Temperature control of functional units of styling devices

Abstract

In the field of performing styling operations on an item to be styled, a styling device, such as a hair curler 100, is provided of the type having a functional unit 40, a heating section configured to heat the functional unit 40, and a processor 50. The temperature control algorithm applied by the processor 50 after the heating section has been operated to initially heat the functional unit 40 includes a feed-forward control procedure that includes operating the heating section at a certain percentage of its full power, which is beneficial to the effectiveness of the styling operation, as it helps to prevent the temperature of the functional unit 40 from initially dropping to a level significantly lower than would be expected as a result of the item to be styled initially contacting or approaching the functional unit 40.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a styling device having a functional unit configured to perform a styling operation on an item to be styled during use of the styling device, a heating section configured to heat the functional unit, and a processor configured to control operation of the styling device, the processor being configured to apply a temperature control algorithm after the heating section has been operated to initially heat the functional unit to a temperature within an operating temperature range, the temperature control algorithm being designed to operate the heating section to maintain the temperature of the functional unit within the operating temperature range. [Background technology]

[0002] A practical example of a styling device is an automatic hair curler. In this regard, it should be noted that WO 2017 / 029382 A1 discloses an automatic hair curler, which includes a handle, a housing, a barrel element, a heater for heating the barrel element, a hair winder element rotatable around the barrel element, a drive device for driving the hair winder element, and a hair curl cavity having an opening at its upper end formed between the inner surface of the hair winder element and the outer surface of the barrel element. The upper end of the housing has a notch extending downward from the upper end surface of the housing and communicating with the opening of the hair curl cavity. Furthermore, a hair winding portion is provided on the hair winder element for winding hair around the barrel element as the hair winder element rotates. During operation, hair can be placed in the notch provided on the housing and enter the hair curl cavity through the notch. When the hair winder element rotates, the hair is wound around the barrel element, thereby achieving automatic curls. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Traditionally, automatic hair curlers rely on an internal temperature sensor and a microprocessor to control the temperature of the barrel element. However, when a hair strand is loaded onto the barrel element, the temperature of the barrel element drops significantly, and it takes some time for the internal temperature sensor to detect the temperature drop and send a signal to the microprocessor to power the heater that serves to heat the barrel element and compensate for the heat loss. During this time, the hair strand is exposed to less heat than desired, resulting in a longer time until the desired styling effect of the hair strand is achieved. In practical cases, it may take seven seconds or more for the internal temperature sensor to react to the sudden temperature drop caused by the loading of hair, and it may take three seconds or more for heat to be transferred to the outer surface of the barrel element after the heater is powered on. Thus, from the moment the hair strand is wrapped around the barrel element and the curling cycle is initiated, the hair strand is initially subjected to less heat, and the person using the hair curler, hereinafter referred to as the user, must wait significantly longer and / or increase the set temperature to achieve the desired styling effect than in a theoretical case where the temperature of the barrel element continuously remains at the intended operating level. The temperature drop referred to may be, for example, on the order of 10°C.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of barrel element temperature control that is capable of preventing situations in which an increase in the duration and / or set temperature of a hair curling action relative to theoretical values ​​is required to achieve a desired curl effect. More generally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating a heating section of a styling device that reduces the extent to which the effectiveness of the styling action is reduced by the initial contact or proximity of the item to be styled with the functional unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a styling device comprising a functional unit configured to perform a styling operation on an item to be styled during use of the styling device, a heating section configured to heat the functional unit, and a processor configured to control operation of the styling device; the processor is configured to apply a temperature control algorithm after the heating unit is operated to initially heat the functional unit to a temperature within the operating temperature range, the temperature control algorithm being designed to operate the heating unit to maintain the temperature of the functional unit within the operating temperature range; the temperature control algorithm includes a feedforward control procedure that includes operating the heating section at a specific percentage of full power; The temperature control algorithm is configured to initiate a feedforward control procedure when the processor receives an input indicating that a styling operation is to be performed.

