New paradigms for the innovation in design and optimisation of mechanical and logistics systems

This Ph.D. Thesis delves into the critical role of Innovation across various sectors, emphasizing its significance not only in Industrial Engineering but also in any field where technological advancement and operational e!ciency are paramount. Innovation is portrayed as a necessity, rather than merely an opportunity, to address both current and future challenges. The research is organized into three main phases: idea generation, simulation, and experimentation, each of which is explored through in-depth case studies. The first contribution focuses on the evaluation of ideas within an Open Innovation framework. In today’s competitive landscape, companies must actively engage with external sources of creativity to enhance their innovation potential. A novel method is proposed that combines qualitative and quantitative criteria, facilitating the selection of the most promising ideas and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The second contribution addresses the optimization of warehouse picking processes using discrete-event simulation techniques. This work solves a classic logistics challenge by applying a simulation tool to optimize warehouse layouts, reduce travel times, and improve the overall use of resources. The third contribution centers on experimentation under altered gravity conditions, conducted during parabolic flight campaign. The behavior of a pulsating heat pipe was analyzed in microgravity, hypergravity and normal-Earth gravity conditions, yielding critical insights for the development of advanced space technologies. In conclusion, this Thesis presents innovative approaches applicable to various real-world scenarios, from enhancing decision-making in Open Innovation, to optimizing logistics, and advancing the design of technologies for space exploration.