Patent Publication Number: US-10785908-B2

Title: Internal combustion engine with integrated connectivity device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/156,094, filed Oct. 10, 2018, for INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE which is hereby incorporated by reference and is assigned to the assignee of the present application. Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/156,094 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/113,653 filed on Aug. 27, 2018 and is also expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates generally to integrated devices, and more particularly, to internal combustion engines that include wireless connectivity and communications technology. 
     As the use of wireless communications technology, such as Internet of Things (IoT) technology is becoming more common for use in cooperation with power equipment, at least some known manufacturers have attempted to commercialize equipment using the technology. For example, at least some riding lawn mowers include a built-in meter in its instrument panel that includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Such meters transmit usage information to a remote device or to a cloud-based database. Although reliable, such wireless communications systems are generally only available on larger equipment, as such systems require a battery and a charging system. 
     At least some other known riding mowers include a pass-through ignition switch connector. The ignition switch connector includes a main power circuit and a switched power circuit. The wireless communications device on such equipment uses the power circuit as a power source and uses the switched power circuit to determine whether the equipment is operating. Operating or usage data is transmitted via Bluetooth wireless connectivity to a remote device or to a cloud-based database. Again, such wireless communications systems are generally only available on larger equipment as such systems require multiple power circuits, a battery, and a charging system. 
     In an effort to incorporate wireless communications technology on smaller equipment, at least some manufacturers include a communications accessory that is coupled to the equipment, generally as a stick-on device, that acts as a Bluetooth-enabled hour meter. Specifically, such devices determine the engine is operating using an accelerometer to sense vibration. The information is transmitted to a remote device. Although, marketable, the use of such wireless communications accessories may be limited as the battery in such devices may require frequent replacement and/or the accelerometer may be prone to errors and/or accidental activation, such as when the mower is transported from one location to another. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, a power tool is provided. The power tool includes an internal combustion engine and an integrated device coupled to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a flywheel with a magnetic portion. The integrated device is coupled adjacent to the flywheel. The integrated device receives power wirelessly from the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is operating. 
     In another aspect, an internal combustion engine assembly is provided. The internal combustion engine assembly includes an ignition coil assembly comprising an integrated device coupled thereto. The integrated device is coupled to the ignition coil assembly, such that the integrated device receives power wirelessly from the internal combustion engine assembly when the internal combustion engine assembly is operating. 
     In a further aspect, a power tool is provided. The power tool includes an internal combustion engine assembly and a source of a magnetic field. The power tool includes an integrated device with a printed circuit board having a power generation portion to harvest energy wirelessly from the source of magnetic field only when the internal combustion engine assembly is operating. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary walk-behind lawnmower. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary internal combustion engine assembly that may be used with the lawnmower shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cutaway top view of the internal combustion engine assembly with an integrated device installed in a recessed area. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the internal combustion engine assembly shown in  FIG. 2  with the top cover removed and the integrated device installed. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the internal combustion engine assembly with the integrated device installed in an alternative location. 
         FIG. 6  is front view of an exemplary integrated device that may be used with the internal combustion engine assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the integrated device shown in  FIG. 6  with a pole piece installed. 
         FIG. 8  is partial cutaway view of the power generation portion of the integrated device. 
         FIG. 9  is front view of an alternative integrated device that may be used with the lawnmower shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the power generation portion of the integrated device shown in  FIG. 9  with a pole piece installed. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an integrated device that may be used with the internal combustion engine shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an ignition coil assembly that may be used with the internal combustion engine shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an alternative ignition coil assembly that may be used with the internal combustion engine shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to power tools, including walk-behind lawnmowers, which include an internal combustion engine assembly including an integrated device capable of wireless communication, such as, but not limited to Internet of Things (IoT) technology. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device is received in a recessed portion of a cover coupled to an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments the cover is fabricated from a magnetically non-permeable material, such as, but not limited to, a non-magnetic material such as plastic for example. In each implementation, the internal combustion engine includes a flywheel with a magnetic portion and an integrated device coupled within a cavity defined by the cover. The integrated device includes a printed circuit board with a power generation portion that harvests energy from the internal combustion engine to power its wireless communication module which transmits operating data without being coupled to a battery. 
