Motor power management(updated 2026-03-20) — power protection, contactor/starter, waterproofing, current sensing.
Yoke position sensor(updated 2026-03-20) — cycle sensing for stop-with-peelers-open and cycle counting (TBD implementation).
Introduction
Controls and electronics (Subsystem 11) covers everything electrical on P6: the operator control panel (E-stop, on/off, start/stop, indicators), three coded lid safety interlocks fed from the Enclosure / shell, AC motor power management for the drivetrain motor (WEG W22), and a yoke position sensor on the transmission for cycle timing and safe-stop logic. The subsystem must be stand-alone operable, washdown-protected, and ready for future IoT/data integration.
Discussion
Rough design & intent
Stand-alone operation — Machine must be operable as a stand-alone unit (local ON/OFF) for independent operation, inspection, component replacement, and simple cleaning.
Water protection — All electrical systems must be protected for rigorous industrial cleaning (enclosure/IP, glands, cable routing, and washdown practices).
Data readiness — Control system should be prepared for data exchange (IoT / plant integration), even if not implemented on the first prototype.
User control panel
Operator interface for power, run control, and status.
ON / START button — start machine operation.
OFF / STOP button — stop machine operation.
Emergency stop — hard stop; machine cannot run until reset.
RUNNING indicator — shows machine running state.
STOPPED indicator — shows machine stopped state.
Machine open indicator — indicates any safety lid is open (interlock active).
Lockout / tagout (LOTO)
Provide an easy-access rear LOTO unit to isolate power for service and seasonal teardown.
Safety switches
Safety switches on 3 lids (plunger cover, drivetrain cover, feeder — see Enclosure / shell). Interlock logic must be fail-safe: when any lid is open, the machine shuts off and cannot run.
Coded safety switches — coded interlocks preferred for robustness.
Coded lid switches (magnet code) — only the specified magnet/operator handle may actuate the lid safety switch (anti-misuse). Include fail-safe behavior and clear "machine open" indicator.
Control-board integration — lid safety switch inputs must be integrated using the same breakout board + main board architecture as the commercial machine controls, so safety behavior matches existing systems.
Stop with peelers/open condition — include a sensor/logic path that prevents operation (or triggers stop) if peelers/lids are in an unsafe state.
Motor control and power management
AC power distribution and motor drive for the drivetrain motor.
AC contactor — main power switching for the motor circuit.
Motor starter / soft starter — controlled start/stop and protection for the main drive motor, including overcurrent protection.
Internal control panel — breakers, relays, PCB/IO as needed (final architecture TBD).
Wires and cable management — routing, glands, and management as needed for control panel, motor, and safety circuits.
Motor:WEG W22 — 50 Hz baseline for China (see Motor power management for details); vertical mount, shaft down (V5T style).
Motor current sensing — instantaneous current measurement for spike detection and estimating throughput (fruit processed in a time period).
Yoke position sensor
P6 requires a yoke position/cycle sensor (mounted on the transmission) to support controlled safe stop conditions and a critical fully open stop behavior so internal parts can be serviced/removed. The exact sensor type and signal interface are TBD.
Cycle sensor — provide cycle counting (cycles per time period). This may be the same sensor as "open peelers stop" depending on final mechanism.
Fully open stop position — when the machine is turned OFF / STOPPED in normal operation, the system must stop with the yoke at the fully open position (operator access/removal).
Emergency/interlock shutdown — when E-stop is pressed or a coded lid safety switch indicates an open lid/interlock fault, the machine must shut down immediately (no reposition-to-open).
Status
System requirements captured. Still TBD: detailed electrical architecture (PLC/PCB choice), enclosure IP rating, wiring standards, and final sensor selection. Add photos and wiring diagrams as they are developed.
Recommended figures (contractor clarity)
Add figure: System block diagram — E-stop, lid interlocks, motor contactor, sensor inputs (single page).
Add figure: Enclosure IP concept — cabinet/gland layout for washdown (see Motor power management).