Automatic Can-Crusher

Test - 1

After the assembly, testing of the device was done in the same week. Unfortunately, the initial motor selection was not done properly, therefore, it produced very high RPM with very low torque. Due to this, the device was overpowered and wasn't able to crush the cans properly and the piston went out of control as shown in the video.

Test - 2

Due to the problems faced in the initial test, the team members were assigned to find a solution and bring the device under control as well as crush the cans properly. One of the team member came up with the idea of covering the piston with cut-out PVC pipe so that it doesn't fly back and stays in its path. But sadly, the problem didn't solve since the actual problem was with the overpowered motor and not with the piston.

Test - 3

Since the 1st and 2nd test failed, we tried to come up with ideas of controlling the motor speed but then we realized it wasn't the speed that made the problem but the torque in the motor was not enough to crush the can. Therefore, we decided to change the motor and replace it with a car's wiper motor. This motor had high torque with reduced RPM.

After changing the motor, the testing was also done simultaneously to check if the new motor was functional as shown in the video.

Final Test

After making all the improvements mentioned in the 'Improvements' tab, we were successful in achieving all the aims which were set for our project. The video provided on the side shows the final test of our project.