Patent Publication Number: US-2021188383-A1

Title: Snowmobile control system

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a snowmobile, and more particularly to a control system for a snowmobile. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. 
     A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle designed for winter travel and recreation, for example. A snowmobile may be operated on snow and ice, and does not require a road or trail. While current snowmobiles are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. For example, while some snowmobiles include hand and thumb warmers, the operator&#39;s ability to customize the amount of heat generated by the warmers is extremely limited. Furthermore, while some snowmobiles include display screens to convey information to the operator, existing screens are prone to false touches due to buildup of contaminants on the screen, such as snow and other debris. Existing displays are also subject to lengthy boot-up processes, which are an inconvenience for the operator. The present disclosure is directed to an improved snowmobile including the features and advantages described herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     The present disclosure includes a snowmobile including a first warmer configured to generate heat in response to electrical current driven therethrough, and a second warmer configured to generate heat in response to electrical current driven therethrough. A control module is configured to accept a first temperature input from an operator of the snowmobile indicating a desired first temperature of the first warmer, and direct sufficient electrical current to the first warmer to generate heat equal to the first temperature input. The control module is further configured to accept a second temperature input from the operator of the snowmobile indicating a desired second temperature of the second warmer, and direct sufficient electrical current to the second warmer to generate heat equal to the second temperature input. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a snowmobile having an engine, a display assembly including a display, a GPS receiver, a control module, and a power supply. The control module is configured to run an operating system of the display assembly, receive GPS signals from the GPS receiver, and identify a current location of the snowmobile based on the received GPS signals. The display assembly, the GPS receiver, and the control module are powered by the engine when the engine is on. Subsequent to shutdown of the engine the power supply powers the display assembly, the GPS receiver, and the control module for a period of time to keep the operating system running and keep the GPS receiver locked onto GPS signals without illuminating the display. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a control assembly mounted at handlebars of the snowmobile. A control module is included with the control assembly. The control module is configured to control headlights, accent lights, hand warmers, and a thumb warmer. A plurality of buttons are included with the control assembly. The plurality of buttons include a handlebar warmer control button, a high beam control button, a multimedia control button, and a menu control button. A first light emitting element is configured to illuminate to indicate whether the hand warmers and the thumb warmer are set at low, medium, or high heat intensity. A second light emitting element is configured to illuminate to indicate whether the high beams are active. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a display assembly for a snowmobile, the display assembly comprising a display surface bordered by a top bezel, a left bezel, a right bezel, and a bottom bezel having a height that is lower than each one of the top bezel, the left bezel, and the right bezel to facilitate removal of snow and other contaminants from the display surface. A bottom portion of the display surface is at the bottom bezel, and a main portion of the display surface is above the bottom portion. The display surface is configured to accept touch inputs. The bottom portion is less sensitive to touch inputs than the main portion. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a snowmobile including a headlight, an accent light, a display assembly, and a power source configured to power both the display assembly and the accent light when an engine of the snowmobile is off. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of select embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary snowmobile in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view of a center console of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates hand and thumb warmers on handlebars of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 8A  is a plan view of a left hand control panel mounted to the left handle bar of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates power to the left hand control panel and various other features of, and related to, the left hand control panel; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a display assembly of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 10A  is an exemplary display screen of the display assembly; 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates another exemplary display screen of the display assembly for hand and thumb warmer control. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an undersurface of a hood assembly of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view illustrating main headlights and accent lights of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram of a power system of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram of power inputs to the main headlights and the accent lights; 
         FIG. 15A  is a diagram of various power mode states of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 15B  is a continuation of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a first power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 16B  is a second power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 16C  is a third power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 16D  is a fourth power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 16E  is a fifth power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram of current flow to hand and thumb warmers of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 18A  is a resistive control flowchart for the hand and thumb warmers; and 
         FIG. 18B  is a continuation of  FIG. 18A . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , an exemplary vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. Although the vehicle is illustrated as a snowmobile  10 , numerous aspects of the present disclosure may be included with any other suitable vehicle as well. The snowmobile  10  may be any suitable type of snowmobile, such as any suitable trail snowmobile, sport trail snowmobile, touring snowmobile, performance snowmobile, utility snowmobile (such as any snowmobile suitable for search and/or rescue, law enforcement, military operations, etc.), crossover snowmobile, mountain snowmobile, youth snowmobile, etc. 
     The snowmobile  10  generally includes a front end  12  and a rear end  14 . At the front end  12  is a front suspension  16 . At the rear end  14  is a rear suspension  18 . The front suspension  16  and the rear suspension  18  support a chassis  20 . 
     The front suspension  16  includes shock absorbers  22 , each one of which is connected to a ski  24 . The shock absorbers  22  may be any dampening devices suitable for absorbing shock resulting from the skis  24  passing over uneven terrain. The skis  24  are steered in part by a suitable steering device, such as handlebars  26 . 
