GLASS BUSTERS | 2015

PETER ANCKETILL - OPERATIONS, LOGISTICS

IAN WEBB - PRODUCT DESIGN LEAD

JOSEPH BEGLEY - PRODUCTION DRAWINGS, ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION

PETER GOUGH - MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL MACHINE DESIGN ENGINEER

MANDY SMITH - MOULDING / CASTING SPECIALST  

THE CHALLENGE

Glass recycling is an essential practice for sustainability, but traditional methods of collecting and storing glass bottles can be cumbersome for businesses. The challenge was to design a user-friendly, quiet, and safe glass recycling machine that would remove the danger of handling sharp glass bottles, reduce the noise of collection, and lessen the footprint for storing glass on site for recycling collections.

DESIGN APPROACH

The design team focused on creating a compact and easy-to-use machine that could be a standalone device or a bar-to-basement solution. I was involved to varying degrees in all the aspects of the design processes listed below:

1. Safety: Safety interlocks were added to the machine to make it safe to operate without the need for additional PPE. Electronics were safely installed according to code within the hospitality sector.

2. Trials: Multiple trials were carried out in various locations in central London to ensure that the machine was user-friendly and met the requirements of the target audience.

3. Production: Production drawings were created for the glass crusher, cabinets, and bill of materials. A list of suppliers was also compiled to ensure the timely delivery of all components.

4. Installation: The installation process was streamlined to ensure that the machines were installed safely and effectively on-site. The team also provided training to ensure that the machines were used correctly. 

5. Exhibition: The Glassbusters machine was exhibited at the Imbibe Trade Show, where it received a positive response from industry professionals.

Overall, the Glassbusters machine was a success, meeting the challenge to design a user-friendly, quiet, and safe ON SITE glass recycling machine. It has the potential to revolutionise the way businesses recycle glass, making it more convenient and efficient.