[0006] The present invention introduces a feedforward control procedure that compensates for expected heat loss in a functional unit of a styling device, triggered by an input indicating that a styling operation is to be performed. The processor of the styling device, which may be a microprocessor if practical, is configured to use this input to initiate power-on of the heating element at an appropriate level of power. Unlike those known in the art, this process does not require waiting for a temperature sensor to respond to an initial temperature drop in the functional unit. Instead, the heating element is automatically activated, resulting in a functional unit temperature that is high enough to compensate for the heat loss due to the item being styled first contacting or approaching the functional unit, thereby achieving a more stable styling temperature, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of the styling operation and keeping both the duration of the styling operation and the temperature of the functional unit within acceptable limits. In the context of the present invention, the appropriate power level at which the heating element is operated in the feedforward control procedure is a specific percentage of its full power, which may be a fixed percentage of its full power throughout the entire time the feedforward control procedure is executed. Advantageously, the percentage is selected in relation to factors including the expected initial temperature drop, the operating temperature range, and the time available to operate the heating section in this predictive manner.

[0007] Such hair curlers typically have a start winding button that is pressed by the user when the hair strand is properly positioned in the notch on the housing and the user intends to begin the hair curling operation, and that remains pressed throughout the hair curling operation. When the present invention is applied in the context of a hair curler, the event of the processor receiving an input indicating that a styling operation is to be performed begins as soon as the user presses the start winding button. At that point, without waiting for input from the internal temperature sensor, a feedforward control procedure is initiated, resulting in the barrel elements being heated by the heating element at a higher power than in the conventional case, i.e., a certain percentage of the heating element's full power. As a result, the temperature of the barrel elements is brought to a level such that the temperature drop resulting from the hair contacting the barrel element does not result in a temperature drop so low that the hair curling operation is significantly hindered, and the hair strand to be curled can be exposed to heat closer to the set temperature specified by the user. In this way, compared to the conventional situation, the time that the hair strand needs to be held in the hair curler to achieve the desired styling result is reduced, and the user does not feel anxious about the styling result or feel the need to set a high temperature.

[0008] It may be practical if the temperature control algorithm is configured to terminate the feedforward control procedure when an operating time period has elapsed after initiation of the feedforward control procedure, or earlier when the input indicating that a styling action is to be performed is removed. For example, when the styling device according to the invention is a hair curler as proposed above, the feedforward control procedure may be terminated after a few seconds, e.g., 6 seconds, after initiation, or earlier when the user releases the start winding button. With regard to the latter possible criterion, it is possible to have a delay period, so that the feedforward control procedure is terminated only if the start winding button remains released during this delay period.

[0009] It is advantageous if the power level at which the heating unit is operated is adapted to the level of the operating temperature range of the functional unit. In other words, it may be advantageous if the temperature control algorithm is configured to determine a specific percentage of the full power of the heating unit based on the level of the operating temperature range of the functional unit. In this regard, it is particularly preferred if the temperature control algorithm is configured to apply a relationship between a specific percentage of the full power of the heating unit and the level of the operating temperature range of the functional unit, based on which a low percentage of full power is selected when the temperature of the functional unit needs to be increased and overheating problems are avoided under all circumstances, the percentage decreases as the level of the operating temperature range increases, and the percentage increases as the level of the operating temperature range decreases. An example of a default percentage is 80%, an example of a percentage that can be selected at a higher temperature level is 70%, and an example of a percentage that can be selected at a lower temperature level is 90%.

[0010] In the foregoing, the practical possibility of a hair curler having a start winding button is addressed, where the start winding button is shown to remain pressed throughout the hair curling operation. Generally speaking, in a practical embodiment, the styling device has a user interface configured to enable a user to provide input to a processor, including an input indicating that a styling operation is to be performed, where the user interface can be configured to provide input to the processor indicating that the styling operation is to be performed as long as the user interacts with the user interface.

[0011] In order to ensure the safety of use of the styling device according to the invention, it is proposed that the operation of operating the heating unit at a certain percentage of its full power be a conditional operation, in which case it may be practical if the processor is configured to determine, e.g. via a suitable sensor, that an item to be styled is absent despite an input being provided to the processor indicating that a styling operation is to be performed, and to prevent the initiation of the operation of operating the heating unit at a certain percentage of its full power if this proves to be true. The conditional operation may be realised in the following manner: the feedforward control procedure further includes a proactive operation of obtaining a value representative of an actual temperature of the functional unit and determining whether the value is within or outside a safe range of values; The temperature control algorithm is configured to initiate operation of operating the heating section at a particular percentage of its full power only when the value is found to be within a safe range of values ​​during a previous operation.