     Coupled to the rear suspension  18  is a belt or track  30 , which is an endless or continuous belt or track  30 . Rotation of the track  30  propels the snowmobile  10 . The track  30  is circulated through a tunnel  32  defined at least in part by the chassis  20 . The tunnel  32  is tapered at the rear end  14 . Mounted at the rear end  14  is a flap  34 , which blocks snow and other debris from being “kicked-up” by the track  30 . 
     Mounted to the chassis  20  and atop the tunnel  32  is a seat  40  for the operator of the snowmobile  10 . On both sides of the chassis  20  or tunnel  32  are footrests  42 , upon which the operator may rest his or her feet when seated on the seat  40 . The seat  40  is positioned to allow the driver to grasp the handlebars  26  for steering the snowmobile  10 . The handlebars  26  are mounted to a steering rod  28 , which protrudes out from within the center console  44 . At the center console  44  is a fuel cap  46  of a fuel tank  48 . Any suitable accessory  36  (see  FIG. 6 ) may be mounted to the chassis  20  behind the seat  40 . 
     At the front end  12  of the snowmobile  10  is a hood assembly  50 , which is mounted on top of a nose pan  68 . Mounted to the hood assembly  50  and protruding from a forwardmost end thereof is a front bumper  52 . The hood assembly  50  houses headlights  54 . An optional windshield  56  is connected to an uppermost portion of the hood assembly  50 . Associated with the hood assembly  50  is a display  58  viewable by the operator when seated on the seat  40 . Mounted to opposite sides of the hood assembly are body panels  60 , which are advantageously interchangeable. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 6 , the snowmobile  10  further includes an engine assembly  70 . The engine assembly  70  generates power for driving the track  30 . The engine assembly  70  may include any suitable engine, such as a two-stroke engine, a four-stroke engine (with or without a turbocharger), an 850 cc engine, etc. Coupled to the engine assembly  70  is any suitable exhaust assembly  72 . Oil for the engine assembly  70  is stored in an oil tank assembly  74 , which may be arranged proximate to the seat  40 . 
     The snowmobile  10  further includes one or more control modules  64 . For example, a control module  64 A (see  FIG. 8A ) may be included within a display assembly of the display  58 , and a control module  64 B (see  FIG. 9 ) may be included in a control assembly  66  mounted to the handlebars  26 . The term “control module” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “control module” may refer to, be part of, or include processor hardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code and memory hardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor hardware. The code is configured to provide the features of the control module described herein. The term memory hardware is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave). The term computer-readable medium is therefore considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory devices (such as a flash memory device, an erasable programmable read-only memory device, or a mask read-only memory device), volatile memory devices (such as a static random access memory device or a dynamic random access memory device), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc). 
       FIG. 7A  is a cockpit view generally taken from the viewpoint of the operator looking towards the display  58  and the skis  24 . When seated on the seat  40 , the operator will generally have his or her feet on the footrest  42 . In some instances, the operator may operate the snowmobile  10  in a standing position. Shin rests  62  (see  FIGS. 7A and 7B , for example) are on opposite sides of the center console  44 , and provide convenient surfaces for the operator to rest his/her shins when operating the snowmobile  10  in a standing, or partially standing, position. Regardless of the operator&#39;s position, he or she has easy access to the handlebars  26  and a control assembly mounted thereto, such as left hand control assembly  66  mounted to a left one of the handlebars  26 . 
       FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B  illustrate an exemplary left hand control assembly  66  in accordance with the present disclosure. Although the left hand control assembly  66  is illustrated and described as mounted to the left handle bar  26 , the left hand control assembly  66  may be configured to be mounted to, and mounted to, the right handle bar  26 . The left hand control assembly  66  includes a plurality of buttons and/or switches for controlling various functions of the snowmobile  10 . Any suitable number and configuration of buttons and/or switches may be included. The control assembly  66  is sealed to prevent outside contaminates from damaging the control assembly  66  and the contents thereof. The buttons may be covered with any watertight material, such as silicon, a suitable polymeric or rubber material, or any other suitable covering to enhance ease of actuation by the user. Exemplary buttons for controlling exemplary operations of the snowmobile  10  include, but are not limited to, the following: handle bar warmers  410 A; high beams  410 B; infotainment control  410 C; return  410 D; and forward  410 E. For snowmobiles including electric start functionality, an electric start button may also be included. A button for controlling electric shocks may also be included. 