     The embodiments described herein are exemplary and are not limited to the descriptions provided. For example, although described in conjunction with a lawnmower, the invention described herein is not limited for use with a lawnmower, and may be instead used with other power tools or power equipment that include an internal combustion engine, such as, but not limited to, snow blowers, leaf blowers, pressure washers, string trimmers, brush cutters, generators, chainsaws, water pumps, go-karts, plate compactors, tampers, powered augers, fans, and/or paint sprayers. In addition, although portions of the description are described in conjunction with an IoT device, the invention described herein is not limited for use in conjunction with an IoT device, and rather, may instead be used with any wireless communications device that enables the power tools described herein to function as described herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary walk-behind lawnmower  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, lawnmower  10  is a self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower that is used to cut vegetation. In the exemplary embodiment, lawnmower  10  includes a cutter housing or deck  12  that defines a cavity (not shown) below it. A pair of front wheels  14  are coupled to a forward side  16  of lawnmower  10 , and a second pair of rear wheels  18  are coupled to an opposite rear side  17  of lawnmower  10 . A cutting blade (not shown) is rotatably coupled to an internal combustion engine  20  such that the cutting blade is beneath deck  12 . A steering handle  24  is coupled to deck  12  such that handle  24  extends upwardly from deck  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, lawnmower  10  includes an optional collection bag  26  removably coupled to mower rear side  17 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, deck  12  is generally rectangular and includes a pair of opposing sides  30  that extend between forward and rear sides  16  and  17 , respectively. In other embodiments, deck  12  may have any other shape that enables lawnmower  10  to function as described herein. Deck  12  also includes an upper surface  32  and an opposite inner surface (not shown). The deck inner surface defines a portion of the cutter housing and defines a cavity (not shown) that the cutting blades are rotatably coupled within. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting blades are rotatably coupled to lawnmower  10  and rotate about an axis of rotation (not shown) that is substantially vertical such that the blades rotate in generally horizontal cutting planes within the cutter housing cavity. The blades may be configured as either a single cutting element or as multiple cutting elements that each cut vegetation at the level of the cutting plane. 
     Handle  24  is generally U-shaped and extends upwardly and rearward from deck rear side  17 . Handle  24  enables a user who walks behind lawnmower  10  to guide and manipulate lawnmower  10  during operation of lawnmower  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, handle  24  includes a pair of vertically-oriented support members  40  and a generally horizontally-oriented support member  42  that extends laterally between members  40  and that forms a hand grip for the user. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, handle  24  supports several controls  50  for the mower. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, lawnmower  10  is self-propelled and includes a drive clutch lever  56  that is coupled to handle  24  to enable the user to selectively engage and disengage a transmission within the propulsion system. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, a throttle lever  58  is coupled to handle  24 . Throttle lever  58  enables a user to control and vary the engine speed. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, lawnmower  10  also includes a cutter system clutching system (not shown) that enables a user to selectively start and stop blade rotation. In one embodiment, the cutter system clutching system is similar to a known blade brake clutch (BBC) or a belt clutching pulley. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary internal combustion engine assembly  80  that may be used with lawnmower  10 .  FIG. 3  is a partial cutaway top view of the internal combustion engine assembly  80  with an integrated device  82  installed in a recessed area  110 . Engine assembly  80  includes an integrated device  82  coupled thereto to monitor operating data or usage data as described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, integrated device  82  may include Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity device. 
