Claims:We claim:

1. A protective assembly (100) for a camera (103) of a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
a first actuating unit (101) coupled to the camera (103), the first actuating unit (101) is configured to displace the camera (103) between a first position and a second position, relative to an aperture (109) defined in a body of the vehicle;
a cover flap (104) movably positioned in the body of the vehicle;
a second actuating unit (102) coupled to the cover flap (104), the second actuating unit (102) is configured to displace the cover flap (104) between an open position and a closed position relative to the aperture (109); and
an Electronic Control Unit (105) of the vehicle, communicatively coupled to the camera (103), the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102), wherein the ECU (105) is configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102), based on a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the camera (103).
2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) comprises:
a rotary actuator (108a, 108b);
a pinion (106a, 106b) coupled to the rotary actuator (108); and
a rack (107a, 107b) meshingly engaged with the pinion (106a, 106b) wherein rack (107a, 107b) is coupled to the camera (103) and the cover flap (104).
3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotary actuator (108) is a bi-directional motor.
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit is a linear actuator.
5. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position of the camera (103) and the closed position of the cover flap (104) corresponds to non-operating condition of the camera (103).
6. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position of the camera (103) and the open position of the cover flap (104) corresponds to operating condition of the camera (103).
7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger signal includes a first input signal corresponding to initiating operation of the camera (103).
8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ECU (105) is configured to synchronously operate the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from closed position to the open position, and the first actuating unit (101) to displace the camera (103) from the first position to the second position, upon receiving the first input signal.
9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger signal includes a second input signal corresponding to terminating operation of the camera (103).
10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ECU (105) is configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) to displace the camera (103) from the second position to the first position, and operate the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from open position to the closed position upon receiving the second input signal.
11. A vehicle comprising a protective assembly (100) for a camera (103) as claimed in claim 1.
12. A method for operating a protective assembly (100) for a camera (103) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by an ECU (105) associated with the camera (103), a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the camera (103); and
operating by the ECU (105), a first actuating unit (101) and a second actuating unit (102) synchronously, to displace the camera (103) between a first position and a second position and a cover flap (104) between an open position and a closed position, based on the trigger signal.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the trigger signal includes a first input signal, corresponding to operation of the camera (103), and a second input signal corresponding to terminating operation of the camera (103).
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ECU (105) is configured to synchronously operate the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from closed position to the open position and the first actuation unit (101) to displace the camera (103) from the first position to the second position, upon receiving the first input signal.
15. The method as claimed in claims 12 and 13, wherein the ECU (105) is configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) to displace the camera (103) from the second position to the first position and operate the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from open position to the closed position upon receiving the second input signal.
16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the trigger signal corresponds to operation or termination of at least one of a gear lever to a reverse condition, a park assistance system, turn indicators and a manoeuvring assistance unit.

Dated 18th day of January 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE: “A PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLY FOR A CAMERA OF A VEHICLE”

Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: Indian

The following specification describes the nature of invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure in general relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle equipped with cameras. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a protective assembly for the camera of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

Generally, all the latest automobiles are equipped with a number of cameras to assist driver during manoeuvring of the vehicle. Usually cameras are positioned at sides (i.e., right, and left side mirrors), to assist the driver to get clear picture of blind spots during manoeuvring, and front and rear end of the vehicle. Rear-view cameras provide drivers with a view of areas behind their vehicles that rear-view mirrors cannot provide. Such rear-view cameras are highly useful when reversing and parking the vehicle. Rear-view cameras are also safety features that help prevent collision. However, these popular and useful cameras suffer from major disadvantages that can become readily apparent to those who use them. It only takes a small amount of road grit, dust, salt, insects, snow, and the like to render them almost or totally useless. Such contamination may occur during or after inclement weather or while experiencing dirty conditions.

Contamination of the cameras of the vehicle can become a never-ending battle while driving under conditions in which dirt, salt, dust, sleet, and snow are experienced. This forces the users to either forgo the enhanced visual aid that comes from their use or to stop their vehicles remove the offending materials, which is undesired. Considering this, several techniques have been developed and one such technique includes projecting the camera in and out of the vehicle body. However, such technique still results in exposing the camera to external factors such as dirt, dust and the like, during non-operative condition also, causing contamination to the camera.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. 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 disclosure, a protective assembly for a camera of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a first actuating unit coupled to the camera. The first actuating unit is configured to displace the camera between a first position and a second position, relative to an aperture defined in a body of the vehicle. Further, the assembly includes a cover flap movably positioned in the body of the vehicle. Furthermore, the assembly includes a second actuating unit coupled to the cover flap. The second actuating unit is configured to displace the cover flap between an open position and a closed position relative to the aperture. Additionally, the assembly includes an ECU, communicatively coupled to the camera, the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. The ECU is configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit, based on a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the camera.
In an embodiment, first actuating unit and the second actuating unit includes a rotary actuator, a pinion coupled to the rotary actuator and a rack meshingly engaged with the pinion. The rack is coupled to the camera and the cover flap.
In an embodiment, the rotary actuator is a bi-directional motor.

