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Feeder body

Part of the Fruit intake system section. Feeder body + lid/shell that supports modular feeding subassemblies and enables access and washdown.

Introduction

The feeder body is the structural “shell” that supports the per-station feeding subassemblies and entry tubes. It is designed to open on a hinge for access and cleaning. It also provides splash control so juice and cleaning spray stay inside the extraction zone and drain toward disposal.

Colour key & components

Key elements and intent (colours may vary across CAD figures).

Colour(s)	Component
—	Feeder body / shell — sheet-metal enclosure that supports feeding subassemblies and creates splash containment.
—	Top lid — concept: ~2 mm sheet steel lid panel; mounts to hinge and bracing; provides access for service/CIP.
—	Brace / bracing — structural reinforcement to prevent lid buckling and distribute hinge loads; design still TBD (folded vs welded ribs/stiffeners).
—	Feeding-subassembly cutouts — diagonal cutouts/ports where feeding subassembly mount plates sit; intended to be modular (riveted) for iteration.

Figures

Feeder body context is shown in the Fruit intake system main gallery. Add dedicated closeups here later.

Add figure: lid/shelf lip geometry showing how the lid overhangs into the extraction zone to keep spray inside.
Add figure: hinge mounting area and bracing concept (to avoid hinging loads on thin 2 mm sheet).
Add figure: feeding-subassembly mount plate cutouts and rivet pattern (modular swap concept).

Discussion

Rough design & intent

Purpose — Provide a rigid, cleanable housing for the fruit intake mechanism while allowing rapid access for maintenance and CIP/washdown.
Modularity — Feeding subassemblies (mount plate + tubes + sync spring) are designed to be built as a module, then riveted onto the feeder body. Tubes can be swapped by drilling out rivets as the design evolves.

Known issues & risks

Splash containment — Lid and “shelf lip” geometry must keep juice/spray inside the extraction zone. The lid should overhang inward so upward spray drains back into the extraction/disposal region rather than escaping to outer walls.
Bracing/hinge loads — The lid is thin sheet (concept ~2 mm). Hinge mounts must land on reinforced bracing, not directly on thin sheet, to avoid tear-out and buckling.
Edge safety — All cut edges must be deburred/hemmed so operators are not cut during seasonal teardown/cleaning.

DFM & manufacturing (China)

Sheet metal process — Contractor to propose fold vs weld strategy for the shell and bracing. Prefer folded hems and continuous seams where possible in splash zones.
Rivets vs welded studs — Riveted modular mounts are acceptable for iteration; contractor may propose better hygienic fastening (studs outside splash zone, weld studs, etc.) for production-ready design.

Questions for contractor

Propose the feeder shell fabrication method (folded sheet vs welded) that achieves stiffness and good hygiene (no pockets, good drainage) with China-available processes.
Propose a hinge + bracing design that distributes loads safely into the shell without local buckling/tear-out.
Review the lid lip/overhang geometry to ensure spray containment and drainage into the extraction zone.

Interfaces

Input: Fruit enters via entry tubes from upstream sorter/lines.
Output: One fruit per cycle dropped into extraction & synchronisation fruit support.
Mount: Feeding subassemblies rivet/bolt onto feeder body. Feeder body hinges open for access.

Interfaces and tolerances

Key interfaces (tolerances TBD; contractor to propose).

Part	Interface / tolerance	Related
Feeding subassembly mount	Modular plate riveted to shell; intended to be replaceable for design iterations	Feeding subassembly
Feeder hinge	Hinge mounts to reinforced bracing (not thin sheet); must support repeated open/close cycles	Enclosure / shell
Lid lip/overhang	Must overhang into extraction zone to keep spray/juice contained and draining inward	Extraction & synchronisation

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