     Although the integrated device  82  may be described in portions herein as being an IoT device, in alternative embodiments any other wireless connectivity or communication device that enables the power tools described herein to function as described herein may be used. For example, in one alternative embodiment, integrated device  82  does not transmit data via a cellular or WiFi internet connection, but rather integrated device  82  maintains a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection wherein usage data is transmitted wirelessly to a remote device, to enable the remote device to utilize the data locally in an application on the device. The remote device application may utilize its internet connection to share this usage data with a remote database and to enable IoT functionality. In another alternative embodiment, device  82  is directly connected to the internet via a cellular modem rather than connecting via Bluetooth. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, engine  20  includes a fuel tank  88  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), an oil sump (not shown), a recoil starter assembly  84 , an air cleaner assembly  86 , and a muffler  89 . An oil filler cap  90  provides access to the oil sump, and a fuel tank cap  92  provides access to fuel tank  88 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the recoil starter assembly  84  includes a pull handle  94  and recoil starter assembly  84  is coupled to engine  20  against a top cover  98 . A cover  100  is located under the top cover  98  and is best shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, engine  20  is similar to an engine used with an HRR216VLA Rotary Mower commercially available from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 
     The top cover  98  may include a removable panel  106  for accessing the integrated device  82 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the removable panel  106  is stylized, such as a dot with semi-circles radiating above it, to indicate that a wireless connectivity device may be coupled therein and that lawnmower  10  is compatible with such a device. Additionally, other areas of the lawnmower  10  may include a stylized portion, such as a dot with semi-circles radiating above it, to indicate that a wireless connectivity device may be coupled therein and that lawnmower  10  is compatible with such a device. 
     Recoil starter assembly handle  94  is connected to a starter rope (not shown) that enables a user to engage a starting mechanism (not shown) to start engine  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, the starter rope is coupled to a pulley system that enables the rope to be pulled out and recoil automatically within recoil starter assembly  84 . More specifically, when the starter rope is pulled off the pulley and out of the engine, a recoil spring is stretched that recoils the rope onto the pulley when the user lets go of handle  94 . 
     Pulling recoil starter assembly  84  causes a flywheel  108  to rotate with a crankshaft  111  within engine  20 . Flywheel  108  is securely fixed to crankshaft  111  and includes at least one magnetic portion  112  coupled to the flywheel  108 . More specifically, the magnetic portion  112  is coupled in close proximity to a radially outer edge  114  of the flywheel  108  to enable magnetic energy to be formed as flywheel  108  is rotated as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 11 . When enough magnetic energy is formed, an ignition module (not shown) ignites a voltage spark required for internal combustion within engine  20 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, cover  100  is fabricated from a magnetically non-permeable material, such as, but not limited to, a non-magnetic material such as plastic, and may be formed with a recessed area  110 . Recessed area  110  is sized to receive the integrated device  82  therein, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Recessed area  110 , in the exemplary embodiment, is generally defined by a pair of side walls  120 , and a radially inner wall  126  adjacent to the flywheel  108 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the recessed area  110  may have any other shape that enables the integrated device  82  and the lawnmower  10  to function as described herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the inner wall  126  is formed with a radius of curvature that substantially complements a portion of the radially outer edge  114  of the flywheel  108 . Moreover, the inner wall  126  of the recessed area  110  may be thinner than other portions of the cover  100 . As such, the combination of the shape of the inner wall  126  and the reduced thickness of inner wall  126  facilitates reducing an amount of clearance or space between the integrated device  82  and the flywheel  108 . Accordingly, and as explained in more detail below, the orientation of the integrated device  82  relative to the flywheel  108  facilitates enhancing and maximizing the magnetic field strength from the magnetic portion  112 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the internal combustion engine assembly shown in  FIG. 2  with the top cover removed. The cover  100  surrounds various components of the internal combustion assembly  80 , including the flywheel  108 . The integrated device  82  is shown attached to an outer surface  102  of the cover  100 . As described above, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the cover  100  is fabricated from a magnetically non-permeable material, such as plastic. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective schematic view of a portion the internal combustion engine assembly  80  with the integrated device  82  installed in an alternative location. In alternative embodiments, the cover  100  may be made from a metallic material or other magnetically permeable material. In such embodiments, the integrated device may be mounted to an inner surface  104  of the cover  100  to avoid magnetic interference, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The integrated device  82  is removably coupled to the inner surface  104  using mechanical hardware, including for example, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners such as screws, snaps, anchor bolts, studs, or threaded fasteners, or hook and loop material. Alternatively, any other coupling means may be used, including removable adhesives or epoxy that enables the integrated device  82  to be removably coupled. In other alternative embodiments, the integrated device  82  may be permanently mounted to the cover  100 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the integrated device  82  includes a housing  128  that is shaped and sized to be removably coupled to the cover. The integrated device  82  includes a printed circuit board  140  with a power generation portion  130 , a power conditioner  132 , a microcontroller  136  and a wireless communication module  134 , such as a Bluetooth module, contained within the housing  128 . The microcontroller and the wireless communications module  134  may be combined into one chip, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The combined chip is referred to as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and is known in the field. In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless communications module  134  of the integrated device  82  is capable of communication to a remote device (not shown), such as, and for example a phone, a laptop, a smart watch, a server system or a web server. 