     One or more of the buttons may include status indicators, such as LED indicators or any other suitable indicators. For example and with respect to the handle bar warmer button  410 A, three LED lights  412  may be included. The LED lights  412  may indicate whether the handle bar warmers are at a low, medium or high heat setting. Another LED light  412  may be included at the headlight button  410 , such as to indicate whether the headlights are on or off. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the left hand control assembly  66  may include the control module  64 A, which functions as a vehicle control unit and controls various features of the snowmobile  10 . The control module  64 A may alternatively be arranged at any other suitable location about the snowmobile  10 . Operation of the control module  64 A to control various features of the snowmobile  10  is described herein, such as with respect to control of the handle bar warmers. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 7B , the handle bars  26  may include any suitable hand warmers, such as a left hand warmer  434 A for the left handle bar  26 , a right hand warmer  434 B for the right handle bar  26 , and a thumb warmer  436  for the operator&#39;s right thumb. Any suitable handle bar warmers may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/156,548 titled “Temperature Sensing and Control System and Method,” which was filed on Oct. 10, 2018 and is assigned to Polaris Industries Inc. of Medina, Minn. The entire disclosure of application Ser. No. 16/156,548 is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In addition to, or in place of, the warmers  434 A,  434 B, and  436 , any other suitable warmers may be included. For example, the following warmers may also be included: brake handle warmer; storage compartment warmer; goggles warmer; garment warmer; windshield warmer; helmet shield warmer; seat warmer; etc. The description of the operation of the warmers  434 A,  434 B,  436  set forth herein also applies to the additional warmers listed in the preceding sentence, as well as to any other suitable warmers. 
     The display  58  may be any suitable touch screen having any suitable size, such as  7 ″ diagonally. With reference to  FIG. 9 , the display  58  includes the control module  64 B, which controls various functions of the display  58  and the display assembly associated therewith. For example, the control module  64 B may operate an operating system of the display  58 , may identify location of the snowmobile based on inputs from GPS receiver  440  (see  FIG. 11 ), and may control any other suitable functions and features as well. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , surrounding the display  58  is an upper bezel  420 A, a left hand bezel  420 B, a right hand bezel  420 C, and a lower bezel  420 D. Each one of the upper bezel  420 A, the left hand bezel  420 B, and the right-hand bezel  420 C have a similar, or the same, height. Thus, the display  58  is recessed beneath each one of the upper bezel  420 A, the left hand bezel  420 B and the right hand bezel  420 C at a common distance. 
     The lower bezel  420 D is not as tall as (or is more shallow than) each one of the upper bezel  420 A, the left hand bezel  420 B, and the right hand bezel  420 C. In some applications, the lower bezel  420 D may not be present at all. To the left and right of the lower bezel  420 D are corner bezels  420 E. The corner bezels  420 E are angled inward toward the lower bezel  420 D. Specifically, the left corner bezel  420 E extends from the left hand bezel  420 B to the lower bezel  420 D. The right corner bezel  420 E extends from right hand bezel  420 C to the lower bezel  420 D. The corner bezels  420 E may have the same height as the lower bezel  420 D, or may have the same height as the left and right hand bezels  420 B,  420 C. Alternatively, the corner bezels  420 E may gradually decrease in height from the left and right hand bezels  420 B,  420 C to the lower bezel  420 D. 
     The relatively lower or shallow height of the lower bezel  420 D (and optionally the corner bezels  420 E) reduces the buildup of, and facilitates removal of, snow and other contaminates at the lower portion of the display  58 . For example, current snowmobile displays are surrounded by a bezel that is uniform in height around the display. As a result, snow and other contaminates often build up on the lower bezel, and the height of existing bezels at the bottom portion thereof makes it difficult to wipe away or otherwise remove the snow and contaminates. Advantageously, the lower bezel  420 D of the present disclosure is relatively short and shallow (or not present at all) thereby making it easier to wipe snow and other contaminates off of the display  58 . 
     The display  58  includes a lower portion  58 ′, which is adjacent to the lower bezel  420 D. The lower portion  58 ′ is the bottom fifth of the display  58  and extends about 0.25″-0.50″ from the lower bezel  420 D. Although the relatively shallow lower bezel  420 D helps to prevent or lessen buildup of snow and other contaminates at the lower portion  58 ′ of the display  58 , some buildup may occur. Buildup of snow and contaminates at the lower portion  58 ′ may result in the display  58  sensing false touch inputs. To lessen or eliminate the occurrence of false inputs caused by snow, contaminates, or other foreign objects at the lower portion  58 ′, the lower portion  58 ′ is configured with a sensitivity level that is reduced as compared to the rest of the display  58 . The lower portion  58 ′ may always be provided with reduced sensitivity or the user may select a reduced sensitivity mode for the lower portion  58 ′ as conditions warrant. 
     On opposite sides of the display  58  is a control panel  150 , which includes any suitable physical controls  152  for entering commands into the display  58 . For example, the controls  152  may be any suitable buttons, knobs, switches, joysticks, etc. The controls  152  may include a pair of up and down switches on the right hand side thereof. The display  58  may be configured such that simultaneous actuation of the up and down switches, for example, places the display  58  in a “lock mode,” whereby touch inputs are not accepted, and thus the physical controls  152  must be used to enter inputs. This mode provides numerous advantages, particularly under conditions resulting in the buildup of snow or other contaminates on the display  58 , which may cause false inputs. 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates an exemplary display screen  430  of the display  58 . In the example of  FIG. 10A , various features of the snowmobile  10  may be controlled by way of touch inputs, such as the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B may be set to a temperature that is different from the temperature of the thumb warmer  436 . Furthermore, each one of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  may be independently activated or deactivated. In some applications, individual drivers for each of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  may be included to permit the temperature of the left hand warmer  434 A to be set at a different temperature as compared to the right hand warmer  434 B. 
