Can Crusher

By Tyler D. and Cole S.

Criteria
crush a 12 fl oz aluminum soda can
increase the IMA of system
completes without human assistance in
crushing other than pushing a syringe
successfully crushes three of the
previously stated cans
Completes task without leaking or
bursting at joint, tubes, or syringes.
Use VEX materials

Description
We designed our device loosely after a
can crushing kit made and sold by Pitsco
Education (shown in the image below) Our
device is adapted from the original design
using VEX parts as the structural
elements and provided syringes and tubing
for the hydraulic functions.

Schematic

System Operation
A syringe at the start of the system is
drawn back while the valve is turned to
allow the reservoir to feed the syringe
The valve is turned to close off the
reservoir and open the rest of the device
The syringe is then pushed in filling the
four syringes that crush the can
This process is then repeated until the
can is successfully crushed

Problems Encountered
The device we based off of is very
complicated in tubing
Finding a way to empty the system
Integrating the reservoir
successfully
Tubes parts leaking or bursting
under the pressure of being
crushed

Reflection
Overall the device functioned very well and almost
perfectly as imagined even though our materials very
limited.
If more time was allowed to complete this task we may
have been able to further critique and perfect our
project
Doing this project gave a deeper understanding of the
potential ability and use of fluid power.