WO2020081424A1

WO2020081424A1 - Tool with mount and control system for a removable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2020081424A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/056056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin N. Andersson; Niklas M. ANDERSSON; Cyrus M. Healy; Dale P. KUS
Original assignee: Walbro Llc
Priority date: 2018-10-16
Filing date: 2019-10-14
Publication date: 2020-04-23

Abstract

In at least some implementations, an apparatus includes a support, a prime mover carried by the support, a tool carried by the support and driven by the prime mover, a controller coupled to the prime mover to control at least one aspect of the operation of the prime mover, and a mount carried by the support. The mount has a movable component that defines part of a mount area, that is adapted to receive and releasably retain a portable electronic device, to permit the size of the mount area to be adjusted. The electronic device may provide a user interface for data relating to operation of the apparatus and selecting among various controls for the apparatus.

Description

TOOL WITH MOUNT AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR

A REMOVABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

62/746,203 filed on October 16, 2018 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices having a tool driven by a prime mover and including a mount and control system for a removable electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Various devices include a tool driven by an engine or motor, such as a chainsaw, weed trimmer, lawn edger, and the like. These tools often have starting and operating procedures that may be well-known to skilled operators but unknown or difficult to remember for less skilled operators. For example, some devices include engines that require actuation of a purge prime pump/bulb, turning a key to an on position, setting a choke valve and/or setting a throttle control to a certain position. Different devices may have different requirements and remembering the requirements of different devices can be difficult, especially for infrequent or less skilled operators. Still further, such devices are often not easily adjustable for operation in different temperatures, at different altitudes, for different tasks and the like because the information about how to adjust the device is not readily available to an operator, or software or other adjustments not available to an operator are needed. SUMMARY

In at least some implementations, an apparatus includes a support, a prime mover carried by the support, a tool carried by the support and driven by the prime mover, a controller coupled to the prime mover to control at least one aspect of the operation of the prime mover, and a mount carried by the support. The mount has a movable component that defines part of a mount area, that is adapted to receive and releasably retain a portable electronic device, to permit the size of the mount area to be adjusted.

In at least some implementations, the apparatus also includes a wireless communication device coupled to the controller and being operable to wirelessly receive an instruction and communicate that instruction to the controller. The wireless communication device may be operable to transmit data to a remote receiver, and/or operable to permit two-way communication between the controller and a remote receiver. The wireless communication device may operate under at least one of 802.11, WLAN, WPA, WEP, Wi-Fi, wireless broadband, Bluetooth or BLE protocol. In at least some implementations, the controller may communicate via the wireless communication device data relating to at least one of time since the prime mover was last running, prime mover temperature, ambient temperature, altitude at which the apparatus is located, engine oil life when the prime mover is a combustion engine, engine oil temperature when the prime mover is a combustion engine, total prime mover running time, current prime mover speed, maximum prime mover speed, prime mover speed range, and a message to a user of the apparatus adapted to be displayed on a portable electronic device.

In at least some implementations, the mount includes two retaining surfaces with at least one of the retaining surfaces movable relative to the other. The mount may also include an open front between the retaining surfaces. In at least some implementations, the support includes or carries two grip areas one of which includes a throttle control, and the mount is located between the two grip areas.

In at least some implementations, a portable electronic device is removably carried by the mount and is coupled to the controller to permit one way or twoway communication between the controller and the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may have a touchscreen display and may be one of a phone or a tablet computer. The electronic device may include an input the activation of which terminates operation of the prime mover, or changes an operational condition of the prime mover. The portable electronic device may include memory with software adapted to display data provided from the wireless communication device, and the portable electronic device includes at least one input from which a selection can be made and wherein the selection causes different information to be displayed, or permits control of at least one aspect of prime mover operation. In at least some implementations, the at least one aspect of prime mover operation includes at least one of acceleration response of the prime mover, maximum speed of the prime mover, minimum or idle speed of the prime mover, deceleration response of the prime mover, and engine air/fuel ratio when the prime mover is a combustion engine.

In at least some implementations, the portable electronic device includes an accelerometer and information from the accelerometer is communicated with the controller. The portable electronic device may include at least one sensor that enables determination of the orientation of the portable electronic device and information relating to the orientation of the portable electronic device is communicated with the controller.

In at least some implementations, the tool is removably coupled to the support and different tools may be coupled to the support one at a time, and memory is communicated with the controller and the memory includes data relating to more than one tool. The memory may include data relating to operational conditions including at least one of time since the prime mover was last running, prime mover temperature, ambient temperature, altitude at which the apparatus is located, engine oil life when the prime mover is a combustion engine, engine oil temperature when the prime mover is a combustion engine, total prime mover running time, current prime mover speed, maximum prime mover speed, prime mover speed range, and a message to a user of the apparatus. The data may include instructions for starting or operating the prime mover.