[0012] Therefore, it is proposed to check the actual temperature of the functional unit to determine whether it is safe to start the operation of the heating element at a certain percentage of full power. Potential overheating risks inherent in feedforward control can thus be eliminated. In this context, it is practical if the styling device has a temperature sensor and the temperature control algorithm is configured to operate the temperature sensor to provide a value representative of the actual temperature of the functional unit. If the styling device is an automatic curler, the automatic curler's internal temperature sensor can be used in the process of performing the safety check. Without the safety check, there is a risk of overheating, especially if the user presses the start winding button when there is no hair inside the automatic curler's housing. Regarding the safety range of values, it should be noted that this range can include all low and high temperatures within the operating temperature range plus a limited additional range, such as an additional range of 5°C. This does not change the fact that the present invention covers other options as well.

[0013] Optionally, the temperature control algorithm includes a feedback control procedure in addition to the feedforward control procedure defined and described above, such as: The temperature control algorithm further includes a feedback control procedure which includes monitoring a value representing the actual temperature of the functional unit, determining whether the value is within, below, or above the range of operable values, and activating the heating section as long as the value is found to be below the range of operable values. The temperature control algorithm is configured to execute a feedback control procedure as a default, initiate a feedback control procedure when a feedforward control procedure is terminated, and terminate a feedback control procedure when a feedforward control procedure is initiated.

[0014] Thus, when the temperature control algorithm is applied, a conventional method of maintaining the temperature of the functional unit is achieved outside of the time when the feedforward control procedure is executed, which conventional method relies on monitoring a value representing the actual temperature of the functional unit and operating the heating section as long as that value is found to be below the operating range value.

[0015] When practical, the styling device according to the invention comprises a unit configured to provide a warning signal to a person, the processor being configured to activate this unit when the time period during which an input indicating that a styling action is to be performed is received exceeds a maximum value. In this way, a situation is avoided in which the item to be styled is subjected to a styling action for a longer period than necessary, which is particularly advantageous when the styling action is of such a nature that if the styling action is continued after the safe time period has elapsed, harm to the item to be styled will ultimately be caused. In any case, having a warning function improves the ease of use of the styling device and contributes to the user's perception of the quality and reliability of the styling device.

[0016] The present invention covers several types of styling devices, including hair styling devices in which a functional unit is configured to perform a styling action on at least a portion of a person's hair. As suggested above, the styling device according to the invention can in particular be an automatic hair curler having a rotatable hair winder element configured to engage a strand of hair, the functional unit comprising a barrel element contained by the hair winder element. In the context of such a hair curler, it is a practical possibility that the input indicating that a styling action is to be performed is generated when the hair winder element is actuated to rotate.

[0017] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated by reference to the following detailed description of an automatic hair curler, which includes a barrel element around which a hair strand is wound, a heater for heating the barrel element, and a microprocessor programmed to control the temperature of the heater in a manner that anticipates the cooling effect of contact of the hair strand to be curled with the barrel element, which helps to maintain the temperature of the barrel element within an operating temperature range so that an effective hair curling action can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an automatic hair curler according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of a hair curler. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a barrel element of a hair curler, with the top cover removed so that the inside of the barrel element can be seen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures, in which like or similar parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an automatic hair curler 100, which is designed to be used to perform a curling action on hair and comprises the following elements: A handle 10 that allows the user to hold the hair curler 100 in their hand. The housing 20 has a hair bundle support surface 21 on which the root of the hair bundle rests, and a notch 22 that forms a hair bundle entrance for storing the tip of the hair bundle inside the housing 20. a hair winder element 30 for storing a hair strand in the housing 20; A motor 31 configured to rotate the hair winder element 30 about a longitudinally extending axis of rotation R. A barrel element 40 shaped like a hollow cylinder having a generally circular periphery, suitable for winding a hair strand therearound. A microprocessor 50 mounted on a circuit board located inside the handle 10. A heater 60 configured to heat the barrel element 40, the heater 60 being configured to be controlled by the microprocessor 50 and attached to an adapter 61 configured to contact the inner surface of the barrel element 40, thereby providing conductive heat transfer from the heater 60 to the barrel element 40. a user interface 70 on the handle 10, including a start winding button 71 for the user to signal the motor 31 of the hair winder element 30 via the microprocessor 50 to rotate the hair winder element 30 and thereby begin winding a hair strand into the housing 20 and around the barrel element 40; and A temperature sensor 80 mounted inside the barrel element 40, which provides a temperature signal to the microprocessor 50 for feedback control of the temperature of the barrel element 40 by operating the heater 60.

