Ben could try this
This uses a tube and piston to crush the can
The tube has the top cut out and is forced to rotate around a central pivot point
A piston is allowed to slide along the tube and is attached to a con-rod
The con-rod is also pivoted, but is off-center
As the tube rotates about 180°, the piston reaches its full stroke and crushes the can
Slight further rotation releases the can
Elegant, simple and beautiful
What more could you want 