Loads and load paths(with content) — reaction loads, load paths to floor, frame CAD figures gallery.
Introduction
Primary structure; design focus: stability, alignment, force transmission, smooth linear bearing operation, secure peeler mounting. All subsystems mount to it. Three plates (loaded, transmission, drivetrain) mount from top onto frame and side rails; alignment via dowels and H7. Leveling: 6111K669 M24 100 mm Swivel Leveling Mount (McMaster) on M24 endplates at legs.
Colour key & figures (how subassemblies fit together)
Assembly steps and subsystem closeups. The exploded top-level assembly slideshow is on Project overview. One colour key below applies to all figures in this section.
Colour key (all figures)
CAD colour key for the top-level assembly. Each subsystem links to its RFP section.
This is a top-down assembly workflow that is intended to be repeatable after service/seasonal teardown.
Start by setting the frame height using the leveling mounts, then shim and locate the three main interfacing mount plates on the frame rails (loaded/collection mount plate, transmission mount plate, and drivetrain mount plate) using dowels/locating pins (H7 concept) and shims for flatness; then fasten with bolts (Figure 1).
Next, mount the yoke and the extraction/synchronisation system onto the drivetrain/transmission shafts (Figure 2), then lower the plunger drive system between the two plates and connect it to the yoke and plunger drive bracket/rods (Figures 3 and 4).
Finally, mount the overcentered hinge-based covers/shelves and attach the feeder from the top (Figure 5), ensuring latch/interlock alignment and collision-free clearances.
For re-assembly repeatability, peeler and shaft alignment should be established once (adjust → lock), then maintained via an align-then-drill/ream + dowel/shoulder-bolt indexing strategy so the system can be rebuilt without losing concentricity.
Figure A1. Step 1 — three main interface plates on the frame.
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Subsystem closeups
Close-ups of interfaces between core subsystems. Figures C1–C8.
Figure C1. Core ejection / collection interface.
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Discussion
Details (from RFP draft)
Main frame: 80×80×5 GB/T square tubes as main load-bearing members; #8 C-brackets for supporting members; all fully welded. Leveling: 6111K669 M24 100 mm Swivel Leveling Mounts (McMaster) on M24 tapped endplates at bottom of frame legs (six feet). Side rails with square holes for dowels; bolts and nuts secure bodies to cross beams.
Detail and interfaces are owner-provided; final tolerancing and assembly are for contractors. See Questions for RFP to flush out parameters per subsystem and subassembly.
Rough design & intent
Status — Preliminary CAD exists (current height). Not released for fabrication; contractors are expected to propose DFM and tolerance/assembly improvements.
What the frame must do — Provide a stable, repeatable datum structure so drivetrain, transmission, extraction, and collection can be aligned and reassembled without loss of timing or bearing life.
Top interfaces — Three main mount plates (loaded/collection, transmission, drivetrain) mount from the top onto the frame side rails. Current concept includes dowels (H7) + shims; contractor may propose improved adjustment/locating strategy to manage weld distortion.
Known issues & risks
Weld distortion / flatness — Risk that the as-welded top interface surfaces are not flush/flat. Adjustable leveling feet exist, but plate-to-rail interface adjustability and/or shimming is expected to compensate for local distortion.
Alignment repeatability — Repeatable alignment after service is critical. The extraction module (driven peelers) must align concentrically with the collection-side peelers; misalignment risks collision and accelerated wear.
Under-machine clearance (3rd-party augers) — The machine is planned to sit on an elevated platform, so augers can be located underneath and the exact floor clearance is not a primary constraint. Still, for smaller pilot plants, extra clearance beneath the frame can be beneficial for auger installation/removal and service access; contractor to consider.
Collection area cover / user access — Current upward-opening plunger/collection lid blocks operator access close to the front. Alternate lid/hinge/cover approach may require changes to rail overhang and mounting features near the collection side.
DFM & manufacturing (China)
Weld + fixture plan — Provide recommended jigging and weld sequence to control distortion and achieve practical flatness/squareness at plate interfaces.
Post-weld machining vs adjustable interfaces — Recommend whether to machine pads/rails after welding, or instead use adjustable/shimmable plate interfaces to meet alignment requirements.
Member selection — Confirm local availability of 80×80×5 GB/T tube and GB/T #8 C-channel/C-brackets; propose equivalents if better for stiffness, distortion control, or fabrication simplicity.
Surface treatment — Frame is exposed to vapors/cleaning agents but is outside the main extraction chamber. Recommend a practical corrosion-resistant finish for this environment.
Optimizations sought
Repeatable assembly — A robust "align once, then dowel/ream" plan for mount plates and peeler datums.
Serviceability — Easy removal/reinstall of subsystems without re-shimming or re-alignment where possible.
Distortion tolerance — Reduce sensitivity to weld flatness via interface design and datums.
Operator access — Improve collection-area cover/lid concept so operators can stand close to the machine front.
Questions for contractor
Propose a weld sequence + fixture/jig approach to control distortion and hit practical flatness/squareness targets at the plate interfaces.
Recommend the datum scheme and locating strategy (dowels/H7, shims, adjustable mounts, machined pads) to ensure repeatable alignment after service removal.
Should we expect post-weld machining (and where), or can we avoid it with adjustable/shimmable interfaces? Provide trade-offs.
Recommend member/cross-bracing choices (GB/T #8 C-channel or alternatives) that are common in China and improve stiffness/distortion performance.
Propose a clearance strategy for third-party peel/core augers under the peel chute (envelope definition, adjustable height, removable/relocated lower cross-member, etc.).
Propose a collection-area cover/lid mounting concept that improves operator access while maintaining safety and stiffness.
Supply chain & alternates
Leveling mounts — Current spec: McMaster 6111K669 M24. Contractor to propose China-available equivalents if acceptable.
Profiles and plates — Prefer common GB/ISO profiles and stock sizes; propose equivalents where they reduce lead time or fabrication complexity.
Expected deliverables & acceptance
Deliverables — Updated weldment drawing pack (weld callouts), datum scheme, tolerance targets, recommended inspection checks, and an assembly/alignment/dowelization procedure for repeatable rebuilds.
Acceptance — Three mount plates can be aligned and remain aligned under operating loads; extraction-to-collection peeler alignment is repeatable after disassembly/reassembly; joints do not slip/fret under cyclic vibration/loads.
Design principles
These principles guide frame design and any changes to the current configuration.
Principle
Description
Stability
Resist deflection under operating loads so alignment and timing are maintained. Stiffness of the welded structure and plate interfaces is critical.
Alignment
The three main interfaces (drivetrain, transmission, loaded mount plates) shall be located and oriented so drive shafts, bearings, and peelers align to design intent. Dowels and H7 holes provide repeatable alignment after disassembly.
Force transmission
Reaction forces from drivetrain and plunger shall be carried through the frame into the floor without local distortion. Load paths clear; joints adequate.
Repeatability
Plates and brackets removable and remountable without loss of alignment. H7 holes and dowels define the datum; shims for fit-up.
Serviceability
Subassemblies removable and reinstallable for maintenance. No permanent "fit once" alignment.
Manufacturability
Materials, weldability, and assembly sequence achievable by the fabrication partner (e.g. Sean/YES).