[0021] The hair curler 100 is an example of a styling device according to the present invention. The barrel element 40 serves as a functional unit, and the combination of the heater 60 and the adapter 61 is a practical embodiment of a heating portion configured to heat the functional unit. A view of the part of the hair curler 100 located at the top of the handle 10 is provided by Fig. 2, while in Fig. 3 the heater 60, adapter 61 and temperature sensor 80 located inside the barrel element 40 can be seen. In Fig. 1, the motor 31 and microprocessor 50 of the hair winder element 30 are represented by a dashed rectangle.

[0022] When the start winding button 71 is pressed by the user, a hair strand is inserted into the notch 22 of the housing 20, and a predictable amount of heat loss is expected to be introduced to the outer surface of the barrel element 40 during the few seconds following the user's action. The microprocessor 50 is programmed to operate the heater 60 in a manner that avoids a situation in which the amount of heat loss dramatically reduces the effectiveness of the hair curling action, at least during the first few seconds of the action. In particular, the microprocessor 50 is programmed to feedforward control the temperature of the barrel element 40 upon initial depression of the start winding button 71. Regarding the temperature control algorithm applied by the microprocessor 50 after the heater 60 is activated and initially heats the barrel element 40 to a temperature within the operating temperature range, the temperature control algorithm actually includes a feedforward control procedure that includes operating the heater 60 at a specific percentage of its full power, and this feedforward control procedure is initiated when the user presses the start winding button 71. Implementing a feedforward control procedure results in immediate compensation for heat loss resulting from hair contact with the barrel element 40. The percentage is selected in relation to the expected amount of heat loss, so that the temperature of the barrel element 40 is well within, or at least close to, the operating temperature range. Note that in this example, the user interface 70 includes a button 72 that allows the user to select a set temperature for the hair curling operation, and the operating temperature range that applies to the temperature of the barrel element 40 is directly related to said set temperature.

[0023] In view of the above, the hair curler 100 is operated as follows: The initial position of the hair winder element 30 is a free position where the notches 22 can receive a hair strand. The user holds the handle 10 of the hair curler 100 with one hand, inserts a hair strand through the notches 22 with the other hand, and presses the start winding button 71 with the fingers of the first hand to initiate the hair curling operation. The hair winder element 30 begins to rotate around the barrel element 40 for a specified number of revolutions, thereby forcing the length of hair to wrap around the barrel element 40. When the start winding button 71 is pressed, the microprocessor 50 is signaled to activate the feedforward control procedure of the temperature control algorithm. The feedforward control procedure is usefully initiated by verifying the loading of hair in the hair curler 100. In this example, this can be done by checking the actual temperature with the temperature sensor 80. In that case, the heater 60 is powered at a certain percentage of its full power for a period of time, e.g., 80% of its full power for 6 seconds, only if the temperature is within a safe range. The safe range can be a temperature range that includes temperatures below the set temperature and up to, e.g., 5°C above the set temperature. The heat thus generated is sufficient to compensate for the expected heat loss due to loading on the barrel element 40 introduced by the hair bundle.

[0024] Information regarding the amount of heat loss following the introduction of a hair strand onto the outer surface of the barrel element 40 is determined during tests carried out during the development phase of the hair curler 100, and the programming of the microprocessor 50 is designed based on the results of such tests. For example, a test barrel element similar to the actual barrel element 40 of the hair curler 100 is equipped with multiple thermocouples, for example three thermocouples, and a data logger is connected to the thermocouples. As a result, it is possible to accurately monitor the temperature of the outer surface of the barrel element 40 and to perform the following series of steps for different temperature settings: The test barrel element is heated until it reaches a steady state temperature based on the set temperature. Start the data logger and record the temperature from the thermocouple. A hair strand is wrapped around the test barrel element. The hair tuft is held on the test barrel element for a limited period of time, such as 10 seconds. The hair bundle is removed to complete the test.