In at least some implementations, the apparatus includes a GPS chipset from which the location of the apparatus may be determined, and the controller is operable to wirelessly retrieve data from the internet that relates to the location of the apparatus. In at least some implementations, the apparatus includes a GPS chipset from which the location of the apparatus may be determined, and which includes memory communicated with the controller, and wherein the memory includes geo-boundaries based upon which the operation of the prime mover may be adjusted or inhibited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of certain embodiments and best mode will be set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an apparatus showing a support, a mount and a portable electronic device releasably retained by the mount;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing a rear side of the mount and portable electronic device, and an engine carried by the support;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control and communication circuit that may be used with the apparatus; and

FIGS. 4-16 illustrate various information, inputs, menus and sub-menus that may be provided via the electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus 10 having a prime mover 12, a tool 14 driven by the prime mover 12 to perform work, and an interactive display 16 which may be part of a portable electronic device 18 that may be removably attached to the apparatus 10. Some non-limiting examples of the tool 14 include a string or blade trimmer, air blower, lawn/garden edger, lawn mower, snow thrower, pole saw, ground tiller or cultivator, scythe, hedge trimmer, rotary brush or sweeper, or the like. Example prime movers 12 include an electric motor of any desired specifications or a two-stroke or four-stroke single or multi-cylinder engine. The apparatus 10 may further include a controller or control circuit (e.g. 182 shown in FIG. 3) having a microprocessor 184 (FIG. 3) or other controller that controls operation of the motor or engine 12, and in the case of a combustion engine, the controller may control a digital ignition system to control the timing of ignition events within the engine. The ignition system and other components of the apparatus 10 may be powered by a battery, or via electromagnetic energy generated by passing one or more magnets (e.g. on a flywheel) by a wire coil (which may be connected to the ignition system and controller), as is known in the art and sometimes called a magneto system.

The portable electronic device 18 may be electronically coupled, via one or more wires or wirelessly, to the controller or processor 184 that controls at least one aspect of the prime mover’s operation, for example, ignition timing, engine starter or throttle valve position/output speed. In this way, starting and/or certain operating parameters of the prime mover 12 may be controlled at least in part by user interaction with the interactive display 16 or electronic device generally (e.g. via voice command or actuation of buttons separate from the display 16). Additionally or instead, the display 16 may be used to provide information to the apparatus user, such as operating instructions, service recommendations, cautionary or warning messages, or data regarding past use of the apparatus. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a string trimmer 10 includes a body or support 20 on which the tool 14 (e.g. a trimmer head including trimming string), is carried, and on which the engine 12 is carried. That is, the support 20 may generally include all structural parts on which various components of the apparatus 10 are mounted or carried. A mount 22 may also be carried by or on the support 20. To couple the mount 22 to the support 20, a main body 24 of the mount 22 may include or be connected to a bracket 26 or coupler that is connected to the support 20. In the example shown, the main body 24 includes a two-piece mounting bracket 26 the two-pieces 28, 30 of which are received on opposite sides of a post 31 of the support 20 and coupled together by fasteners or other coupler(s), such as a weld, adhesive, snap-fit, press- fit, interlocking fit or the like. As set forth in more detail below, the mount 22 may also include one or more retaining features between which the electronic device 18 may be removable mounted. At least one of the retaining features may be movable relative to at least one other retaining feature so that the overall size or shape of a mount area 32 may be adjusted or changed. This permits different electronic devices 18 to be removably fitted to the mount 22 within the mount area 32 for use with the apparatus 10.

In the example shown, the mount area 32 is defined at least in part by opposed first and second retaining surfaces 34, 36 and at least one back surface 38 of the main body 24 and/or a second body 40 movably carried by the main body 24. The back surface(s) 38 extend(s) in a first direction and the first and second retaining surfaces 34, 36 may extend outwardly from the back surface 38 in the same direction, generally perpendicular to the back surface 38 (where generally perpendicular includes perpendicular and within fifteen degrees of perpendicular). One of the retaining surfaces 36 may be defined by a portion of the second body 40 that is movable relative to the main body 24 and coupled to the main body. One or more guide members, shown as cylindrical rods 42 may be used to maintain a desired orientation of the second body 40 relative to the first body 24 as the second body 40 is moved. The guide rods 42 may be slidably received within passages or slots formed in the main body 24 and a limiter, shown as an adjustable threaded stop member 44 having a head 46 that engages the second body 40 to prevent further movement of the second body 40 away from the main body 24. With a device 18 received between the retaining surfaces 34, 36, the stop member 44 may be rotated to move the second body 40 toward the main body 24 and thereby trap or clamp the device 18 between the opposed retaining surfaces 34, 36. Or one or more biasing members (diagrammatically shown at 48) may act on the second body 40 to yieldably bias the second body 40 toward the main body 24 and provide a clamping force on a device 18 received between the retaining surfaces 34, 36 without having to adjust the stop member 44. The stop member 44 in this instance, if even provided, may be used to couple the second body 40 to the main body 24 and/or to limit movement of the second body 40 away from the main body 24 (e.g. to prevent complete disconnection of the second body form the main body). Movement of the second body 40 relative to the main body 24 changes the overall size or shape of the mount area 32 which is defined at least in part by the back surface 38 and between the retaining surfaces 34, 36.

Many apparatuses 10 have two handles 50, 52 or grip areas spaced apart on the support 20 for the two hands of a user of the apparatus 10. A first handle 50 may include a throttle control 54 to permit user actuation of an engine throttle, and a second handle or grip area 52 may be provided spaced from the first handle 50 for improved control and balance of the apparatus 10 by the user. The mount 22 may be located between the handles or grip areas 50, 52 and oriented at an angle easy viewable by a user of the apparatus 10 while the engine 12 is being started or is in use. Thus, the interactive display 16 or screen of a device 18 received in the mount 22 will be easily viewable by a user of the apparatus 10. In at least some implementations, one of the first and second handles (e.g. handle 50) may be located between the mount 22 and the prime mover 12, and the other handle (e.g. handle 52) may be located between the tool 14 and the mount 22.