     Pressing the “settings” button in the heated grips section of display screen  430 A results in the display  58  displaying settings page  432  illustrated in  FIG. 10B . At the settings page  432 , the ideal temperature for the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  can be customized. For example, the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B may be set such that at the lower setting the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B are warmed to 25° F., warmed to 35° F. at the medium setting, and warmed to 50° F. at the high setting. The temperature of the thumb warmer  436  may be set differently. For example, the thumb warmer may be set such that at the lower setting, the thumb warmer  436  is heated to 30° F., is heated to 40° F. at the medium setting, and is heated to 55° F. at the high setting. Hand warmer drivers and control of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  to generate the temperature requested by the user is described herein and illustrated in  FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the undersurface of the hood assembly and the rear of the display  58 . Extending from the rear of the display  58  is a wire harness  144 . The wire harness  144  connects the display  58  and the control module  64 B thereof to various other components of the hood  50 , such as, but not limited, to the following: an antenna  168 ; a GPS receiver  440 ; a USB port  156 ; headlights  54  by way of headlight connector  144 A; and to the left hand control assembly  66  by way of connector  144 B. The left and right hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  may be connected directly to the left hand control assembly  66  or indirectly by way of the display  58 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the headlights  54  include main headlights  54 A and accent lights  54 B. The main headlights  54 A provide the majority of the forward illumination used to operate the snowmobile  10  at night or in low light conditions, and may also be activated during the day to make the snowmobile  10  more visible to others. The accent lights  54 B are relatively low power lights that generate less lumens as compared to the main headlights  54 A. The accent lights  54 B may be configured to always be illuminated when the snowmobile  10  is being used, as well as for a predetermined period thereafter, as described further herein. The accent lights  54 B improve the visibility of the snowmobile  10 , and enhance the aesthetics of the snowmobile as well. Operation of the headlights  54 A and  54 B will be described further herein. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary power system  450  of the snowmobile  10 . The power system  450  includes any suitable power source  452 . The power source  452  may be any suitable battery, such as any suitable lithium ion battery, or any suitable capacitor, such as a  7 F capacitor. The power source  452  is connected to the display  58  at PIN  3  (switched power) and PIN  4  (constant battery power). Between the power source  452  and the display  58  is any suitable switch  454  such as a keyswitch. The power source  452  is further connected to the main headlights  54 A and the accent lights  54 B. 
     The power system  452  further includes a relay switch  456 . At an engine speed greater than 1,000 RPM, the relay switch  456  closes in order to power the main headlights  54 A and accent lights  54 B by chassis power. The power system  450  further powers fuel and oil pumps  458  and may include an optional regulator  460 . Any suitable regulator may be used, such as a PBR (power boost regulator). The power system  450  is described in greater specificity herein. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates power supply to the main headlights  54 A (including high beams  470 A and low beams  470 B) and the accent lights  54 B. The high beams  470 A and the low beams  470 B are connected to ground at PIN  1   480 . Main headlight power for the low beams  470 B is provided by way of PIN  2  at  482 . When powered, PIN  2  powers both the low beams  470 B and the accent light  54 B. The accent light  54 B is powered at full power, such as at about 330-360 milliamps. Power for the high beams  470 A is provided by way of PIN  3  at  484  (100 mA switch to power from left hand control  66 ). Switch  472  is arranged between PIN  3  and the high beams  470 A. Power to the accent lights  54 B may be provided by way of PIN  4  at  486 , which powers the accent lights  54 B by way of the display  58  when the engine is off at a relatively low intensity, such as at about 250 milliamps, as compared to when powered by way of PIN  2 . Power can be directed to the high beams  470 A, the low beams  470 B, and the accent light  54 B in any other suitable manner as well, such as by way of any suitable relay. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate exemplary power mode states of the snowmobile  10 , and particularly the left hand control assembly  66  thereof, at reference numeral  510 . The power mode states include the following: Mode  0  (no power state); Mode  1  (on state); Mode  2  (engine off, full power state); Mode  3  (engine off, low power state); and Mode  4  (on state, no chassis power). 
     In the no power state of Mode  0 , the snowmobile  10  is completely shutdown, there is no critical power, no chassis power, and the left hand control assembly  66  has no functionality. 
     In the on state of Mode  1 , the engine  70  is on and there is critical power (such as at about 14V for example) and chassis power (such as at about 14.4V, for example), but no switched power. In Mode  1 , expected functionality includes: CAN communication; headlight control; reverse drive of the snowmobile  10 ; and control of the heaters, such as the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and thumb warmer  436  or any other suitable heaters. No push-to-start functionality is available as there is no battery in the system. 
     In Mode  2  (engine off, full power state), battery power is available if the snowmobile  10  includes a battery. No critical power or chassis power is available in Mode  2 , and thus Mode  2  is only available when the snowmobile  10  includes a battery. Expected functionality in Mode  2  includes CAN communication and push-to-start if the snowmobile  10  is outfitted with such functionality. The following functionality is not available in Mode  2 : headlight control, reverse, and control of heaters, such as hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and thumb warmer  436 . Mode  2  permits communication with the instrumentation. 
