What Are Common Feedback Mechanisms in Everyday Life?

Also, can you help with the Control Computation and Uncertainty/Robustness?In summary, in the conversation, various feedback systems were discussed, including toilet water tanks, cruise control, elevators, and climate control. The sensing mechanism for a toilet water tank is a float, while the actuation mechanism is triggered by the water level. The control computation and uncertainty/robustness for this system are unknown. For cruise control, the sensing mechanism is a tachometer or speedometer, and the actuation mechanism is a lever. The control computation involves comparing the desired set speed to the actual speed, and the system provides robustness by adjusting for sudden changes in inclination. Further examples were suggested, including feedback systems involving humans and
  • #1
phiby
75
0

Homework Statement


Identify 10 feedback systems that you encounter in your everyday environment. For each system, identify the sensing mechanism, actuation mechanism and control computation. Describe the uncertainty with respect to which the feedback system provides robustness and/or the dynamics that are changed through the use of feedback.


Homework Equations


NA

The Attempt at a Solution



1) Toilet water tank
Sensing mechanism - Float
Actuation mechanism - When the water level goes down, the float goes down which it opens the fill valve. As the water fills the tank, the float goes up & at a certain point, closes the fill valve.
Control Computation - No idea
Uncertainty/robustness etc - Not sure

2) Cruise Control
Sensing mechanism - whatever measures the speed in a car.
Actuation - Solenoid driven throttle and brake?
Control Compution - ?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure

3) Elevator
Sensing mechanism - Sensors at each floor level.
Actuation - Sensors stop the elevator?
Control Compution -?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure

4) Climate Control
Sensing mechanism - thermometer
Actuation - ON/OFF of compressor.
Control Compution - ?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure


?
 
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  • #2
phiby said:

Homework Statement


Identify 10 feedback systems that you encounter in your everyday environment. For each system, identify the sensing mechanism, actuation mechanism and control computation. Describe the uncertainty with respect to which the feedback system provides robustness and/or the dynamics that are changed through the use of feedback.


Homework Equations


NA

The Attempt at a Solution



1) Toilet water tank
Sensing mechanism - Float
Actuation mechanism - When the water level goes down, the float goes down which it opens the fill valve. As the water fills the tank, the float goes up & at a certain point, closes the fill valve.
Control Computation - No idea
Uncertainty/robustness etc - Not sure

2) Cruise Control
Sensing mechanism - whatever measures the speed in a car.
Actuation - Solenoid driven throttle and brake?
Control Compution - ?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure

3) Elevator
Sensing mechanism - Sensors at each floor level.
Actuation - Sensors stop the elevator?
Control Compution -?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure

4) Climate Control
Sensing mechanism - thermometer
Actuation - ON/OFF of compressor.
Control Compution - ?
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure


?

That's a great start! Keep going...

Think of some that involve a human as the feedback part...

Think of more electronic examples...

You already have automotive cruise control, but how did the old steam engines control their speed...?
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
That's a great start! Keep going...

Think of some that involve a human as the feedback part...

Think of more electronic examples...

You already have automotive cruise control, but how did the old steam engines control their speed...?

Watt's governor :-)

Anyway I have no idea what to write in the control computation, robustness etc etc.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Hi Phiby, I will help with one of your current choices and maybe that can help with the others.

2) Cruise Control
Sensing mechanism - whatever measures the speed in a car. Tachometer/Speedometer
Actuation - Solenoid driven throttle and brake? Good but lever not solenoid
Control Compution - ? Comparison of desired set speed to actual speed
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure Makes adjustments for sudden changes in inclination (speeds up or slows down)
 
  • #5
LabGuy330 said:
Hi Phiby, I will help with one of your current choices and maybe that can help with the others.

2) Cruise Control
Sensing mechanism - whatever measures the speed in a car. Tachometer/Speedometer
Actuation - Solenoid driven throttle and brake? Good but lever not solenoid
Control Compution - ? Comparison of desired set speed to actual speed
Uncertainty/Robustness - not sure Makes adjustments for sudden changes in inclination (speeds up or slows down)

Thank you. In Actuation - what lever are you referring to?
 

Related to What Are Common Feedback Mechanisms in Everyday Life?

1. What is Everyday Control Feedback?

Everyday Control Feedback is a concept in control systems engineering which refers to the use of feedback mechanisms in everyday situations to maintain or adjust a desired state or behavior. It is an essential part of our daily lives, from regulating the temperature in our homes to maintaining our balance while walking.

2. How does Everyday Control Feedback work?

Everyday Control Feedback works by sensing the current state of a system or process, comparing it to a desired state, and then making adjustments based on the difference between the two. This process is repeated continuously, creating a feedback loop that allows for continuous control and maintenance of the desired state.

3. What are some examples of Everyday Control Feedback in action?

There are countless examples of Everyday Control Feedback in action, including the use of thermostats to regulate the temperature in a room, the use of cruise control in cars to maintain a constant speed, and even the use of our own muscles to maintain balance while walking or riding a bike.

4. What are the benefits of using Everyday Control Feedback?

The use of Everyday Control Feedback allows for efficient and precise control of a system or process, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments. It also helps to maintain stability and consistency, and can improve overall performance and efficiency.

5. Are there any limitations to Everyday Control Feedback?

While Everyday Control Feedback is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. It relies on accurate sensing of the current state and may be affected by external factors such as noise or disturbances. It also requires a clear understanding of the desired state and how to make adjustments to achieve it.

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