Central Air System

As we continue on our programming unit, we completed a program that would control the temperature in a room so that would allow a certain bacteria to grow. This particular bacteria only grows between very specific temperatures. Below is the prorgam we used to achieve this.

Open and Closed Loop Systems

Yet another installment to our log of things programmed. Below is a program for controlling a motor with lights and phototransistors. I enjoy the struggles posed with programming complex systems. Even though the stress is high, the result is definetly worth it. I believe the video helps back up my last statement.The program shown below is the one in the video. Enjoy, I did!

Conclusion

1. Describe an open loop system that has not already been given as an example. Could the system benefit from feedback? Justify your answer.

Microwave is an open loop system because it has no function that allows it to know when the item inside it hot. The microwave runs for the amount of time that was put in, such as 2 minutes. If the microwave could have feedback, the microwave would be able to stop running if there was a danger or stop once what is in the microwave is a certain temperature. It would make the microwave more efficient.

2. Describe a closed loop system that have not already been given as an example. Describe the feedback utilized, and describe why that type of feedback is utilized.

Motion sensors in lights for classrooms and hallways are a closed loop system. The lights turn on when it senses movement and turns off when it senses no movement for a certain amount of time. This system of sensors allow for saving of energy and removes the need for a switch and a tangle of wires.

Variable Functions

Our next phase of the planned goal to reach robotics was variable functions. We learned what they can be used for and how they help a system keep track of itself and run for a certain amount of time or certain number of times. Below are pictures of what we accomplished.

Conclusion

1. Decsribe how you micht modify the Plus command so that it can reset a variable block to 0 within the program.

One would right click on the Plus command to pull up the additionasl information. Then one would click on the box beside "Data input for command value." After the node appears on the left, type in a starting value, which would be zero (0) in this case.

2. What might an industrial or manufacturing engineer need to count or keep track of? Describe one example.

An industrial or manufacturing engineer would need to count or keep track of machines in a production line. Using a variable funcion allows for an accurate way to keep track of the number of times a machine does a certain task. If a machines job is to pick up a bottle cap and put in on a bottle, the system would track how many times the machine runs through the loop of picking up the bottle cap and putting it on a bottle. This would also count the number of bottle caps and bottlesthat the machine put together.

Branch Functions

Our journey into functions has gotten more complex. We have moved on to branch functions. Here is a picture of what we have accomplished.

Conclusion

1. Describe why it is important to include branches in programs.

It's important to have branches in a program because they allow for the function to become more complex. It can allowed for loops to occur as well as allow a switch to be added to the function.

2. Describe an everyday application of a normally open switch that has not been given as an example.

An example of an everyday application of a normally open switch is a doorbell. When someone presses the button for the doorbell, it closes the system setting the bell off.

3. Describe an everyday application of a normally closed switch that has not been given as an example.

An example of an everydayapplication of a normally closed switch is a house alarm system. When wiring a house for the alarm system, one would put the wire normally closed. One on the door and one on the door-frame. When the door was opened, the current would be broken, setting the alarm off.

Basic Programming

Today in Engineering, we continued learning out basic programming and flow charting. We were challenged with the task of making a function that would turn a small motor on and off for certain intervals of seconds. This is a screenshot of what I came up with to complete the task.

Conclusion

1. What is the best way to make sure that all of your devices are in the correct ports of the interface and have been wired correctly?

One can run the system and see if it works, although in a real life situation, something could be short circuited. One can also double check the ports that are listed in the program (such as port M1 for motor) and match them on the interface.

2. Explain the importance of labeling block functions within a flowchart.

Labeling block function within a flowchart help explain what is happening in a flowchart so that the reader can easily understand/follow the process.