     In Mode  3  (engine off, low power state), battery power is available if the snowmobile  10  includes a battery. No critical power or chassis power is available in Mode  3 , and thus Mode  3  is only available when the snowmobile  10  includes a battery. The left hand control assembly  66  will wake-up to Mode  2  in response to a button push, receipt of a CAN bus signal, or critical power. The following functionality is not available: CAN communication, headlight control, reverse operation, push-to-start (when the snowmobile is outfitted with such functionality), control of heaters, such as hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and thumb warmer  436 . Mode  3  reduces current draw on the battery when the user forgets to turn the key off. Also, Mode  3  is used to wake up from the lower power state. 
     In Mode  4  (engine on, no chassis power), battery power is available and critical power is available, such as at about 14V for example. Expected functionality includes: CAN communication, headlight control, and reverse operation. Push-to-start is not available (if included with the snowmobile  10 ), and there is no control of heaters. Thus in Mode  4  the engine is running, but chassis power is either disabled or not yet turned on by a power boosting regulator (PBR). 
     The snowmobile  10  is placed in the different power mode states, and the control logic of  FIGS. 15A and 15B  is executed by, the control module  64 A of the left hand control  66 . At block  512 , the power mode state of the snowmobile  10  is mode  0 , which is a no power state. From block  512 , the control logic proceeds to block  514 . At block  514 , the control module  64 A checks to determine whether the ignition switch of the snowmobile  10  has been activated and whether a battery (such as the power source  452 ) is present. If the ignition switch has not been activated and/or no battery is present, the control logic proceeds to block  516 . At block  516  the control module  64 A determines whether there is critical power and whether the engine is on. If the engine is off and/or critical power is not present, the control logic returns to block  512  and the snowmobile remains in the no power state of mode  0 . 
     If at block  514  the control module  64 A determines that the ignition switch is on and a battery is present, the control logic proceeds to block  520 . Also, if at block  516  the control module  64 A determines that critical power is present and the engine is on, the control logic proceeds to block  520 . At block  520 , the snowmobile  10  is in mode  1 , which is the on state. 
     From the mode  1  (on state) of block  520 , the control logic proceeds to block  522 . At block  522 , the control module  64 A determines whether critical power is present. If critical power is present, the control logic proceeds to block  524 . At block  24 , the control module  64 A determines whether chassis power  524  is present. If chassis power is present, the control module  64 A returns block  520 , which is the full power on state of mode  1 . If at block  524  the control module  64 A determines that there is no chassis power, the control logic proceeds to block  526 , where the control module  64 A operates the snowmobile  10  in mode  4 , which is an on state without chassis power. From block  526 , the control logic returns to block  522 . 
     If at block  522  the control module  64 A determines that critical power is not present, the control logic proceeds to block  528 . At block  528 , the control module  64 A checks for switch battery power. If no battery power is detected at block  528 , the control logic proceeds to block  512  where the control module  64 A places the snowmobile  10  in power mode state  0 , which is the no power state. If at block  528  the control module  64 A detects battery power, the control logic proceeds to block  530 . At block  530 , the control module  64 A places the snowmobile  10  in power mode  2 , which is an engine off, full power state. 
     From block  530 , the control logic proceeds to block  532 . At block  532 , the control module  64 A checks for battery power. If no battery power is detected, the control logic to block  512 , which is the no power state of mode  0 . If at block  532  battery power is detected, the control logic proceeds to block  534 . At block  534 , the control module  64 A checks for critical power. If critical power is present, the control logic returns to the on state of power mode state  1 . 
     If at block  534  critical power is not detected, the control logic proceeds to block  536  of  FIG. 15B . At block  536 , the control module  64 A checks for button pushes by the operator, such as actuation of the buttons on the left hand control  66 , touch inputs to the display  58 , or actuation of the physical controls  152  adjacent to the display  58 . If button pushes are detected, the control logic returns block  530  and the control module  64 A keeps the snowmobile  10  in the engine off, full power state. If at block  536  no button pushes are detected, the control logic proceeds to block  538 . At block  538  the control module  64 A checks for a CAN message from an IC. If a CAN message is detected, the control logic returns to block  530  where the engine off, full power state is maintained. If at block  538  no CAN messages are detected, the control logic proceeds to block  540 . 
     At block  540 , the control module  64 A determines whether a state change timer of the control module  64 A has elapsed. If the state change timer has not yet elapsed, the control logic returns to block  530  where the snowmobile is maintained in the engine off, full power state. If the state change timer has elapsed, the control logic proceeds to block  542 . 