As noted above, the display 16 may be part of the portable electronic device 18, such as a phone, tablet or other personal electronic device of the user that is operable for purposes other than control of the apparatus 10/tool 14, or an electronic device custom made for use of the apparatus lO/tool 14 and other similar tools sold by the same or different manufacturers. The electronic device 18 may be secured in the mount 22 as noted above to permit viewing of the display 16 and/or interaction with the display 16, by a user of the apparatus 10. To permit user interaction with the apparatus lO/tool 14 being used, the electronic device 18 may be electronically coupled to the controller 184 of the apparatus 10, by one or more wires (and suitable data and/or power connectors) or wirelessly using any desired wireless protocol, including but not limited to 802.11, other WLAN specifications, WPA, WEP, wireless broadband, Bluetooth or BLE protocol and Wi-fi communication protocols. Such electronic devices 18 typically have memory on which one or more software programs may be stored to control communication between the controller 184 and the electronic device 18, and may have a separate power source such as a battery or may be powered by the electrical power source of the apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, a program may initially permit pairing, syncing or connecting of the electronic device 18 wirelessly to the controller 184 via Wi-fi or Bluetooth modules or receivers/transmitters of the controller and the electronic device. This is shown generally by the representative window 56 on the display 16 that includes a connection in progress indicator 57 and is part of the user interface of the program stored on the electronic device 18. Various known handshake or connection protocols may be used, as desired.

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative window 58 displayed to a user after the wireless communication connection has been established between the electronic device 18 and the controller 184. This window 58 may include any desired information. In the example shown, an indication of the name or type of apparatus 10 is provided, shown in display field 60 as “Connected: Trimmer_l” indicating that the electronic device 18 is coupled/connected to a trimmer 10 named or registered as“Trimmer 1” where each apparatus 10 to which the electronic device 18 may be coupled may have a different name or identifier to facilitate use of the electronic device 18 with multiple apparatuses 10. A welcome message, indication whether an update for the applicati on/software is available and any other desired information may also or instead be provided via window 58 or a different window or field. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a starting procedure or other operating instructions or information may be provided to the user. In the example shown, a starting procedure is shown via icons and text indicating at 64 to depress a purge/primer bulb, at 66 to actuate a throttle lever or trigger on the first handle, and at 68 to pull a starter rope. The information displayed can be customized to a particular apparatus 10 and or operating condition (e.g. time since last engine start, engine temperature, ambient temperature, altitude, etc) as set forth in more detail below.

In FIG. 6, a menu 70 is provided to the user via the display 16 to enable the user to select the type of tool 14 being used on the apparatus 10. Some apparatuses 10 permit connection of different tools 14 to the support 20 and to the engine 12 such that a single engine 12 and controller/control system 182 may be used for multiple tools 14. Such tools 14 may include a transmitter or readable tag that automatically indicates to the controller 184 and/or connected electronic device 18 the type of tool 14 that is coupled to the apparatus 10. Or the user may manually select among the options provided in the menu 70, for example by pushing a button or touching a portion of a touch responsive screen that is associated with the desired menu option or input. Such a menu 70 may also be used with dedicated apparatuses 10, in other words, apparatuses 10 having a tool 14 permanently coupled to an engine 12, for example, to confirm the type of apparatus 10 to which the electronic device 18 is connected. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate different information screens or windows 72, 74 that may be provided to a user depending upon certain operational conditions, such as the time since the engine 12 was last running or started, current engine temperature, current ambient temperature, altitude at which the apparatus 10/device 18 is located, and the like. Such data may be provided to the electronic device 18 by the controller 184 which may be responsive to output from one or more sensors, such as temperature sensors, timers and altitude sensors, and/or from sensors on or in the electronic device 18 itself, or available to the electronic device 18 via a server or network accessible to the electronic device, including the internet. By way of non-limiting examples, the electronic device 18 may have the ability to determine its geographic location (e.g. via a GPS chipset in the device 18) and may then search a network/the internet for temperature and/or altitude data for that location. The information displayed in this example screen 72 relates to user instructions for operating the apparatus 10, in particular, a preferred routine for starting the engine 12. In FIG. 8, the operating conditions are such that fewer actuations (i.e. three in this example) of an engine purge/primer are needed before starting the engine 12 than in the operating conditions of FIG. 7 (in which six actuations are needed). This information may be part of a start menu option 76 which may be displayed upon initial attempt to start the engine 12, or after pairing of the electronic device 18 to the controller 184 prior to starting the engine 12.

FIG. 9 illustrates another representative window 80 or display of information to a user via the electronics device 18. The information may include or relate to one or more of engine operational data, type of tool/apparatus being used (icon 82 indicates a string trimmer is being used), current time (shown as 1:3 lpm at 84), engine temperature, engine oil life (shown as 100% at 86), engine oil temperature, ambient temperature, engine running time since most recent starting event (shown as 00:00:05, or 5 seconds at 88), total engine running time, current engine speed (shown as 2,761 rpms at 90), maximum engine speed, a tachometer or engine speed range, a warning or cautionary message to the user, a recommendation to the user, a current operating mode, apparatus ground speed (where the apparatus is mobile, like a riding mower, or tractor) or the like.

