Data acquisition is a crucial stage in the execution of condition monitoring (CM) of rotating machinery, by means of vibration analysis. However, the major challenge in the execution of this technique lies in the features of the recording equipment (accuracy, resolution, sampling frequency and number of channels) and the cost they represent. The present work proposes a low-cost data acquisition system, based on Raspberry-Pi, with a high sampling frequency capacity in the recording of up to three channels. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed data acquisition system, a case study is presented in which the vibrations registered in a bearing are analyzed for four degrees of failure.

Means of transport should be able to fulfil their main function safely and comfortably for travellers and drivers. The effects of vibrations on ride comfort are in the frequency range of 0.5 to 80 Hz and can be analysed using the UNE-2631 standard. This type of analysis has been conducted for several means of transport (bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc.), but the literature on e-scooter comfort is very scarce. Existing research describes methodologies, simulation models, and a few measurements related to e-scooter comfort. This paper presents, for the first time, a comfort analysis using an Arduino-based data acquisition system at a sampling frequency of 200 Hz (higher than that in previous studies). Acceleration and speed measurements were obtained by sensorising an e-scooter with inflated wheels without any additional damping systems, which is one of the commonly used e-scooter types. In this study, the comfort for two different speeds (20 and 28 km/h), two types of pavements (pavers and asphalt), and two drivers with different weights was investigated. The results indicate the lowest comfort values for higher velocities and paver pavement. Furthermore, the comfort values were extremely low for all scenarios. In addition, the results demonstrate the necessity of using a sampling rate of at least 80 Hz for this e-scooter model.

This study focuses on the design and improvement of railway turnouts, which are critical yet complex parts of the railway infrastructure. As they are responsible for track discontinuity and potential derailments, turnouts pose significant challenges in terms of slack, misalignment and rail breakage. A new concept related to the design of turnouts, including switches and crossings, is presented in this paper. The application of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) principles, specifically the use of the contradiction matrix, was instrumental to achieving these innovative designs for railway systems and represents the main contribution of the paper. Based on the systematic use of the TRIZ principles, the proposed design addresses the problems associated with switches and crossings by replacing the classic frog with a movable element that sits in the crossing gap and reduces the existing gap, thus minimising the length of the rail gap and, consequently, providing greater contact with the rail, minimising wheel impacts on the rail gap and, consequently, decreasing the risk of derailment. By reducing rail contact forces, which are a major contributor to derailments, the risk of derailment is reduced. This study also introduces a new design for the switch rail system using a piston mechanism with an up and down stroke, which is accompanied by a rotating motor at the top for controlled movement. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the proposed designs.

One of the popular creativity methods to solve technical problems is the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, (TRIZ), however, requires a considerable investment of time. A teaching methodology for a simplified version of TRIZ (TRIZ10) has been developed for reducing learning time and improving the creative process in solving technical problems. This method has been applied in a small group of engineering design students as a proof of concept. The evaluation of the results obtained shows that students achieved adequate learning of this creative technique (75% overall efficiency). This method has led to the doubling of the number ideas developed by students compared to those generated before learning TRIZ10; further, it also improves a 10% the average degree of novelty for these ideas.