In an embodiment, the first position of the camera and the closed position of the cover flap corresponds to non-operating condition of the camera and the second position of the camera and the open position of the cover flap corresponds to operating condition of the camera.
In an embodiment, the trigger signal includes a first input signal corresponding to initiating operation of the camera, and a second input signal corresponding to terminating operation of the camera.
In an embodiment, upon receiving the first input signal, the ECU is configured to synchronously operate the second actuating unit to displace the cover flap from closed position to the open position and the first actuating unit to displace the camera from the first position to the second position, upon receiving the first input signal.

In an embodiment, upon receiving the first input signal, the ECU is configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit to displace the camera from the second position to the first position, and operate the second actuating unit to displace the cover flap from open position to the closed position upon receiving the second input signal.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for operating a protective assembly for a camera is disclosed. The method includes receiving by an ECU, a trigger signal corresponding to operation of the camera. Once, the trigger signal is received, the ECU synchronously operate the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit to displace the camera between a first position and a second position, a cover flap between an open position and a closed position, based in trigger signal.

In an embodiment, the trigger signal corresponds to operation or termination of at least one of a gear lever to a reverse condition, a park assistance system, turn indicators and a maneuvering assistance unit.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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 detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. 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 detailed 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:

Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a protective assembly for a camera employed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first actuating unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second actuating unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures. 4a and 4b illustrates front views of the protective assembly of Figure. 1.

Figure. 5 is a flow chart, depicting a method of operating the protective assembly, in accordance with an exemplary 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 in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has 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 disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative 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 various constructions of the protective assembly for a camera of a vehicle. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the 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 disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a protective assembly for a camera of a vehicle. Generally, vehicles are fitted with cameras to assist the operator or driver during manoeuvring of the vehicle. Such cameras include rear view camera, cameras mounted on OVRM’s, front view camera, 360-degree camera, and the like. Such cameras suffer from major disadvantages due to accumulation of road grit, dust, salt, insects, snow, which is likely to render them almost or totally useless, and forcing the operator to clean the cameras manually, which is undesired.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a protective assembly for a camera of a vehicle. The protective assembly may broadly include a first actuating unit and a second actuating unit, which may be synchronously operated based on the operating state of the camera. The first actuating unit may be coupled to the camera and may be configured to displace the camera between a first position and a second position, relative to an aperture defined in a body of the vehicle. Further, the protective assembly may include a cover flap, which may be coupled to the second actuating unit. The second actuating unit may be configured to displace the cover flap between an open position and a closed position, relative to the aperture. Furthermore, the protective assembly may include an ECU, which may be communicatively coupled to the camera, the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. The ECU may be configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit, based on a trigger signal, which corresponds to operation of the camera.

In an embodiment, the trigger signal may include a first input signal, which may correspond to initiation of operation of the camera, and a second input signal, which may correspond to terminating operation of the camera. Upon receiving the first input signal, the ECU may synchronously operate the second actuating unit to displace the cover flap from closed position to the open position and, then the first actuating unit to displace the camera from the first position to the second position. This aids in exposing the camera to external environment to perform intended functions like, capturing images, recording videos and the like. Further, upon receiving the second input signal, the ECU may synchronously operate the first actuating unit to displace the camera from the second position to the first position and operate the second actuating unit to displace the cover flap from open position to the closed position. This aids in positioning the camera within the aperture and covering a front face of the camera, to protect the camera from deposition of foreign particles in the environment.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 5. In the Figures, the same element or elements, which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In the figures, vehicle is not illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.