     Moreover, the wireless communication module  134 , may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile phone network (e.g., Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, NB-IoT, LTE Cat-M1, or EC-GSM) or other mobile data network (e.g., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)). Alternatively, the wireless communication module  134 , may transmit the data using any wireless communication protocol that enables device  82  to function as described herein, including, but not limited to, long term evolution (LTE), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, Zigbee, and/or 60 Ghz, for example. In other alternative embodiments, the wireless communication module  134 , may transmit the data using other wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to, radio, infrared, ultrasonic, and/or near-field communication (NFC). In further embodiments, alternatively, or in addition, to enable a user to receive data, integrated device  82  may be communicatively coupled to a hardware data link connection, such as a LAN connection, a CAN connection, an AUX connection, and/or a USB connection. 
     Power generation portion  130  harvests energy from the magnetic portion  112  of the flywheel  108  during engine operations. More specifically, as flywheel  108  and magnetic portion  112  are rotated during engine operation, a time variable magnetic field is present around the circumference of flywheel  108 . Moreover, rotation of flywheel  108  causes magnetic portion  112  to rotate past the power generation portion  130 , and the changing magnetic field induces a voltage in the power generation portion  130 . More specifically, the relative location between power generation portion  130  and flywheel  108  facilitates integrated device  82  being subjected to the maximum available transient change in magnetic field for lawnmower  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 . 
     The voltage induced in power generation portion  130  powers other electronics coupled to a printed circuit board  140  of the integrated device  82  without the use of a supplemental battery. Because of the flywheel  108  construction, power is generated in bursts when the magnetic portion  112  passes the integrated device  82 . Power conditioner  132  facilitates rectifying the harvested energy and maintaining a usable voltage. The power conditioner  132  may be comprised of a capacitor, a rectifier, and a voltage regulator. Because the integrated device  82  is only powered when engine  20  is operating, no additional sensors are coupled to lawnmower  10  to determine when the engine  20  is operating. The microcontroller  136  is known in the field and may be used measure, store, and/or maintain a log of usage-based data or operating data, including a log of operating hours. Moreover, the microcontroller  136  stores the usage data in non-volatile memory periodically, or when engine  20  is being shut down. The wireless communications module  134  is known, and transmits or broadcasts usage data to a remote device (not shown) In other embodiments, the microcontroller  136  may also, or in the alternative, measure engine speed, interpret sensor data, and/or store operating data. In further embodiments, the microcontroller  136  may also, or in the alternative, measure acceleration, measure angular displacement, and/or measure angular acceleration associated with engine  20 . In alternative embodiments, an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope may also be coupled within the integrated device  82 . 
     During operation, usage-based or operating data is transmitted from lawnmower  10  to a remote device, such as a mobile device, or to a cloud-based storage system. The combination of the construction of the cover  100  and the relative proximity of components on lawnmower  10 , enables the integrated device  82  to operate, be energized, and gather usage data without a supplemental battery being coupled to the integrated device  82 . Moreover, because the integrated device  82  only operates when the engine  20  is operating, no additional sensors, including accelerometers, are required to determine operation of the engine  20 . 