The window 80 may also include one or more inputs selectable by the user to change the displayed information, display different information or control some aspect of engine operation. By way of non-limiting examples, the inputs may enable user selection among different menu options, shown as operating mode at 92 (with LITE TRIM currently selected), an engine kill button or engine stop button at 94 that when pressed will terminate engine operation, and a TOOL option at 96 that will call up a menu relating to different options for the tool 14 being used or allow the user to select a different tool 14. Operating modes may include economy mode, sport or high performance mode, heavy cutting or heavy load mode, light or reduced load mode (e.g. the LITE TRIM mode shown), etc. Selecting these modes may change at least one operational parameter of engine operation, such as acceleration response upon trigger actuation, maximum speed, minimum or idle speed, deceleration response upon trigger deactuation, engine air/fuel ratio (e.g. by controlling an electrically actuated valve that changes the flow rate of fuel and/or air to the engine), and the like. Engine speed, acceleration, deceleration and the like can be controlled even with a mechanical throttle actuator (e.g. a trigger and cable coupled to a throttle valve) by changing the air/fuel ratio and/or ignition timing. With an electronic throttle (e.g. a motor that commands throttle valve rotation), the changes may be easier to control and the limits of the control may be greater.

Further, the various operating parameters may be different for different tools 14. For example, a chainsaw may have a different desired engine speed for cutting than does a string trimmer (or different maximum speed, acceleration or deceleration magnitudes, etc.) and the various operational parameters can be programmed or adjusted for the different tools 14 that may be used. Tools 14 with consumable cutting implements (e.g. the string on a string trimmer) can also be monitored for increased engine speed at one or more throttle positions, such increased engine speed being likely caused by the string being shorter than desired, and the system may provide a message to the user to increase the length of string from the trimmer head (commonly done by bumping the trimmer head against the ground to pay out more string).

Terminating engine operation may be accomplished after actuating the stop input 94 by reducing or terminating fuel supply to the engine and/or by skipping or terminating engine ignition events. Of course, other menus and other options within the various menus may be provided, as desired. The options may include selectable inputs, displayed information without selectable inputs or a combination of these.

FIG. 10 shows a similar window 98 as FIG. 9 but icon 100 indicates a pole mounted chainsaw is being used, the engine speed is 4,903 rpm, current time is 1 :32pm, the engine has been running for 42 seconds. The current engine speed may be a result of or related to the selection of the LITE TRIM mode wherein the engine speed is limited to a preferred speed for cutting smaller limbs and things, as opposed to a higher engine speed for heavier loads. FIG. 11 is similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 and shows at 100 that a polesaw in use at wide open throttle with a current engine speed of l l,000rpm. In this example, the LITE TRIM mode is not selected and thus, is not displayed on the screen as a selected option.

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a window 104 including information relating to previous or current engine operation. In this example, a second main menu option, called STATS has been selected which may be indicated by associated input/field 103 being highlighted compared to the other inputs/fields for other options including a first option 76 - START and third option 105 - TOOL as noted above with regard to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8). Within the second, or STATS menu one or more sub-menu options may be provided. In the illustrated example, five sub-menu options are provided and include INFORMATION, RECENT RUN,

USAGE, STARTUP TEMP, and RPM BINS. In FIG. 12, the INFORMATION sub-menu option has been selected and provides information to the user regarding the tool being used, the software and/or firmware versions in use, engine or tool runtime, duration of last use of the tool and/or engine, etc. Of course, the information displayed is customizable or adjustable for a given application.

FIG. 13 illustrates a window 106 including representative information provided in the

STATS/RECENT RUN sub-menu. This example shows a bar graph of engine speed (in rpms) vs. time that the engine was at the various speeds during the most recent engine operation. In this example, the engine spent 35.0 seconds at about 3,000rpms, and 3.0 seconds at about 3,500 rpms, among other speeds.

FIG. 14 illustrates window 108 including representative information provided in the

STATS/STARTUP TEMP sub-menu. This example shows a bar graph of engine temperature vs. the number of times the engine was started at various temperatures. Such information may give the user or a repair facility information about the typical conditions in which the engine has been used, so adjustments to the engine operating parameters can be made, if desired. In this example, the engine had been started eight times at about twenty degrees and thirteen times at about sixty degrees, among other temperatures.

FIG. 15 illustrates a window 110 including representative information provided in the STATS/RPM BINS sub-menu. This example shows a bar graph of engine speed vs. the number of minutes the engine has been run at the various speeds. In this example, the engine had been run for eight minutes at about 4,000 rpm, and for sixty-two minutes at 8,000 rpm.

FIG. 16 illustrates a window 112 including representative information provided in the STATS/USAGE sub-menu. This example shows a bar graph of engine run time in minutes vs. the number of separate engine uses that lasted for a given amount of time. In this example, the engine had been run five times for between zero and two minutes, and four times for between about six and eight minutes. Of course, the particular main menu and sub-menu options are merely examples of some possibilities of information or selectable input options that may be provided to a user of the apparatus. The options may permit at least some control over engine or tool operation (e.g. responsiveness, operating speed, maximum speed, engine termination, etc) or provide instructions, data or other information to the user or another party.

In addition to the sensors noted above, various other sensors may be used, as desired. For example, many smartphones have accelerometers within them, or gyros and/or other sensors that may enable determination of the orientation or movement of the apparatus 10 on which the smartphone 18 is mounted. Or such sensor(s) may be incorporated in the apparatus 10 and communicated with the controller 184. This may permit a display of the relative levelness of the tool (e.g. relative to the ground) to permit a level cut or operation of the tool 14, or may permit a determination of the acceleration of the tool 14 such as may occur by the user swinging/moving the tool 14 too quickly during operation, or the tool 14 jerking from undesired interaction with an object. If a maximum acceleration of the tool 14 is exceeded, the engine speed may be reduced, engine operation may be terminated and/or a warning or recommendation message may be displayed to inform the user.

