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Protective covers (plunger, drivetrain)

Guards/shell panels that protect users from moving parts: drivetrain/belt cover, plunger-side cover, and any additional splash protection surfaces.

Introduction

The protective covers are the main shell panels within the Enclosure / shell subsystem. They prevent accidental contact with moving parts (belt/pulleys, plunger drive, moving peeler assemblies) and provide hygiene/splash containment during washdown. Covers are folded sheet metal with bracing so that overcentered hinges mount to stiff backing rather than directly to thin 2 mm sheet. Three coded lid safety switches integrate with the controls and electronics to interlock the machine when any cover is open.

Colour key & components

Protective covers and mounting hinges (CAD colours vary across figures).

Colour(s)	Component
—	Plunger cover — protects the core ejection (plungers + drive bracket). Must open to provide full internal access.
—	Drivetrain cover — covers belt/pulley and drivetrain moving parts; cleanable and water-protected.
—	Overcentered hinge mount — stiff bracing/backing plates so hinges are stable and repeatable.

Figures

Existing enclosure CAD views (reuse from `Enclosure-shell/images/`).

Figure 1. Enclosure covers — plunger-side access and drivetrain protection.

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Recommended figures (contractor clarity)

Add figure: Plunger cover open envelope — full operator access clearance (down/flip path).
Add figure: Belt guard seam — washdown-friendly joint vs drivetrain cover.
Add figure: Interlock switch placement — coded magnet target on each lid.

Discussion

Components

Drive belt/pulley cover — belt guard mounted to back structure; protects users from belt coming off.
Plunger-side cover — protects core ejection plungers; must open downwards or flip away so operators have full interior access when opened.
Drivetrain shell cover — covers the entire drivetrain/splash zone and provides splash containment.

Interfaces

Input: moving drivetrain and plunger assemblies; splash/juice environment.
Output: user-safe barrier + cleanable interior access when opened.
Mount: frame/side rails using overcentered hinge mounts and bracing backing plates.

Interfaces and tolerances

Covers must not collide with moving parts over the full machine stroke. Lid openings must preserve the operator's line of sight into the plunger/peeler service area.

Part	Interface / tolerance	Related
Plunger cover	Overcenter hinge geometry + clearance; opening direction must provide full access (no upward obstruction)	Core ejection
Drivetrain cover	Belt guard clearance + washdown routing; removable for maintenance	Drivetrain
Lid safety interlocks	Designed for coded magnet lid switches and latch state monitoring	Controls and electronics

Known issues & risks

Access obstruction — current upward-opening plunger cover blocks operator access; must be changed to downwards/flip-away open direction.
Hinge stiffness — hinges should mount to bracing/backing plates, not thin 2 mm sheet, to preserve repeatable open/closed position.

Questions for contractor

Propose a manufacturable cover approach (folded sheet + bracing) that maintains stiffness while meeting washdown cleanliness requirements.
Propose belt guard mounting and removal strategy that is safe, durable, and easy to inspect.
Confirm coded lid switch integration and latch geometry so lid open status is reliable.

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