     It should be noted that although the integrated device  82  described herein as being coupled adjacent to flywheel  108 , alternatively, integrated device  82  may be coupled adjacent to any rotating component that includes an attached magnet and/or a rotating magnetic field. The rotating component may be part of a powered device, such as a motor shaft, or part of a non-powered, passively rotating device, such as a shaft, spindle, or wheel. For example, in alternative embodiments, integrated device  82  may be coupled adjacent to an induction motor, a rotating shaft, and/or a magnetic sphere. Moreover, in other alternative embodiments, integrated device  82  may be coupled in a position to receive a magnetic field generated from a non-permanent magnet source, such as for example, an electromagnet, and/or an electromagnetic field source such as a coil winding, an armature, or a stator winding that is part of the engine  20 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the integrated device  82  includes a printed circuit board  140 . A power generation portion  130  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), is integrated with the printed circuit board  140  which includes a plurality of electronic components, such as, for example, the power conditioner  132 , the microcontroller  136 , and the wireless communications module  134 , also shown in  FIG. 6 . More specifically, because of the orientation of the printed circuit board  140 , only the power generation portion  130  is adjacent to the flywheel  108 . The power conditioner  132 , the microcontroller  136  and the wireless communications module  134  are a distance above or below flywheel  108 . It may be desirable to place the electronic components above the flywheel for less exposure to heat from the engine, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Additionally, the electronic components may be placed on the opposite side of the printed circuit board  140  away from the flywheel  108 . 
     Power generation portion  130  may have any shape and includes a trace winding pattern  138  which enables it to harvest energy to power other components on the integrated device  82  to function as described herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, power generation portion  130  is defined by multiple electrically conductive layers  144  that are substantially planar. Embedding the trace winding pattern  138  to mimic a wound wire coil is known in the industry. The trace winding pattern  138  shown in  FIG. 6  may vary; however, the wound trace of the trace winding pattern  138  may be 0.15 mm wide and include a gap of 0.15 mm between each trace. The trace winding pattern  138  in each of the multiple electrically conductive layers  144  are connected. The layers/trace are connected to each other by a feature called a “via” (not shown) which is a drilled hole that is copper plated and connects to the trace winding pattern  138  of each of the multiple electrically conductive layers  144 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the integrated device shown in  FIG. 6  with a pole piece  142  installed. Power generation portion  130  may include the pole piece  142 , shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10  to direct and concentrate the magnetic field passing through the power generation portion  130 . For example, if the power generation portion  130  cannot harvest enough energy from the passing magnetic field, the pole piece is installed to act as a magnetic flux concentrator to gather more energy. The pole piece  142  is shown installed in the vertical position in  FIG. 7 ; however, it may also be installed in the horizontal position. The integrated device  82  is mounted such that the primary flat plane of the pole piece  142  is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the flywheel  108 . Additionally, the pole piece  142  may be installed into an opening in the printed circuit board, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The opening  146  may include a bushing (not shown) to secure a tighter fit and protect the printed circuit board  140 . The pole piece  142  is manufactured using a soft magnetic material such as iron or soft magnetic powdered metal in order to maximize the magnetic performance. 
       FIG. 8  is partial cutaway view of the power generation portion  130  of the integrated device  82  showing copper embedded multiple electrically conductive layers  144 . The multiple copper layers may be embedded with printed circuit board  140  while maintaining the overall width of the printed circuit board, shown in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 . The printed circuit board  140  includes multiple electrically conductive layers  144 , such as six total layers as shown in  FIG. 8 . The thickness of the copper layers may be thicker on the outside layers, such as 0.070 mm. The inside copper layers may be thinner, such as 0.035 mm thick. The differing thickness between the outside copper layers and inside cooper layers and orientation is shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the copper layers may all be the same thickness. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, power generation portion  130  is part of the printed circuit board  140  of the integrated device  82 . In alternative embodiments, due to space constraints for example, power generation portion  130  may have any other shape, such as square or rectangular, that enables the integrated device  82  to function as described herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the power generation portion  130  is defined by multiple electrically conductive layers  144 , such as six that are substantially planar. In alternative embodiments, power generation portion  130  may include multiple electrically conductive layers  144  that have a non-planar profile. For example, power generation portion  130  may be formed with an arcuate profile that is curved to substantially match a curvature of an outer surface of flywheel  108 . 