More than one threshold may be provided for this parameter and other parameters or operating conditions noted herein, and in at least some implementations, the response from the system may vary as a function of the severity of the threshold that is exceeded. For example, exceeding a lower, first threshold for acceleration may result in poor performance of the tool 14 and the system may respond by providing a warning or recommendation message to the user via the electronics device 18. Acceleration beyond a second, higher threshold may indicate unsafe usage of the tool 14 and the system may respond by reducing engine speed (perhaps to enable engagement of a clutch to stop the tool). And acceleration beyond a still higher, third threshold may indicate the user has lost control of the apparatus 10 (e.g. has dropped the apparatus or fallen while holding the apparatus) and the system may respond by terminating engine operation and/or applying a brake or clutch to stop the tool 14. This may reduce unsafe use of the tool 14 and/or instruct the user regarding movements that are too fast or unsteady for satisfactory performance (e.g. cutting/trimming) of the tool 14.

Additionally, the user may be able to select certain operating conditions from menus, or input information regarding such operating conditions, to permit the system to change the outputs provided to the user as a result. For example, the user could input ambient temperature, the altitude at which the apparatus will be used (where such information is not available by sensor or data), or the type of fuel being used or other information that might affect engine operation. The system (e.g. controller/electronics device together or one of them individually) may select among options stored in memory or obtained via algorithm(s) an appropriate air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, number of primer actuations or other operating parameters for the particular altitude or selected fuel (e.g. E0, E10, and E15). This information may be relayed from the electronics device to the controller for use/determination by the controller, or the maps/tables/data may be resident on the electronics device and corresponding control signals indicative of the particular engine operating parameters may be communicated from the electronics device to the controller during use of the apparatus.

Various control parameters or information to be displayed may be stored on the controller 184 (e.g. at memory 196 noted below with regard to FIG. 3), or on the electronics device 18, as desired. For example, the controller/communication module 182 may send the current ambient temperature and/or current engine temperature to the electronics device 18 and the program on the electronics device 18 may be operative to calculate the number of times the purge/primer should be actuated for a given engine 12 or apparatus 10. Or, the calculation of primer actuations may be done by the controller 184 and the resulting information relayed to the electronics device 18 for display to the user. Likewise, maximum accelerations, maximum or minimum speeds, desired tool operating speeds, or engine or tool speed ranges, or other thresholds may be provided on one or both of the controller 184 and the electronics device 18, as desired. Still further, engine run time data for both current use and prior uses may be stored and/or tallied on one or both of the engine controller and the electronics device.

In apparatuses 10 that have a battery or source of power when the engine 12 is not operating, initial information or instructions or options can be provided before the engine 12 has been started. For other apparatuses 10 without such a source of power, the user could be instructed via the electronics device 18 to pull a starter rope (for example) to rotate the flywheel and provide power to the engine controller 184. The engine controller 184 may be programmed to immediately determine and send to the electronics device a signal indicative of, for example, the engine temperature and/or ambient temperature and the electronics device 18 may then modify the recommended starting procedure and corresponding information provided to the user. Limited duration of controller functionality may be achieved, in at least some implementations, even if the engine 12 does not start due to the rope pull. If the engine 12 does start, then further power is provided to the controller 184 in the normal way and the system may change from the starting mode to the running mode (e.g. the information/menus/options displayed to the user may change, and that change may occur automatically, as may be programmed). Similarly, the system (e.g. engine controller 184) may determine if the attempted operation of the apparatus 10 is the first time the engine 12 has been run since it was purchased, or in a lengthy period of time (e.g. a month or two) and may adjust the starting routine, recommended number of primer actuations, ignition timing for starting, air/fuel ratio or other parameter as a result of such determination. And the system may determine anomalous engine operation, for example speed variations during engine idling or at full throttle, difficulty in starting the engine, engine stalls, or other conditions which may indicate that the engine should be serviced. FIG. 3 illustrates one example of control and communication circuit 182 including a controller (i.e. microprocessor 184) that may control ignition timing and other engine operating parameters, such as the air/fuel ratio provided to the engine. The microprocessor 184 may be any suitable processing device capable of executing digitally-stored instructions stored on memory 196. Memory 196 should be construed broadly to include reprogrammable or flash EEPROM (electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable, programmable read-only memory), or any other suitable non-transitory computer readable medium. In FIG. 3, the memory is shown internal to the microprocessor 184; however, this is not required (e.g., memory may be internal to chip 184, external to chip 184, or both). Non-limiting examples of instructions stored in memory 196 may include: storing a look-up table, algorithm and/or code to determine and vary the engine ignition timing for various engine operating speeds and conditions, an algorithm to vary and control the fuel-to-air ratio of the air-and-fuel mixture supplied to the engine in response to various engine operating speeds and conditions, etc. Examples of how microcontrollers can implement ignition timing systems can be found in U.S. Patents 7,546,836 and 7,448,358, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one embodiment, the microprocessor 184 also stores instructions associated with wireless communication for communication with the electronic device. As used herein, the term instructions should be construed broadly to include software, firmware, or any other suitable code or like set of computer-readable commands or directions.

One non-limiting commercial implementation of microprocessor 184 is the nRF5l822 series microprocessor by Nordic Semiconductor (e.g., having pins 1-48). Of course, this is merely an example and other embodiments are also possible. As described more below, circuits 186-192 are coupled to and controlled by microprocessor 184. As used herein, the term “coupled” broadly encompasses all ways in which two or more electrical components, devices, circuits, etc. can be in electrical communication with one another; this includes, but is not limited to, a direct electrical connection and a connection via an intermediate component, device, circuit, etc. The circuit diagram shown in FIG. 3 is merely one example; other implementations having the same or similar functions also may be used.