     At block  542 , the control module  64 A places the snowmobile  10  in mode  3 , which is an engine off, full power state. From block  542  the control logic proceeds to block  544 , where the control module  64 A checks for switch battery power. If no such battery power is detected, the control logic returns to block  512  where the control module  64 A places the snowmobile  10  in the no power state. If at block  544  battery power is detected, the control logic proceeds to block  546 . At block  546 , the control module  64 A determines whether critical power is present. If critical power is present, the control logic returns to block  530  and the control module  64 A places the snowmobile  10  in the engine off, full power state. If at block  546 , the control module  64 A determines that critical power is not present, the control logic proceeds to block  548  where the control module checks for button pushes, such as actuation of the buttons on the left hand control assembly  66 , touch inputs to the display  58 , or actuation of the physical controls  152  adjacent to the display  58 . If one or more button pushes are detected, the control logic returns to block  530  where the control module  64 A places the snowmobile in the engine off, full power state. If at block  548  no button pushes are detected, the control logic proceeds to block  550 . At block  550 , the control module  64 A checks for CAN messages from the IC. If no CAN messages are detected, the control module  64 A maintains the snowmobile  10  in the engine off, low power state of mode  3 . If at block  550  a CAN message is detected, the control logic returns to block  530  where the control module  64 A maintains the snowmobile  10  in the engine off, full power state of mode  2 . 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates an exemplary full power state flow diagram  610  for the display  58 , the logic of which is carried out by the control module  64 A, for example. At block  620 , the display  58  is in the quiescent current state. The quiescent current state is the lowest power state in which everything is off except GPS. Thus the screen is off, the backlight is off, processors are booted down, GPS is off, and the accent lights  54 B are off. 
     At block  622 , the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  4  is powered. If PIN  4  is not powered, the control module  64 A proceeds to the power off state in block  624 . If PIN  4  is powered, the control module  64 A proceeds from block  622  to block  626 . At block  626 , the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  3  is powered. If PIN  3  is not powered, the control logic returns to block  620  where the control module  64 A returns the display  58  to the quiescent current state  620 . If at block  626 , PIN  3  is powered, the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  3  has a rising edge. If a PIN  3  rising edge is detected, the control logic proceeds to block  632 , where the control module  64 A places the display  58  in a full power state. In the full power state the display  58  is on, the backlight is on, processors are on, GPS is locked, and the accent light  54 B is on. If at block  628  no PIN  3  rising edge is detected, the control logic proceeds to block  630 . At block  630 , the control module  64 A checks for CAN traffic. If CAN traffic is detected, the control module  64 A proceeds to block  630  and places the display  58   10  in a full power state. If at block  630  no CAN traffic is detected, the control logic returns to block  620  where the control module  64 A maintains the quiescent current state. 
       FIG. 16B  illustrates another power state flow diagram in accordance with the present disclosure at reference numeral  650 . The control logic starts at block  652  with the start of CAN transmission. In response to CAN transmission, the control module  64 A activates the accent lights  54 B, and at block  656  the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the full power state. At block  658 , the control module  64 A checks whether the engine  70  is running. If the engine  70  is running, the control logic proceeds to block  660  where the control module  64 A resets a power timer, and the display  58  remains in the full power state in block  656 . If at block  658  the control module  64 A determines that the engine is not running, the control logic proceeds to block  662 , where the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  4  is powered. If PIN  4  is not powered, at block  664  the control module  64 A starts an increment shutdown timer, and at block  666  the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the idle power state. The increment shutdown timer is designated to keep track of the time the display has been unpowered before imitating a software shutdown at  850  of  FIG. 16E . The idle power state is a standby/idle power state designated for reducing load on the battery while keeping GPS locked and the processor alive. The display screen is off, the backlight is off, processors remain booted, GPS remains locked, the display  58  responds to display and external inputs, and the accent light  54 B is off. 
     If at block  662  PIN  4  is powered, the control logic proceeds to block  668 , where the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  3  is powered. If PIN  3  is not powered, control module  64 A initiates an increment power timer at block  670 . Upon expiration of the increment power timer  670 , the control logic proceeds to block  672 , where in the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the play dead state. The increment power timer is designated to keep track of time the display  58  has been in a certain state of the power management strategy. The play dead state is a standby/idle power state designated for reducing load on the battery while keeping GPS locked and the processor alive. The screen of the display  58  is off, the backlight is off, processors remain booted, GPS is locked, display and external inputs are not responded to, and the accent lights  54 B are off. 
     If at block  668  PIN  3  is powered, the control logic proceeds to block  674  where the control module  64 A resets a shutdown timer. Once the shutdown timer has been reset, the control logic proceeds to block  676  where the control module  64 A checks for inputs to the display  58 , such as touch inputs or actuation of the physical controls  152  adjacent to the display  58 . If display inputs are detected, the control module  64 A resets the power timer at block  660  and the full power state is maintained. If at block  676  no display inputs are detected, the control module  64 A checks for external inputs at block  678 . If external inputs are detected, the control module  64 A resets the power timer at block  660  and the full power state is maintained. If at block  678  no external inputs are detected, the control logic proceeds to block  680 , where the control module  64 A activates the increment power timer. At block  682 , if the power timer is greater than full power time, the logic proceeds to block  684  where the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the idle power state. If the power timer is not greater than the full power time, then the control logic returns to block  656 , where the full power state is maintained. The full power time is a calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display  58  stays in full power mode without display button presses, hand control button presses, and engine not running. The full power time is stored in memory of the control module  64 A or  64 B, has a default of 30 seconds, a range of 6 hours, and a resolution of 5 seconds. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16C , another power state flow diagram is illustrated at reference numeral  710 . In response to a stop CAN transmission at block  712 , the control module  64 A turns off the accent light  54 B at block  714  and places the display  58  in the idle power state at block  716 . From block  716 , the control logic proceeds to block  718 , where the control module  64 A determines whether the engine  70  is running. If the engine  70  is running, the control logic proceeds to block  748 , where the control module  64 A resets the power timer and places the display  58  in the full power state at block  750 . 