Figure. 1, illustrates a schematic perspective view of a protective assembly (100) for a camera (103) of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the protective assembly (100) may be disposed at a desired location in a body of the vehicle. As an example, the protective assembly (100) may be positioned proximal to an aperture (109) defined in a rear bumper of the vehicle. For the purpose of simplicity, body of the vehicle has not been illustrated in the Figures. As seen in Figure. 1, the protective assembly (100) may broadly include a first actuating unit (101) and a second actuating unit (102). In an embodiment, the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) may be synchronously operated, based on a trigger signal, which may correspond to operation of the camera (103). As apparent from Figure. 1, the first actuating unit (101) may be coupled to the camera (103). The first actuating unit (101) may be configured to displace the camera (103) between a first position and a second position, relative to the aperture (109) defined in the body of the vehicle. Further, the protective assembly (100) may include a cover flap (104), which may be coupled to the second actuating unit (102). The second actuating unit (102) may be configured to displace the cover flap (104) between an open position and a closed position, relative to the aperture (109) [i.e., relative to a front face of the camera (103)]. In an embodiment, in the open position, the cover flap (104) may be away from the aperture (109) and thereby opening the aperture (109). In the closed position, the cover flap (104) may close and flushes with the aperture (109), thereby covering front face of the camera (103).

In an embodiment, the first position of the camera (103) and the closed position of the cover flap (104) corresponds to non-operating condition of the camera (103). Further, the second position of the camera (103) and the open position of the cover flap (104) corresponds to operating condition of the camera (103).

Referring to Figures. 2 and 3, in an illustrated embodiment the first actuating unit (101) may include a rotary actuator (108a) and a pinion (106a) coupled to the rotary actuator (108a). Similarly, the second actuator (102) may include a rotary actuator (108b) and a pinion (106b) coupled to the rotary actuator (108b). In an embodiment, the rotary actuator (108a, 108b) may be a motor such as but not limiting to a bi-directional motor. Further, the first actuating unit (101) may include a rack (107a), which may be meshingly engaged with the pinion (106a). The rack (107a) and the pinion (106a) may be defined with a plurality of teeth and thus form a meshing engagement between each other. Similarly, the second actuating unit (102) may include a rack (107b), which may be meshingly engaged with the pinion (106b). In an embodiment, an end of the rack (107a) of the first actuating unit (101) is coupled to a housing or base [not shown in figures] of camera (103) and an end of the rack (107b) of the second actuating unit (102) is coupled to the cover flap (104). During operation, the rotary actuator (108a, 108b) may rotate in one of a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction, resulting in rotation of the pinion (106a, 106b) in a direction corresponding to direction of rotation of the rotary actuator (108a, 108b), respectively. The rotation of the pinion (106a) may result in linear movement of the rack (107a), causing displacement of the camera (103) between the first position and the second position, and rotation of the pinion (106b) may result in linear movement of the rack (107b), displacement of the cover flap (104) between the open position and the closed position. As an example, clockwise rotation of the rotary actuator (108a) of the first actuating unit (101), may result in movement of the rack (107a) such that, the camera (103) may be displaced from the first position to the second position, and vice versa when the rotary actuator (108a) rotates in anti-clockwise direction [as seen in Figure. 2]. Further, rotation of the rotary actuator (108b) of the second actuating unit (102) may result in movement of the rack (107b) such that, the cover flap (104) may be displaced from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa when the rotary actuator (108b) rotates in anti-clockwise direction [best seen in Figures. 4a and 4b]. However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since displacement of the camera (103) and the cover flap (104) may occur in an opposite way in relation to clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the rotary actuator (108a) and the rotary actuator (108b), respectively.

Referring again to Figure. 1, the protective assembly (100) may include an Electronic control unit (105), which may be communicatively coupled to the camera (103), the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102). In an embodiment, the ECU (105) may be a camera control unit, communicatively coupled to the camera (103) and configured to receive a trigger signal for operation of the camera (103). In some embodiments, the trigger signal may be generated based on actuation of gear lever to and from reverse gear, actuation of park assistance mechanism, turn indicators, a manoeuvring assistance unit, and the like. The ECU (105) is defined with set-of instructions and configured to synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) for displacing the camera (103) between the first position and the second position, and the second actuating unit (102) for displacing the cover flap (104) between the open position and the closed position, based on the trigger signal, which may correspond to operation of the camera (103).

In an embodiment, the trigger signal may include a first input signal, which corresponds to initiating operation of the camera (103), and a second input signal, which corresponds to terminating operation of the camera (103). Further, in an embodiment, the first input signal may correspond to but not limiting to operation of at least one of a gear lever to a reverse condition, a park assistance system, turn indicators and a manoeuvring assistance unit. Whereas the second input signal may correspond to termination of operation of at least one of a gear lever to a reverse condition, a park assistance system, turn indicators and a manoeuvring assistance unit.