According to one aspect of the control and communication circuit 182, the microcontroller 184 uses induced magneto system current to operate the CDI circuit 186 (e.g., and thereby fire spark plug 30). For example, when a magneto system induces a positive current in the power charge coil 176 (e.g., a positive potential across the coil), an ignition capacitor 200 that is coupled to a first end of the coil 176 via diode 202 is charged. The other end of the power charge coil 176 may be connected to circuit ground 206 via a zener diode 204. Circuit 186 also may have overvoltage protection components associated with coil 176; these include a transient-voltage-suppression or TVS diode 201 coupled between the first end of coil 176 and ground 206, and also resistors 203, 205 collectively arranged in parallel with diode 201. Thus, a majority of the energy induced in the power charge winding 176 may be supplied to the capacitor 200 which stores this energy until the microcontroller 184 (via pin 48) changes a switch 208 to a conductive state to discharge the capacitor 200 through the primary coil 178 of the transformer which induces in the secondary coil 180 a high voltage potential which is applied to the spark plug 30 to provide a combustion initiating arc or spark.

For example, switch 208 may include a resistor 210 and two NPN transistors 212, 214 arranged in a so-called Darlington common collector arrangement or pattern. The resistor 210 may be coupled between a base of transistor 212 and pin 48 of the microprocessor 184. Each of the collectors of transistors 212, 214 may be coupled to the first end of charge coil 176, and an emitter of transistor 212 can be coupled to a base of transistor 214. The emitter of transistor 214 may be coupled to circuit ground 206 and a number of other components which enable the capacitor 200 to drain quickly— e.g., as discussed below, these components may include a thyristor 218 such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), a zener diode 220, and resistors 222, 224. Thus, an enable signal sent from the microprocessor 184 via pin 48 may actuate transistor 212 thereby placing the switch 208 in the conductive state.

One end of the thyristor 218 is shown coupled to the capacitor 200, while the other end is coupled to circuit ground 206. Each of resistor 222, resistor 224, and zener diode 220 are coupled in parallel to a gate of the thyristor 218 such that when current flows through the switch 208 (more particularly, through transistors 212, 214), the gate voltage of the thyristor 218 is sufficient to actuate the thyristor 218 thereby creating a short or discharge path through the thyristor 218 from the ignition capacitor 200 to circuit ground 206. A rapid discharge of the ignition capacitor 200 causes a surge in current through the primary ignition coil 178, which in turn, creates a fast-rising electromagnetic field in the primary ignition coil. The fast-rising electromagnetic field induces a high voltage ignition pulse in the secondary ignition coil 180. The high voltage ignition pulse travels to spark plug 30 which, assuming it has the requisite voltage, provides a combustion-initiating arc or spark. Other sparking techniques, including flyback techniques, may be used instead.

As also discussed briefly above, the magneto system may supply electric power to operate the microprocessor 184; this power may be managed and/or controlled by the power circuit 188. More specifically, electrical power can be provided to the microprocessor 184 during a negative phase of the magneto system; e.g., when the magnet(s) induce(s) negative current in the power charge coil 176 (e.g., a negative potential across the coil), power is provided to pins 1 and 12 using power circuit 188. Circuit 188 may include, among other things, diodes 228, 230, a zener diode 232, an NPN transistor 234, and a kill switch circuit 236. In the illustrated arrangement, diode 228 is coupled between the second end of charge coil winding 176 and a node Nl (or a collector of transistor 234). Node Nl is also coupled to node N2 (a base of transistor 234) via resistor 238, and node Nl further is coupled to circuit ground 206 via capacitor 240. The diode 230 is coupled between the node N2 (base of transistor 234) and node N3 (emitter of transistor 234)— e.g., directing current toward the emitter. Zener diode 232 is coupled between node N2 and circuit ground 206, and node N3 further is coupled to pins 1 and 12 (input voltage pins of microprocessor 184) thereby powering the processor 184 using the negative portion of the AC signal generated by coil 176. In the illustrated circuit, pins 1 and 12 are coupled to ground 206 via resistor 251, capacitor 244, and capacitor 246 (wherein each of elements 251, 244, 246 can be arranged in parallel with one another).

In the illustrated kill switch circuit 236, the kill switch 242 is coupled to circuit ground 206 via a zener diode 250 (which protects against voltage transients coming in on the kill terminal), and the switch 242 is coupled to node N4 (pin 6 of the microprocessor 184) via a resistor 252. Node N4 is coupled to ground 206 via resistor 254 and capacitor 256 (which are arranged in parallel). Preferably once an engine revolution, or at some desired time interval, a kill activation check or subroutine may be performed (in at least one implementation, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the subroutine or check takes about 50- lOOps to perform). The kill activation check starts with setting pin 6 on the microprocessor 184 to an output and letting that charge up capacitor 256 close to Vcc of the processor. Then pin 6 is changed to an input, and after some time (in one implementation it is about 50- lOOps), the voltage at pin 6 is measured. The voltage level at pin 6 at that instance determines if the kill switch has been activated or not. The capacitor 256 will normally discharge via resistor 254 at a certain rate. When the kill switch is activated (e.g. the user holds the button or switch closed), the capacitor will discharge more quickly as now resistor 252 is in parallel with resistor 254 as the discharge path. Thus, the voltage at pin 6, which is a function of the capacitor discharge rate (i.e. a quicker discharge rate will result in a lower voltage level), can be used to determine if a kill switch activation has occurred. The kill switch may be a separate switch provided on the apparatus, or an input provided on the electronics device nd selectable by the user, as noted above.