     If at block  718  the engine is not running, the control logic proceeds to block  720 , where the control module  64 A determines whether PIN  4  is powered. If PIN  4  is not powered, the control logic proceeds to block  722 , where the control module  64 A activates an increment shutdown timer. At block  724 , the control module  64 A checks whether the shutdown timer is greater than the perc. time. The perc. time is a calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display  58  waits until initiating software shutdown at  850  of  FIG. 16E . The perc. time has a default of 500 ms, a range of 10 seconds, and a resolution of 10 ms. If the shutdown timer is greater, the control logic returns to block  716 , where the display  58  is maintained in the idle power state. If at block  724  the shutdown timer is not greater than the perc. time, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the power off state at block  726 . If at block  720  PIN  4  is powered, the control module  64 A checks whether PIN  3  is powered at block  730 . If PIN  3  is not powered, the control module  64 A activates the increment power timer at block  732 , and then places the display  58  in the play dead state at block  734 . 
     If at block  730  PIN  3  is powered, the control module  64 A resets the shutdown timer at block  740 . From block  740 , the control module  64 A checks for display inputs at block  742 . If display inputs are detected, the control module  64 A resets the power timer at block  748 , and places the display  58  in the full power state at block  750 . If at block  742  no display inputs are detected, the control module  64 A checks for external inputs at block  744 . If external inputs are detected, the control module  64 A resets the power timer at block  748 , and places the display  58  in the full power state at block  750 . If no external inputs are detected, the control module  64 A activates the increment power timer at block  746 . If at block  728  the power timer is greater than the idle power time, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the power off state at block  726 . If the power timer is not greater than the idle power time, then the control logic proceeds to block  716 , and the control module  64 A maintains the display  58  in the idle power state. The idle power time is a calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display  58  stays in idle power mode without a display input, hand control input, and engine not running. The idle power time is stored in memory of the control module  64 A or  64 B, has a default of 120 seconds, has a range of 6 hours, and a resolution of 10 seconds. 
       FIG. 16D  illustrates another exemplary power state flow diagram in accordance with the present disclosure at reference numeral  810 . In response to a stop CAN transmission at block  812 , the control module  64 A powers off the accent lights at block  814  and places the display  58  in the play dead state at block  816 . At block  818 , the control module  64 A checks for power at PIN  4 . If PIN  4  is not powered, the control module  64 A activates the increment shutdown timer at block  820 . At block  822 , the control module  64 A checks whether the shutdown timer is greater than the perc. time. If the shutdown timer is not greater than the perc. time, the control module  64 A maintains the display  58  in the play dead state at block  816 . If the shutdown timer is greater than the perc. time, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the power off state at block  824 . 
     If PIN  4  is powered at block  818 , the control module  64 A checks whether the battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage threshold at block  830 . The battery voltage threshold is a calibratable parameter designated as the threshold where the display  58  decides there is not sufficient charge in the battery and initiates a software shutdown at  850  of  FIG. 16E . The battery voltage threshold has a default of 8V, a range of 0-14V, and a resolution of 0.1V. If the battery voltage is not greater than the predetermined threshold, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the power off state at block  824 . If the battery voltage is greater than the predetermined threshold, the control module  64 A checks whether PIN  3  is powered at block  832 . If PIN  3  is powered, the control module  64 A resets the power time at block  834 , and places the display  58  in the full power state at block  836 . If PIN  3  is not powered, the control module  64 A activates the increment power timer at block  840 , and at block  842  the control module  64 A checks whether the power timer is greater than the play dead time. If the power timer is greater than the play dead time, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the power off state at block  844 . If the power timer is not greater than the play dead time, the control module  64 A maintains the display  58  in the play dead state at block  816 . The play dead time is a calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display  58  stays in play dead mode (key switch off, engine not running). The play dead time is stored in the control module  64 A or  64 B, has a default time of 120 seconds, a range of 6 hours, and a resolution of 10 seconds. 
       FIG. 16E  illustrates another power state flow diagram in accordance with the present disclosure at reference numeral  850  for the software shutdown procedure. At block  852 , the control module  64 A initiates the software shutdown procedure, and places the display  58  in the power off state at block  854 . At block  856 , the control module  64 A checks whether PIN  4  is powered. If PIN  4  is not powered, the control module  64 A maintains the display  58  in the power off state at block  854 . If PIN  4  is powered, the control module  64 A places the display  58  in the quiescent current state. 
