assembly of the vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to

understand the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the present disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that the mechanism, system and the method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism, system, or the method. In other words, one or more elements in the mechanism or the system preceded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism or the system.
In the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that, changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a mechanism, system, and a method of operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle. Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with mirror assemblies that are operated or adjusted by the user initially before starting the vehicle and the mirror assemblies stay in the viewing position throughout the drive. Although the mirror assemblies provide the rear view of the vehicle and the objects. However, there is a possibility that the mirror assemblies may be subjected to impact with the objects or vehicles which may pass at closer tolerances of the vehicle. Further, when the vehicle stops during a traffic signal, the adjacent vehicles may pass in close proximity of the vehicle. This results in collision of the mirror assembly with the adjacent riders, pedestrians or objects moving proximal to the vehicle. Not only does this injure the riders or pedestrians upon the impact, but also damages the mirror assembly which is costly to repair or replace the sophisticated folding mechanisms that are equipped within the mirror assembly.

In view of the above, a mechanism for operating a mirror assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a housing and a base disposed within the housing. A shaft is rotatably coupled to the base at a first end. A drive unit is coupled to the shaft and is configured to actuate the shaft. A primary plunger is disposed in the housing to engage and disengage with the shaft for selective actuation of the shaft. A secondary plunger is disposed in the housing and connected to the drive unit. The secondary plunger is configured to selectively disengage the drive unit from the shaft. Further, a resilient member is disposed around the shaft. The resilient member biases the shaft to a viewing position from a stowed position upon actuation of the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. A controller is communicatively coupled with the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the primary plunger and the secondary plunger to actuate the mirror assembly between the viewing position and the stowed position.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 which illustrates a perspective and front views of the mechanism (100) for operating the mirror assembly of the vehicle (200). The mechanism (100) comprises a housing (103) defined to enclose the components of the mirror assembly. A base (101) is disposed within the housing (103). The base is defined with a platform extending vertically from the base (101). The platform (120) is configured to receive a rotatable hub (122) which accommodates a shaft (102). The rotatable hub is defined as a hollow structure to receive the shaft (102). The platform (120) is defined with a slit (123) on a portion of the platform (120). The rotatable hub (122) is defined with a protuberance (121) extending from a bottom portion of the rotatable hub (122) (as shown in Fig. 2). The protuberance (121) is configured to move within the slit (123) and abut with each end of the slit (123) to lock further rotation of the rotatable hub (122) within the platform (120). The shaft (102) is defined with a first end (102a) and a second end (102b). The shaft (102) is disposed within the rotatable hub (122) and is rotatably coupled to the base (101) at the first end (102a). The shaft (102) is circumferentially defined with a plurality of provisions (124) at the second end (102b). A primary plunger (108) is disposed within the housing (103) and is receivable within each of the plurality of provisions (124). The primary plunger (108) is configured to engage and disengage with the shaft (102) for selective actuation of the shaft (102). The primary plunger (108) engages within the at least one provision of the plurality of provisions (124) to restrict the rotational movement of the shaft