The wireless communication circuit 190 may be coupled to microprocessor 184 via pins 29-36 and generally may be adapted to send and receive wireless transmissions via a short range wireless antenna 260 (e.g., which may be a flat or embedded antenna— e.g., comprising a wire or trace etched within circuit card 183). In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 260 is coupled to node N5 via capacitor 262, and node N5 is coupled to pin 29 via capacitor 264. In addition, antenna 260 is coupled to node N6 via inductor 266, and node N6 is coupled to node N7 (pin 32) via capacitor 268. Nodes N7 (pin32) and N8 (pin 31) are coupled to one another via inductor 270, and node N8 (pin 31) and node N9 (pin 30) are coupled to one another via inductor 272. Capacitor 274 couples nodes N5 and N9, and capacitor 276 couples nodes N5 and N6. Pins 33 and 34 may be coupled to ground 206, and pins 35-36 may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 278. Circuit elements 262, 266, 268, 270, 272 and 276 comprise a balance filter circuit adapted to match impedance of the antenna for suitable communication performance. Other implementations also exist (e.g., using a balun or other integrated circuit technology). Together, the microprocessor 184 and circuit 190 may be adapted to receive and transmit signals via any suitable short range wireless frequency or communication protocol; according to at least one embodiment, the circuit 190 (and antenna 260) are adapted to communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) frequencies (~2.4 GHz).

Skilled artisans will appreciate that the repetitive charging and discharging of ignition capacitor 200 may generate undesirable electromagnetic frequencies and potential electromagnetic interferences which may interfere with the short range wireless communications conducted using circuit 190. For example, at least a portion of the antenna 260 may be within an inch of the ignition capacitor 200 (e.g., draining 30 kV of charge, sufficient to trigger spark at plug 30). Furthermore, as discussed above, both the CDI circuit 186 and antenna circuit 190 may be located on the same face or side of circuit card 183. Thus, the present control and communication circuit 182 has been configured to establish electromagnetic compatibility of BLE and other short range wireless transmission signals in this noisy ignition circuit environment— including, e.g., the use of multiple ground planes (e.g., one or more analog ground planes and one or more digital ground planes), filtering capacitors, and component layout or arrangement on printed circuit board 183.

Clocking circuit 192 may include a crystal oscillator 280 (one end coupled to pin 37 and the other end to pin 38 of microprocessor 184). Crystal oscillations may provide a precise clocking frequency to processor 184 which may be used to facilitate BLE communication, as well as to improve ignition timing (e.g., firing of the spark plug 30). For example, the output of the clocking circuit 192 may be used by the microprocessor 184 to more precisely determine engine speed (e.g. RPMs) which in turn can be used to calculate when to discharge capacitor 200 and fire spark plug 30. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the clocking circuit 192 is adapted to serve dual purposes. Pin 37 further may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 282, pin 39 may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 284, and pin 38 also may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 286. In at least one embodiment, the oscillator 280 provides a clocking frequency of 16 MHz.

In at least some implementations, the control and communication circuit 182 also could include a programming or data circuit 300 and a speed measuring circuit 302. The programming circuit 300 may enable configuration changes to microprocessor instructions or algorithms, and the circuit 300 may include resistors 306-310, capacitors 312, 314, and a zener diode 316. For example, pin 20 may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 312; further pin 20 may be coupled to node Nl 1 via resistor 306, and node Nl 1 may be coupled to ground 206 via capacitor 314, resistor 310, and/or diode 316 (each of which are arranged in parallel between node Nl l and ground 206). Resistor 308 couples pin 21 to node Nl l. Node Nl l (and circuit ground 206) may be used as a connection point to program the microprocessor 184 using an external computer or computing device. The external computer may communicate with circuit 300 while the engine is operating. Or the external computer may communicate with circuit 300 (and microprocessor 184) using an external power source that may be electrically coupled to the circuit 182.

Speed and position measuring circuit 302 may provide an analog trigger signal for providing the microprocessor 184 with a revolution speed and position (e.g., associated with the magneto system 156). For example, the analog trigger signal may be used to calculate engine timing calculations. For example, pin 22 may be coupled to an RLC circuit (having within one current loop a resistor 320, a coil 322, and a capacitor 324)— e.g., coil 322 may be located on lamstack 170. Both coil 322 and capacitor 324 may be coupled to ground 206, and capacitor 324 and resistor 320 may be tied to pin 22. Circuit 302 also illustrates another resistor 326 coupled between a node N12 and ground 206 (e.g., in parallel with coil 322 for noise reduction and/or signal stability). Pins 23-24 also may be tied to external clocking inputs or circuits (not shown); and pin 13 may be tied to ground 206. Thus, circuit 302 may provide analog revolution data to the microprocessor 184 based on a sensed position of the flywheel. It should be appreciated that circuits 300 and 302 are optional.

Further, application software on the electronic device may be used to program or reflash the microprocessor 184 (or memory 196) on the apparatus. For example, instead of (or in addition to) programming the microprocessor 184 via a physical electrical connection to circuit 300, the electronic device may transmit a program update or system configuration change— thereby enabling a wireless programming of microprocessor 184. According to one embodiment, the application software may display a prompt on the electronic device— and when the engine is running and the prompt is selected, the application software may connect to the microprocessor 184 and wireless communication circuit 190 and download the update to the processor memory 196. Thereafter, the microprocessor 184 may be configured to install the update. In this manner, the update largely may be automated and occur with minimal user interaction.