[0025] In this way, it can be seen how the temperature of the outer surface of barrel element 40 changes over time. This information is useful in the process of determining the details of the feedforward control procedure and programming microprocessor 50 accordingly. Advantageously, the accuracy of the test results is improved by repeating each of the different tests multiple times and averaging the values ​​found during the repeated tests.

[0026] The user keeps the winding start button 71 pressed throughout the hair curling operation. The hair curler 100 includes a unit (not shown) configured to send a signal to the user, which is controlled by the microprocessor 50 based on a timer function. In particular, the microprocessor 50 is configured to activate this unit when a certain time, e.g., 8 seconds, has elapsed after the winding start button 71 was first pressed, so that the user knows when the hair curling operation is complete and the winding start button 71 can be released. The signal can be in the form of a beep from a built-in speaker, vibration feedback generated by a built-in haptic motor, or a visual signal such as a flashing light. In this example, the user interface 70 includes a button 73 that allows the user to select the duration of the hair curling operation and thereby set the moment when the unit is activated. When the hair curling operation is finished, the user is expected to remove the curled hair strand from the hair curler 100.

[0027] In this example, in addition to the hair winding button 71 , the temperature setting button 72 and the time setting button 73 , the user interface 70 includes a button 74 that allows the user to set the direction of rotation of the hair winder element 30 .

[0028] The duration of the feedforward control procedure can typically be shorter than the duration of the hair curling operation. Once the feedforward control procedure is completed, conventional feedback control of the temperature of the barrel element 40 is applied. This can be done in any suitable manner. In this example, this involves the use of an on-board temperature sensor 80 by the microprocessor 50 to monitor the temperature of the barrel element 40 and control the power to the heater 60 to maintain the temperature of the barrel element 40 near the set temperature. This feedback control of the heater 60 can cause the hair curler 100 to idle until the start winding button 71 is pressed again. Pressing the start winding button again triggers the feedforward control again. If the start winding button 71 is released before the full time period of the feedforward control procedure has elapsed, the feedforward control procedure is aborted, at which point the feedback control procedure is initiated. A situation in which the feedback control procedure may continue despite the start winding button 71 being pressed is if the actual temperature of the barrel element 40 is outside the safe range, as determined by the safety checks described above.

[0029] According to a refined possibility, the feedforward procedure is unique for each setting, where when a high temperature setting is selected, the heater 60 power is set low and when a low temperature setting is selected, the heater 60 power is set high. For example, the default percentage of full power of the heater 60 is 80%, the low percentage of full power of the heater 60 is 70%, and the high percentage of full power of the heater 60 is 90%. The duration of the feedforward control procedure can be the same under all circumstances, with 6 seconds being a practical example as suggested above.

[0030] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description, such illustration and description are merely explanatory or exemplary and are not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details not necessary for understanding the invention may be omitted and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0031] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0032] Elements and aspects discussed for or in connection with a particular embodiment can be combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments as appropriate, unless otherwise expressly stated. Thus, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0033] The terms "having" and "including" as used herein will be understood by those skilled in the art to cover the term "consisting of." Thus, the terms "having" or "including" may mean "consisting of" in one embodiment, but may mean "including / having / comprising at least the specified species and, optionally, one or more other species" in another embodiment.

[0034] Notable aspects of the present invention can be summarized as follows: In the field of performing a styling operation on an item to be styled, a styling device, such as a hair curler 100, is provided of a type having a functional unit 40, heating elements 60, 61 configured to heat the functional unit 40, and a processor 50 configured to control operation of the styling device. A temperature control algorithm applied by the processor 50 after the heating elements 60, 61 have been operated to initially heat the functional unit 40 to a temperature within the operating temperature range includes a feedforward control procedure that involves operating the heating elements 60, 61 at a specific percentage of their full power, which is beneficial to the effectiveness of the styling operation because it helps prevent the temperature of the functional unit 40 from initially dropping to a level significantly lower than would be expected as a result of the item to be styled initially contacting or approaching the functional unit 40. All that is required for the controller 50 to initiate the feedforward control procedure is the receipt of an input indicating that a styling operation is to be performed; no input is required regarding the actual temperature of the functional unit 40 during the operation of operating the heating elements 60, 61 at a specific percentage of their full power.