(102). The primary plunger (108) disengages from the at least one provision of the plurality of provisions (124) to allow actuation of the shaft (102). A resilient member (112) is disposed around the shaft (102) and mounted on the platform (120). The resilient member (112) is configured to retract the shaft (102) upon disengagement of the primary plunger (108) from the at least one provision of the shaft (102). In an embodiment, the resilient member (112) is compressed upon engagement of the primary plunger (108) within the plurality of provisions (124) of the shaft (102). The resilient member (112) expands upon retraction of the shaft (102). In an embodiment, the resilient member (112) may be at least one of a torsion spring or an elastic member which can serve the purpose.
Still referring to Fig. 1, a drive unit (104) is coupled to the shaft (102) and is configured to actuate (or) rotate the shaft (102). The drive unit (104) comprises of at least one actuator (106) configured to actuate the drive unit (104). In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (106) is defined with an output shaft (104a) connected to the drive unit (104). In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (106) may be flexibly attached to the shaft (102) at the second end (102b) by a connecting arm (113). The connecting arm (113) is fastened to a top end of the at least one actuator at one end. A worm gear is coupled to the output shaft (104a) and is driven by the at least one actuator. At least one driving gear (126) is coupled to the output shaft (104a) and the at least one driving gear (126) is meshed to the worm gear (128) at one end. The at least one driving gear (126) is mounted horizontally along an axis (A-A) with respect to the worm gear (128). The at least one driving gear (126) comprises a spur gear (132) at one end proximate to the at least one actuator (106). A worm wheel (134) is defined at another end of the at least one driving gear (126) opposite to the one end. The spur gear (132) and the worm wheel (134) are connected with a driving shaft (136) therebetween. Further, at least one driven gear (130) is mounted around the rotatable hub (122). The at least one driven gear (130) orthogonally meshes with the worm wheel (134) at an other end of the at least one driving gear (126). This cannot be considered as limiting and the at least one driving gear (126) may be angularly meshed with the at least one driven gear (130) based on the requirement. The at least one driving gear (126) is configured to drive the at least one driven gear (130) upon actuation of the at least one actuator (106). The at least one driven gear (130) rotates the rotatable hub (122) such that the shaft (102) is actuated to displace the mirror assembly (202) to the viewing position (VP). within the

platform (120) In an embodiment, the at least one driving gear (126) may be a bevel gear or a spur gear. In an embodiment. the at least one actuator (106) may be at least one of a motor, a servomotor, and a rotary actuator.
Referring to Fig. 2, a secondary plunger (110) is disposed in the housing (103) and connected to the drive unit (104). The secondary plunger (110) is connected to the driving shaft (136) to engage and disengage the at least one driving gear (126) from the at least one driven gear (130) The secondary plunger (110) is configured to selectively disengage the drive unit (104) from the shaft (102). In an embodiment, the secondary plunger (110) is coupled to the driving shaft (136) by a hook mechanism (not shown in Figs.) having a hook that engages with the driving shaft (136) to displace the at least one driving gear (126) towards the at least one driven gear (130).
The mechanism (100) further comprise a controller (114) communicatively coupled with the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110). The controller (114) is configured to selectively actuate the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) to actuate the mirror assembly (202) between the viewing position (VP) and the stowed position (SP). In the viewing position, the mirror assembly (202) is disposed laterally with respect to a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (200) (as shown in Fig. 7). The mirror assembly (202) stays in open position to give a field of vision to a user of vehicles coming from a rearward direction of the vehicle (200). In the stowed position (SP), the mirror assembly (202) is disposed along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (200). The mirror assembly (202) is closed and stays closer to a side portion of the vehicle (200) in the stowed position (SP).
Referring now to Fig. 3 and Fig 4 in conjunction with Fig. 1, a system (300) for selectively operating a mirror assembly (202) of a vehicle (200) is disclosed. The system (300) comprises of the mirror assembly (202) defined with a casing to receive a mirror therewithin. The mirror assembly (202) is mounted to the vehicle (200) on both sides in a forward portion of the vehicle (200). At least one first sensor (206) is connected to a portion of the mirror casing (204). The at least one first sensor (206) is configured to detect an object (205) proximate to the mirror assembly (202). The at least one first sensor (206) is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal corresponding to a position of the object (205) relative to the mirror assembly (202) in a stationary

