Do you have a device in your home that uses a control loop?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of control loops in devices, exploring various examples of devices that utilize such systems. Participants share personal experiences and interpretations of control loops, touching on both mechanical and biological systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions their thermostat controlling the central heater and air conditioner, as well as the thermostat in the refrigerator and the oven's heating element.
  • Another participant describes their body as a control loop, detailing how various sensors send signals to a neural network that controls muscle movement, highlighting the complexity and potential dysfunction of this system.
  • A participant asks for clarification on the context of the original question, suggesting it may relate to schoolwork.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing perspectives on what constitutes a control loop, with no consensus on a singular definition or examples. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications and contexts of control loops.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the specific context of control loops, and there is a lack of clarity on the definitions and applications being discussed.

jim1174
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What is it controlling and What devices are in the loop
 
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Sure. My thermostat controls the central heater and the central air conditioner. The thermostat in the refrigerator does the same thing for the refrigerator/freezer. The thermostat on the oven controls the oven heating element.

Chet
 
My physical body. Signals from many sensors travel over nerve fibres to a computer based on a neural network in my spine and head. That sends signals back down nerves to control muscles. The sensors monitor the position of my body by touch, by proprioceptors in my joints, by gyro-rate sensors in my ears and with a binocular 3D visual processor. It's not all working so well these days.

When the sensors disagree I feel nauseous due to the seemingly irreconcilable situation. This is good since my different sensors are effected differently by the possible toxins in my diet. When I eat something toxic, it confuses the system, I feel nauseous, then vomit, which reduces the poisoning, so my body survives, to injest more poison.
 
jim1174 said:
What is it controlling and What devices are in the loop

What is the context and background for your question, Jim? Is this for schoolwork?
 

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