     The circuitry of  FIG. 17  may be included with the snowmobile  10  at any suitable location. For example, the circuitry of  FIG. 17  may be included within the left hand control assembly  66  on a printed circuit board thereof. The printed circuit board may also include the control module  64 A and a CAN transceiver.  FIG. 17  illustrates current flow to the right hand warmer  434 B, the left hand warmer  434 A and the thumb warmer  436  of the handle bars  26 . In the example of  FIG. 17 , power is provided by way of chassis power  920 . A current amplifier is included at reference numeral  922  and one or more high side drivers are included at reference numeral  924 . For each warmer (or group of warmers), over which individual temperature control is desired, a separate high side driver  924  is included. For example, to control the temperature of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B together such that the temperature of the left hand warmer  434 A is the same as the right hand warmer  434 B, one high side driver  924  is included for the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B. To control the temperature of the left hand warmer  434 A independent of the right hand warmer  434 B, separate high side drivers  924  for the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B are included. To control the temperature of the thumb warmer  436  independent of the hand warmers  434 A and  434 B, another high side driver  924  is included for the thumb warmer  436 . Any suitable number of additional high side drivers  924  may be included to individually control the temperature of any other warmers, such as, but not limited to, the following warmers: brake handle warmer; storage compartment warmer; goggles warmer; garment warmer; windshield warmer; helmet shield warmer; seat warmer; etc. The high side driver  924  is driven by pulse width modulation (PWM), which advantageously allows for customized temperature settings of the left hand warmer  434 A, the right hand warmer  434 B, and the thumb warmer  436  by the operator as explained above, where the user is able to set preferred temperatures for the low, medium and high temperature settings of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436 . 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate exemplary resistive control diagrams for controlling the left hand warmer  434 A, the right hand warmer  434 B and the thumb warmer  436 . Beginning at block  1012 , temperature of the hand warmers  434 A,  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  is set by the operator, such as by way of the display screen  432  of  FIG. 10B  as described above. The temperature of the left hand warmer  434 A, the right hand warmer  434 B and the thumb warmer  436  is determined at block  1030  based on numerous inputs, such as the following: temperature coefficient of resistance (a)  1014 , reference resistance (Rref)  1016 ; and reference temperature (Tref)  1018 . At block  1030 , the temperature is also determined based on heater resistance including: measured voltage  1020 ; measured current  1022 ; internal resistance  1024 ; and wire resistance  1026 . At block  1032 , heater resistance R=measured voltage (V) of block  1020  divided by measured current (I) of block  1022 . At block  1030 , heater temperature equals (R/Rref−1/α+Tref). Both the set temperature  1012  and the heater temperature calculated at block  1030  are input to block  1048 . 
     At block  1048 , the difference node for command value—measured is determined to arrive at the control error “e”. At block  1050 , peak coefficient “P” is determined as follows kP*e. At block  1052 , an integrator is determined as follows ∫ki*e dt). At block  1054 , the control module  64 A determines whether the integrator is greater than maximum duty. If the integrator is greater than maximum duty, then the control module  64 A sets the integrator to equal maximum duty at block  1060 . From block  1060 , the control logic proceeds to block  1064 , where the duty is determined as the sum of peak coefficient (P) and integrator (I). If at block  1054  the integrator is not greater than maximum duty, the control module  64 A checks whether the integrator is less than 0 at block  1056 . If the integrator is less than 0, then at  1062 , the integrator is set to 0. If the integrator is not less than 0, then the control logic proceeds to block  1064 . From block  1064 , the control logic proceeds to block  1044  of  FIG. 18A . At block  1044 , the control module  64 A determines whether duty is greater than limit duty. 
     Limit duty is determined at blocks  1034 ,  1040 , and  1042 . At block  1034 , the control module  64 A determines whether the measured current  1022  is greater than a predetermined current limit. If the measured current  1022  is not greater than the current limit, then at block  1042  the limit duty is set to equal a predetermined maximum duty. If at block  1034  the measured current  1022  is greater than the current limit, then at block  1040  the control module  64 A sets the limit duty as follows: limit duty equals (current limit*maximum duty)/current. 
     At block  1044 , the control module  64 A determines whether the duty from block  1064  is greater than the limit duty from blocks  1040 ,  1042 . If at block  1044  the duty is greater than the limit duty, at block  1046 , the duty is set to equal the limit duty, and the control logic proceeds to block  1070 , and the duty is output to PWM control, which is input to the high side driver  924  of  FIG. 17  for driving the right hand warmer  434 B, the left hand warmer  434 A and/or the thumb warmer  436 . If at block  1044 , the duty is not greater than the limit duty, at block  1066  the control module  64 A determines whether the duty is less than the minimum duty. If the duty is less than the minimum duty, then at block  1068  the duty is set to equal the minimum duty, which is output to PWM control at block  1070 . If at block  1066  the duty is not less than the minimum duty, then the duty is output to PWM control at block  1070 . 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.