condition of the vehicle (200). At least one second sensor (208) is connected to the portion of the mirror casing (204) proximate to the at least one first sensor (206). The at least one second sensor (208) is configured to detect an impact on the mirror assembly (202) with the object from both sides of the vehicle (200). The at least one second sensor (208) generates a third signal and a fourth signal upon detecting the impact on the mirror assembly (202) with respect to the object. In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor (206) and the at least one second sensor (208) generates the corresponding signals when the vehicle (200) is in a stationary condition i.e., whenever the vehicle (200) is stopped at a traffic signal or travelling in a predefined speed range which is below 10 Kmph. The mechanism (100) for operating the mirror assembly (202) is connected to the mirror casing (204) at one end.
Now referring to Fig. 6, the system further comprises of the controller (114) is communicatively coupled with the at least one first sensor (206), the at least one second sensor (208), the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110). The controller (114) is configured to receive the first signal from the at least one first sensor (206) when the object (205) is travelling towards the mirror assembly (202). The controller (114) actuates the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP). The primary plunger (108) disengages from the plurality of provisions (204) of the shaft (102) and the secondary plunger (110) disengages the at least one driving gear (126) from the at least one driven gear (130). The resilient member (112) which is in the compressed state will retract the shaft (102) to the stowed position (SP) upon disengagement of the primary plunger (108) with the shaft (102). Further, when the object (205) passes away from the mirror assembly (202), the controller (114) receives the second signal from the at least one first sensor (206). Subsequently, the controller (114) actuates the secondary plunger (110) to engage the at least one driving gear (126) to the at least one driven gear (130) to operate the mirror assembly (202) back to the viewing position (VP). The secondary plunger (110) allows the transmission of power from the at least one actuator (106) to the shaft through the drive unit (104) for operating the mirror assembly (202) to the viewing position (VP) (as shown in Fig. 5a). The controller (114) receives the third signal from the at least one second sensor (208) upon impact of the object (205) with the mirror assembly (202). Subsequently, the controller (114) actuates the plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to the stowed position (SP) (as shown in Fig.

5b). The controller (114) receives the fourth signal when the mirror assembly (202) is free from impact with the object (205) and actuates the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP). In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor (206) may be a proximity sensor or an ultrasonic object detection sensor that is capable to detect the object (205) in a predefined distance range. In an embodiment, the at least one second sensor (208) may be a force sensor.
Referring to Fig. 7, an alert zone (250) and an impact zone (252) is depicted with respect to the vehicle position. The least one first sensor (206) is defined with a predefined range to detects the object (205) proximate the vehicle (200). This predefined range is referred to as the alert zone (250) which is monitored by the at least one first sensor (206). The at least one first sensor (206) provides an alert to a user in a driving condition such that the user may operate the mirror assembly (202) to the stowed position (SP) through at least one control such as but not limited to a knob, a pushbutton etc., provided within the cabin of the vehicle (200). In a stationary condition, the mirror assembly (202) is automatically operated by the at least one actuator (106) to the stowed position (SP). In an embodiment, the alert zone (250) is defined between the mirror assembly (202) and the rear end (or) boot portion of the vehicle (200). The impact zone (252) is defined between the bonnet of the vehicle (200) and the mirror assembly (202). The impact zone (252) is defined closer to the mirror assembly (202) such that the objects (205) entering the impact zone (252) can be immediately detected by the at least one second sensor (208). In an embodiment, the predefined range of the alert and impact zones (250, 252) may be varied based on the requirement by changing the at least one first and second sensors (206, 208) respectively.
Now referring to Fig. 8, a method (400) of operating the mirror assembly of the vehicle (200) is explained through a flow diagram. The method (400) comprises initially receiving a first signal, from at least one sensor corresponding to an object (205) proximate to the mirror assembly (202) at step (401). Then, at step (402) the controller (210) actuates primary plunger (108) and a secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP). The first signal is generated by the at least one sensor (206) upon detecting an ignition ON condition and in the stationary condition of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor (206) generates the first signal upon detection of the object entering

the alert zone (250). Further, the controller (114) receives the second signal from the at least one first sensor (206) corresponding to the object (205) passing away from the mirror assembly (202) at the step (403). Subsequently, the controller (114) actuates the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP). At this position, the secondary plunger (110) deactivates the drive unit from the shaft (102). Later, at step (404) the controller (114) actuates the primary plunger (108) to retain the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP). At step 405 the controller (210) receives a third signal corresponding to an impact detected on the mirror assembly (202) from the at least one second sensor (208). The controller (114), at step (406) again actuates the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP). In an embodiment, the at least one second sensor (208) generates the third signal upon detection of the object (205) entering the impact zone (252) of the mirror assembly (202). At step 407, the controller (114) receives a fourth signal corresponding to the object (205) positioned away from the impact on the mirror assembly (202) from the at least one second sensor (208). Subsequently, the controller (114) actuates the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP). Lastly, at step (407) the controller (114) actuates the primary plunger (108) to retain the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller (114) may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated electronic control unit associated with the vehicle (200). The controller (114) may be implemented by any computing systems that are utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The controller (114) may be comprised of a processing unit (not shown in Figs.). The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor (not shown in Figs.), such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other 5 architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific

integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
In some embodiments, the controller (114) may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) (not shown in Figs.) via a storage interface (not shown in Figs.). The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
In an embodiment, the rotatable hub is defined with a groove on a periphery of the rotatable hub to securely accommodate the at least one driven gear for the actuation of the shaft (102).
The mechanism (100) of the present disclosure is simple in construction and is retrofittable to any type of vehicles for operating the mirror assembly (202).
The system (300) of the present disclosure enables automatic operation of the mirror assembly (202) to the stowed position (SP) whenever the vehicle (200) is stopped at a junction, or a traffic conditions. This provides safety to the mirror assembly as well as to the riders or objects which may impact the mirror assembly (202) of the vehicle (200). Further, this also reduces attention required by the user or a driver to continuously monitor the mirror assembly (202) such that the driver can focus solely on driving the vehicle (200) which provides drive comfort.
The system (300) and the mechanism (100) of the present disclosure is composed of a lesser number of components. This reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs of the mirror assembly (202).
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural

as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
Reference numerals:

Part Numeral
Mechanism 100
Base 101
Housing 103
Drive unit 104
At least one actuator 106
Primary plunger 107
Secondary Plunger 110
Resilient member 112
Controller 114
Platform 120
Protuberance 121
Rotatable hub 122
Slit 123
Plurality of provisions 124
At least one driving gear 126
Worm gear 128
At least one driven gear 130
Spur gear 132
Worm wheel 134
Driving shaft 136

Vehicle
200
Mirror assembly 202
Casing 204
Object 205
At least one first sensor 206
At least one second sensor 208
Vehicle 200
Mirror assembly 202
Casing 204
System 300
Method 400

We Claim:
1. A mechanism (100) for operating a mirror assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the
mechanism (100) comprising:
a housing (103);
a base (101) disposed within the housing (103);
a shaft (102) rotatably coupled to the base (101) at a first end (102a);
a drive unit (104) coupled to the shaft (102), the drive unit (104) is configured to actuate the shaft (102);
a primary plunger (108) disposed in the housing (103), wherein the primary plunger (108) is configured to engage and disengage with the shaft (102) for selective actuation of the shaft (102);
a secondary plunger (110) disposed in the housing (103) and connected to the drive unit (104), wherein the secondary plunger (110) is configured to selectively disengage the drive unit (104) from the shaft (102);
a resilient member (112) disposed around the shaft (102); wherein the resilient member (112) biases the shaft (102) in a viewing position (VP) from a stowed position (SP) upon actuation of the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110); and
a controller (114) communicatively coupled with the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110), wherein the controller (114) is configured to selectively actuate the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) to actuate the mirror assembly (202) between the viewing position (VP) and the stowed position (SP).
2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a platform (120) extending vertically from the base (101), wherein the platform (120) is configured to receive a rotatable hub (122) which accommodates the shaft (102).
3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive unit (104) comprises:
at least one actuator (106) configured to actuate the drive unit (104):
at least one driving gear (126) coupled an output shaft (104a) of the at least one actuator (106) meshed to a worm gear (128) at one end, wherein the at least one driving