According to one alternative programming or reflash method, the microprocessor 184 or memory thereof may be reflashed without the engine 12 running. For example, an external power source may be coupled to the control and communication circuit 182, which may sufficiently power the circuit during the reflash event. And in at least one additional embodiment, the apparatus may include an onboard power source or battery that may be used to carry out BLE communications (including reflash procedures) between the electronic device and circuit 182 when the engine is not running. In at least some implementations, the battery or other power source does not power the ignition circuit which would be powered by the magnet power generation arrangement already described.

In addition to using the apparatus’ location to change at least one operating parameter (e.g. ignition timing as a function of altitude), the operation of the apparatus may be inhibited or adjusted based on the apparatus’ geographic location. For example, the user— via the application software on the electronic device— may set geo-boundaries (or geo-parameters) defining a region or location wherein the apparatus may be used (e.g. without requiring entry of a password or passcode via the electronic device). Provided the apparatus is used within the predetermined region (or within a preset distance of that location), the apparatus is operable. However, if the apparatus is used outside that geo-boundary (or outside of the preset distance), at least one apparatus functionality is inhibited. Thus, the electronic device may utilize data from a GPS chipset within the electronic device to determine whether it is presently located within the user-defined boundaries (since BLE and other wireless communication links like Wi-Fi are relatively short in range, it may be presumed by the electronic device that the apparatus is nearby if the electronic device is connected with the controller for wireless communication). According to an alternative embodiment, when the apparatus is determined by the electronic device to be located outside of that geo-boundary, the microprocessor 184 is configured to shut down the apparatus unless the user enters an unlock code or passcode via the electronic device. Thus, the use of pre-programmed geo-boundaries may be a theft deterrent feature— as a thief may be deterred from stealing an apparatus that is not ultimately usable or inoperable.

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 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. For example, a method having greater, fewer, or different steps than those shown could be used instead. All such 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,” “e.g.,”“such as,” and“like,” 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.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a support;

a prime mover carried by the support;

a tool carried by the support and driven by the prime mover;

a controller coupled to the prime mover to control at least one aspect of the operation of the prime mover; and

a mount carried by the support and having a movable component that defines part of a mount area, that is adapted to receive and releasably retain a portable electronic device, to permit the size of the mount area to be adjusted.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which also includes a wireless communication device coupled to the controller and being operable to wirelessly receive an instruction and communicate that instruction to the controller.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 which also includes a wireless communication device coupled to the controller and being operable to transmit data to a remote receiver.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 which also includes a wireless communication device coupled to the controller and being operable to permit two-way communication between the controller and a remote receiver.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mount includes two retaining surfaces with at least one of the retaining surfaces movable relative to the other.

6 The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the mount includes an open front between the retaining surfaces.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 which also includes a portable electronic device removably carried by the mount and coupled to the controller to permit one way or two way communication between the controller and the portable electronic device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the portable electronic device has a touchscreen display and is one of a phone or a tablet computer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support includes or carries two grip areas one of which includes a throttle control, and wherein the mount is located between the two grip areas.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tool is removably coupled to the support and wherein different tools may be coupled to the support, and which includes memory communicated with the controller and the memory includes data relating to more than one tool.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the memory includes data relating to operational conditions including at least one of time since the prime mover was last running, prime mover temperature, ambient temperature, altitude at which the apparatus is located, engine oil life when the prime mover is a combustion engine, engine oil temperature when the prime mover is a combustion engine, total prime mover running time, current prime mover speed, maximum prime mover speed, prime mover speed range, and a message to a user of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the data includes instructions for starting or operating the prime mover.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes a GPS chipset from which the location of the apparatus may be determined, and wherein the controller is operable to wirelessly retrieve data from the internet that relates to the location of the apparatus.

14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the electronic device includes an input the activation of which terminates operation of the prime mover or changes an operational condition of the prime mover.

15. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wireless communication device operates under at least one of 802.11, WLAN, WPA, WEP, Wi-Fi, wireless broadband, Bluetooth or BLE protocol.

16. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the controller communicates via the wireless communication device data relating to at least one of time since the prime mover was last running, prime mover temperature, ambient temperature, altitude at which the apparatus is located, engine oil life when the prime mover is a combustion engine, engine oil temperature when the prime mover is a combustion engine, total prime mover running time, current prime mover speed, maximum prime mover speed, prime mover speed range, and a message to a user of the apparatus adapted to be displayed on a portable electronic device.

17. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the portable electronic device includes memory with software adapted to display data provided from the wireless communication device, and wherein the portable electronic device includes at least one input from which a selection can be made and wherein the selection causes different information to be displayed, or permits control of at least one aspect of prime mover operation.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said at least one aspect of prime mover operation includes at least one of acceleration response of the prime mover, maximum speed of the prime mover, minimum or idle speed of the prime mover, deceleration response of the prime mover, and engine air/fuel ratio when the prime mover is a combustion engine.

19. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the portable electronic device includes an accelerometer and wherein information from the accelerometer is communicated with the controller.

20. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the portable electronic device includes at least one sensor that enables determination of the orientation of the portable electronic device and wherein information relating to the orientation of the portable electronic device is communicated with the controller.

21. The apparatus of claim 2 which includes a GPS chipset from which the location of the apparatus may be determined, and which includes memory communicated with the controller, and wherein the memory includes geo-boundaries based upon which the operation of the prime mover may be adjusted or inhibited.