Open Loops
Description
Many devices function without ever knowing whether they are doing the job that they were programmed to do. They might run for a specific amount of time or perform one function and then stop. For example if you set the clothes dryer to run for 45 minutes, your clothes might be dry or they might not be dry. A clothes dryer is an open loop system because the process provides no feedback to the device. Newer clothes dryers possess moisture sensors. The moisture sensors inform the machine when the clothes are dry, at which point the dryer can stop running. The feedback provided by the sensor makes this a closed loop system.
Conclusion Questions
1. An open loop system that has not been used yet is a light and a lightswitch. If the switch is up, the light is on. If the switch is down, the light is off.
2. A closed loop system that has not been used yet is a washing machine and it's water level. With the water being inside the machine, you have no control over how much water is used in the washer.
2. A closed loop system that has not been used yet is a washing machine and it's water level. With the water being inside the machine, you have no control over how much water is used in the washer.