Compressed Air System Malfunction Detection via Simulation

The patent uses a simulation approach where a simulation unit replicates the expected behavior of the compressed air system under normal conditions. By comparing actual sensor data with simulated data, the system can detect malfunctions without requiring additional expensive sensors. The simulation creates a virtual model that copies the system's expected performance, enabling anomaly detection through data comparison rather than direct measurement enhancement.

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with computational methods. Instead of using precise pressure sensors and electronic measurement devices, the system uses a control unit that performs simulations and compares data. This substitution of mechanical/electronic measurement infrastructure with computational analysis reduces hardware complexity while maintaining detection capability.

The simulation unit creates a virtual copy of the system's expected behavior, allowing the existing sensor infrastructure to be used for malfunction detection. This approach achieves reliable detection without adding expensive electronic sensors, as the simulation provides the reference data needed to identify anomalies using already-available sensor inputs.

The system uses its own existing sensor data and computational resources to perform self-diagnosis. The control unit executes simulations and comparisons using data already collected by the system's normal operation sensors, enabling the system to monitor its own health without external additional sensors or specialized measurement equipment.