3.PROBLEM DEFINITION - N-div-2026-27-Odd/Repo-07 GitHub Wiki
NEED STATEMENT
3.1: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| Questions | Answers | Objective | Function | Constraint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do you want it to be automatic, semi-automatic or manual? | Automatic | Yes | ||
| What is your budget? | Rs. 3,000 - Rs. 4,000 | Yes | ||
| What sizes of cups would you want it to crush? | 20mm(small) | yes | ||
| Would it able to sense the crushed and uncrushed cups? | Yes, it will be. | Yes | ||
| Would you want it to indicate after every cup is crushed? | Yes, it will. | Yes | ||
| Is it durable? | Yes, it is. | Yes | ||
| How long can it work continuously for? | Yes | |||
| How many cups can it crush at a time? | One by one paper cup | Yes | ||
| How much power will it consume? | Yes | |||
| What should be the dimensions? | 1.5ft * 1.5ft * 1.5ft | Yes | ||
| Is it user-friendly? | Yes | Yes | ||
| Where can it be used? | It's meant for public spaces | Yes | ||
| What is the warranty time span? | 1 year warranty | Yes | ||
| What should be the capacity of bin? | 5-10 cups | yes | ||
| Should the machine include an indicator when the bin is full? | yes, a LED light | Yes | ||
| Should the machine automatically count and track the total number of cups crushed? | Yes, using a digital counter or a microcontroller | Yes | ||
| How fast should the machine complete a single crushing cycle? | Under 10-15 seconds | Yes | ||
| What type of motor or actuator should be used to drive the crushing mechanism? | A high torque motor | Yes | ||
| How will the system compress the cup (e.g., flat or vertically)? | Completely Flattened | Yes | ||
| How will the mechanism eject the flattened cup into the storage bin? | Using gravity-fed slopes | Yes |
3.2: BASIC SURVEY AND REQUIREMENTS
1. Project Overview
The Paper Cup Crusher is a mechanical or electromechanical device designed to reduce the volume of discarded disposable paper cups. By compacting the cups at the point of disposal, this system optimizes waste management efficiency, reduces collection frequency, and promotes recycling initiatives in public and commercial spaces.
2. Market & Field Survey Summary
2.1 Problem Statement
- High Volume, Low Density: Used paper cups occupy significant physical space in trash bins due to their hollow, tapered geometry, leading to rapidly overflowing bins.
- Logistical Inefficiency: Bins filled with uncrushed cups require frequent emptying, increasing labor costs and plastic trash bag consumption.
- Hygiene Issues: Overflowing bins attract pests and create unsightly, unsanitary environments in high-traffic areas.
2.2 Target Environments
- Corporate Offices & Co-working Spaces: High daily coffee/tea consumption areas.
- Educational Campuses: Cafeterias, libraries, and student lounges.
- Public Transit Hubs: Airport terminals, train stations, and metro stops.
- Commercial Outlets: Cafes, malls, and food courts.
3.3 IDENTIFYING CLIENT'S OBJECTIVES
Client's Objectives:
| Sl.No | Objectives |
|---|---|
| 1 | Machine should be automatic |
| 2 | Machine should be durable |
| 3 | Machine should be user-friendly |
| 4 | Machine should be useful in public spaces |
| 5 | Capacity of the bin should be 5-10cups |
| 6 | Machine should be fast enough |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.1:
Design an automatic cup crushing machine tailored for public spaces and is durable , it is user-friendly, fast enough and has holding capacity of the bin of 5-10 crushed cups.
3.4 IDENTIFYING CONSTRAINTS
Client's Constraints:
| Sl.No | Constraints |
|---|---|
| 1 | Budget should be under Rs.3000-Rs.4000 |
| 2 | Machine should be able to crush up-to 20mm size of cups |
| 3 | Machine should consume minimal power |
| 4 | Dimensions of the machine should be 1.5ft * 1.5ft * 1.5ft |
| 5 | Warranty of the machine should be 1 year |
| 6 | There should be a high-torque motor present in it |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.2:
Design an automatic cup crushing machine tailored for public spaces and is durable , it is user-friendly, fast enough and has holding capacity of the bin of 5-10 crushed cups. The cup crushing device should adhere to a strict budget of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000, dimensions of the machine should be 1.5ft * 1.5ft *1.5ft is durable enough for deployment in public spaces, offers a 1-year warranty, can handle one by one 20mm (small) cups at a time,
and ensures the output cups are completely flattened.
3.5 ESTABLISH FUNCTIONS
Client's Functions:
| Sl.No | Functions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Machine should indicate after each cup is crushed |
| 2 | Machine should be able to sense the crushed and uncrushed cups |
| 3 | Machine should be able to crush paper cup one-by-one |
| 4 | Machine should automatically count and track the total number of cups crushed |
| 5 | The system should compress the cup completely flattened |
| 6 | The machine should be able to eject the flattened cup into bins |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.3:
Design an automatic cup crushing machine tailored for public spaces and is durable , it is user-friendly, fast enough and has holding capacity of the bin of 5-10 crushed cups. The cup crushing device should adhere to a strict budget of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000,dimensions of the machine should be 1.5ft * 1.5ft *1.5ft is durable enough for deployment in public spaces, offers a 1-year warranty, can handle one by one 20mm (small) cups at a time, and ensures the output cups are completely flattened The system should be able to senses crushed and uncrushed cups, provides an indication after each cup is processed, and automatically tracks the total count via a microcontroller or digital counter, while using a high-torque motor.