     Alternatively, the multiple electrically conductive layers  144  may be stacked to create a portion of the printed circuit  140  that is thicker as shown in  FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 . Furthermore, although each trace winding pattern  138  is illustrated as being generally square, the trace patterns may be formed in any other shape that enables the integrated device  82  to function as described herein. 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternative integrated device that may be used with the lawnmower shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 9  depicts the integrated device  82  with a less compact design where the power generation portion  130  is not overlapping with the electronic components, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the power generation portion  130  of the integrated device shown  82  in  FIG. 9  with a pole piece installed. The power generation portion  130  of the printed circuit board  140  includes multiple electrically conductive layers  144  which are stacked. The pole piece  142  is shown in the horizontal position in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the integrated device  82  that may be used with lawnmower  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiments of  FIG. 11 , the integrated device  82  is coupled to engine  20  to monitor operating data or usage data of engine  20  as described herein. In each embodiment, the orientation of the integrated device relative to flywheel  108  facilitates enhancing and maximizing the magnetic field strength from the magnetic portion  112 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an ignition coil assembly  250  that may be used with internal combustion engine assembly  80  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Within ignition coil assembly  250 , the power generation portion  130  of the integrated device  82  is coupled to an ignition coil  276 . More specifically, ignition coil assembly  250 , includes a pair of stator legs  266  and  268  that extend outward from a main body portion  270 . A primary magnetic circuit leg member  274  also extends outward from stator main body portion  270  such that the primary magnetic circuit leg member  274  is substantially centered between stator legs  266  and  268 . The ignition coil  276  is wound about magnetic circuit leg member  274 . 
     The ignition coil assembly  250  includes the power generation portion  130  of the integrated device  82  coupled to the ignition coil  276 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Moreover, the remainder of the printed circuit board  140  of the integrated device  82  may extend above or below the power generation portion  130 . In alternative embodiments, the ignition coil assembly  250  may have any other configuration or shape that enables it to function as described herein. 
     In another embodiment, the integrated device  82  may be coupled to a supplemental stator bar  304  of an alternative ignition coil assembly  252  as shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the alternative integrated ignition coil assembly  252  that may be used with the internal combustion engine assembly  80 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , a power generation portion  130  of the integrated device  82  is coupled to the supplemental stator bar  304  that extends outward from one of stator legs  266  or  268 , rather than the power generation portion  130  being coupled to the ignition coil  276 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In each embodiment, the power generation portion  130 , harvests energy only during engine operations. The voltage induced in the power generation portion  130  powers the wireless communications module  134  and other electronics coupled to the integrated device  82  thereto without the use of a supplemental battery. 
     The above-described lawnmower uses an internal combustion engine coupled to an integrated device that is cost-effective to manufacture and assemble, and that facilitates reducing the number of components, and the complexity of components necessary to monitor usage data associated with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, the integrated device described herein does not receive power primarily from a battery. Furthermore, the integrated device described herein could be flexible and adaptable for use with power tools and power equipment other than lawnmowers that includes an internal combustion engine. 
     Exemplary embodiments of power tools and more specifically, mower architecture are described above in detail. Although the mower architecture are herein described and illustrated in association with a walk-behind lawnmower, the invention is also intended for use on commercial walk-behind mowers, power tools and power equipment that include an internal combustion engine. Moreover, it should also be noted that the components of the invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, aspects of each component may be utilized independently and separately from other components and methods of assembly described herein. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.