In an operational embodiment, during operation of the protective assembly (100) i.e., upon receiving the first input signal [i.e., to initiate operation of the camera (103)], the ECU (105) may synchronously operate the second actuating unit (102) and then the first actuating unit (101). That is, the rotary actuator (108b) of the second actuating unit (102) is operated to rotate the pinion (106b), resulting the rack (107b) coupled to the cover flap (104) to linearly displace such that, the cover flap (104) is displaced from the closed position to the open position, relative to the aperture (109). Subsequently, the rotary actuator (108a) of the first actuating unit (101) is operated to rotate the pinion (106a), resulting the rack (107) coupled to the camera (103) to linearly displace such that, the camera (103) is displaced from the first position to the second position, relative to the aperture (109). This synchronous operation of the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) may result in exposing the camera (103) to outside environment to perform desired functions such as capturing images, recording videos and the like, to assist an operator.

In an embodiment, the camera (103) may protrude outside the vehicle body or may flush with the vehicle body in the second position, thus exposing to the outside environment to perform intended function.

Further, upon receiving the second input signal [i.e., to terminate operation of the camera (103)], the ECU (105) may synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) and then the second actuating unit (102). That is, the rotary actuator (108a) of the first actuating unit (101) is operated to rotate the pinion (106a), resulting the rack (107a) coupled to the camera (103) to linearly displace such that, the camera (103) is displaced from the second position to the first position relative to the aperture (109). Subsequently, the rotary actuator (108b) of the second actuating unit (102) may be operated to rotate the pinion (106b), resulting the rack (107b) coupled to the cover flap (104) to linearly displace such that, the cover flap (104) is displaced from the open position to the closed position relative to the aperture (109). This synchronous operation, results in covering the camera (103) and thus protecting the camera (103) from deposition of foreign particles during non-operation condition of the camera (103).

In an embodiment, in the first position the camera (103) may be positioned within the aperture (109) defined in the vehicle and in the closed position, the cover flap (104) may cover flap (104) may flush with the body of the vehicle, covering and protecting the camera (103) from foreign particles, under non-operating condition.

Turning now to Figure. 5, which illustrates a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the protective assembly (100) for the camera (103) of the vehicle.

As illustrated in flowchart of Figure. 5, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence of operation of the protective assembly (100). The operation may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

The order in which the operation is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

As shown in block 201, the ECU (105) may receive the trigger signal, which may correspond to operation of the camera (103). In an embodiment, the ECU (105) may receive the first input signal of the trigger signal, which may correspond to initiating operation of the camera (103). At this instance, the camera (103) may be positioned within the aperture (109) defined in the vehicle body, with no exposure to outside environment.

Based on the signal received [i.e., the first input signal], the ECU (105) may synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102). In an embodiment, synchronous operation of the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) corresponding to the first input signal may include, operating the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from closed position to the open position and, subsequently the first actuating unit (101) is operated to displace the camera (103) from the first position to the second position [as seen in block 202]. This synchronous operation of the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) results in exposing the camera (103) to the outside environment and thus facilitating in performing desired function such as capturing images, recording videos and the like to assist the operator of the vehicle.

Further, upon completion of the operation of the camera (103), corresponding to termination of operation of the camera (103), the ECU (105) may receive the second input signal [at block 203]. Upon receiving the second input signal, the ECU (105) may synchronously operate the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102). This synchronous operation may include operating the first actuating unit (101) to displace the camera (103) from the second position to the first position, and subsequently operating the second actuating unit (102) to displace the cover flap (104) from open position to the closed position upon receiving the second input signal. This synchronous operation of the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102), positions the camera (103) within the aperture (109) defined in the body of vehicle and covering the front face of the camera (103) for protecting the camera (103) from foreign particles such as dirt, mud, and the like.

In an embodiment, the above description described with respect to the rear-view camera (103), which is positioned in a rear bumper of the vehicle. However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since the protective assembly (100) of the present disclosure may be adapted in relation to other cameras, which may be positioned at different locations of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the first actuating unit (101) and the second actuating unit (102) may be a linear actuator such as but not limiting to a pneumatic actuator and a hydraulic actuator. The camera (103) and the cover flap (104) may be coupled to the linear actuators, which may facilitate displacing the camera (103) between the first position and the second position and displacing the camera (103) between the open position and the closed position.

In an embodiment, the protective assembly (100) of the present disclosure includes lesser number of parts, which makes the assembly to be easily fitted in the in the aperture (109) defined in the body of vehicle, without substantial modification to the vehicle.

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.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

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, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:
Referral numeral Description
100 Protective assembly
101 First actuating unit
102 Second actuating unit
103 Camera
104 Cover flap
105 ECU
106a, 106b Pinion
107a, 107b Rack
108 Rotary actuator
109 Aperture