Claims

1. A styling device comprising: a functional unit for performing a styling operation on an item to be styled during use of the styling device; a heating section for heating the functional unit; and a processor for controlling operation of the styling device; the processor applies a temperature control algorithm after a heating unit is operated to initially heat the functional unit to a temperature within an operating temperature range, the temperature control algorithm being designed to operate the heating unit to maintain the temperature of the functional unit within the operating temperature range; the temperature control algorithm includes a feedforward control procedure that includes operating the heating section at a specific percentage of full power; the temperature control algorithm is configured to initiate the feedforward control procedure when the processor receives an input indicating that the styling operation is to be performed; 10. The styling device of claim 9, wherein the temperature control algorithm is configured to terminate the feedforward control procedure when an operating time period after initiation of the feedforward control procedure has elapsed or earlier when an input indicating that a styling operation will be performed is removed before that time.

2. The styling device of claim 1 , wherein the temperature control algorithm determines a specific percentage of full power of the heating element based on the level of the functional unit's operating temperature range.

3. 3. The styling device of claim 2, wherein the temperature control algorithm applies a relationship between a particular percentage of full power of the heating element and a level of an operating temperature range of the functional unit such that the percentage decreases as the level of the operating temperature range increases and the percentage increases as the level of the operating temperature range decreases.

4. 10. The styling device of claim 1, further comprising a user interface that allows a person using the styling device to provide input to the processor, the input including an input indicating a styling action to be performed.

5. The styling device of claim 4 , wherein the user interface provides input to the processor indicating that the styling action is to be performed as long as a person using the styling device interacts with the user interface.

6. the operation of operating the heating section at a specific percentage of full power is a conditional operation; the feedforward control procedure further comprises a pre-operation for obtaining a value determined by the presence or absence of an item to be styled in the functional unit; 6. The styling device of claim 1, wherein the temperature control algorithm initiates an operation of operating the heating element at a certain percentage of full power only when the value obtained during the previous operation is found to indicate the presence of an item to be styled in the functional unit.

7. The operation of operating the heating section at a specific percentage of full power is a conditional operation; the feedforward control procedure further includes a proactive operation of obtaining a value representative of an actual temperature of the functional unit and determining whether the value is within or outside a safe range of values; 6. The styling device of claim 1, wherein the temperature control algorithm initiates an operation to operate the heating element at a particular percentage of full power only if the value is found to be within a safe range of values ​​during the previous operation.

8. 8. The styling device of claim 7, further comprising a temperature sensor, the temperature control algorithm activating the temperature sensor to provide a value representative of the actual temperature of the functional unit.

9. the temperature control algorithm further comprises a feedback control procedure, the feedback control procedure including the operations of monitoring a value representing an actual temperature of the functional unit, determining whether the value is within, below, or above an operating range, and operating the heating section so long as the value is found to be below the operating range; 6. The styling device of claim 1, wherein the temperature control algorithm executes the feedback control procedure as a default, initiates the feedback control procedure when the feedforward control procedure is terminated, and terminates the feedback control procedure when the feedforward control procedure is initiated.

10. 6. A styling device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a unit for providing a warning signal to a person, the processor activating the unit when a time period during which an input indicating that a styling action is to be performed is received exceeds a maximum value.

11. 6. The styling device of claim 1, wherein the styling device is a hair styling device and the functional unit performs a styling action on at least a portion of a person's hair.

12. 12. The styling device of claim 11, wherein the styling device is an automatic hair curler having a rotatable hair winder element that engages a strand of hair, and the functional unit comprises a barrel element contained in the hair winder element.

13. The styling device of claim 12, wherein the input indicating that the styling action is to be performed is generated when the hair winder element is actuated to rotate.

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