gear (126) is mounted horizontally along an axis (A-A) with respect to the worm gear (128); and
at least one driven gear (130) mounted on the rotatable hub (122) and orthogonally meshing with the at least one driving gear (126) at an other end of the at least one driving gear (126), wherein the at least one driving gear (126) is configured to drive the at least one driven gear (130).
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one driving gear (126) comprises a spur gear (132) at one end and a worm wheel (134) at another end opposite to the one end, both the spur gear (132) and the worm wheel (134) are connected with a driving shaft (136).
5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the secondary plunger (110) is connected to the driving shaft (136) to engage and disengage the at least one driving gear (126) from the at least one driven gear (130).
6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft (102) is defined with a plurality of provisions (124) to receive the primary plunger (108).
7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the resilient member (112) is configured to retract the shaft (102) from the plurality of provisions (124) to the stowed position (SP) upon actuation of the primary plunger (108).
8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one actuator (106) is at least one of a motor, a servomotor, and a rotary actuator, and the at least one actuator is defined with an output shaft (104a) connected to the drive unit (104).
9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the viewing position (VP) the mirror assembly (202) is disposed laterally with respect to a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (200) and in the stowed position (SP), the mirror assembly (202) is disposed along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (200).

10. A system (300) for selectively operating a mirror assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the system (300) comprising:
the mirror assembly (202) having a casing (204) to receive a mirror, wherein the mirror assembly (202) is mounted to the vehicle (200);
at least one first sensor (206) connected to a portion of the mirror casing (204), the at least one first sensor (206) is configured to determine an object (205) proximate to the mirror assembly (202) and generate a first signal and a second signal;
at least one second sensor (208) connected to the portion of the mirror casing (204) proximate to the at least one first sensor (206), the at least one second sensor (208) is configured to determine an impact on the mirror assembly (202) and generate a third signal and a fourth signal;
a mechanism (100) for operating the mirror assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a housing (103);
a base (101) disposed within the housing (103);
a shaft (102) rotatably coupled to the base (101) at a first end (102a); a drive unit (104) coupled to the shaft (102), the drive unit (104) is configured to actuate the shaft (102);
a primary plunger (108) disposed in the housing (103), wherein the primary plunger (108) is configured to engage and disengage with the shaft (102) for selective actuation of the shaft (102);
a secondary plunger (110) disposed in the housing (103) and connected to the drive unit (104), wherein the secondary plunger (110) is configured to selectively disengage the drive unit (104) from the shaft (102);
a resilient member (112) disposed around the shaft (102); wherein the
resilient member (112) biases the shaft (102) to a viewing position (VP) upon
actuation of the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110).
a controller (114) communicatively coupled with the at least one first sensor, the
at least one second sensor, the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110),
wherein the controller (114) is configured to:
receive the first signal from the at least one first sensor (206);

actuate the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP)
receive a second signal from the at least one first sensor (206) and actuate the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP);
actuate the primary plunger (108) to accommodate into the plurality of provisions (124) of the shaft (102) to secure the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP);
receive the third signal from the at least one second sensor (208);
activate the drive unit (104) to simultaneously actuate the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to the stowed position (SP);
receive a fourth signal from the at least one second sensor (208) and actuate the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP); and
actuate the primary plunger (108) to accommodate into the plurality of provisions (124) of the shaft (102) to secure the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP).
11. A method (400) of operating a mirror assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the method (400) comprising:
receiving, by a controller (114), a first signal corresponding to an object (205) proximate to the mirror assembly (202) from at least one first sensor (206); the at least one first sensor (206) is attached to a casing (204) connected to a base (101) mounted on a vehicle side portion;
actuating, by the controller (114), a primary plunger (108) and a secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP); the controller (114) is communicatively coupled to the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) connected to a mechanism (100) for operating the mirror assembly (202);

receiving, by the controller (114), a second signal corresponding to the object passing away from the mirror assembly (202) from the at least one first sensor (206) and actuate the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP); and
actuating, by the controller (114), the primary plunger (108) to retain the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP).
receiving, by the controller (114), a third signal corresponding to an impact detected on the mirror assembly (202) from the at least one second sensor (208); the at least one second sensor (208) is attached to the mirror casing (204)
actuating, by the controller (114), the primary plunger (108) and the secondary plunger (110) simultaneously to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a stowed position (SP);
receiving, by the controller (114), a fourth signal corresponding to the object positioned away from the impact on the mirror assembly (202) from the at least one second sensor (208) and actuate the secondary plunger (110) to operate the mirror assembly (202) to a viewing position (VP); and
actuating, by the controller (114), the primary plunger (108) to retain the mirror assembly (202) in the viewing position (VP).