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2.5 Frame

Primary structure; design focus: stability, alignment, force transmission, smooth linear bearing operation, secure peeler mounting.

Overview

The frame is the primary structure of the P6 machine (see Figure 1, Figure 2). All other subsystems mount to it: drivetrain, plunger/juice collection, intake/peelers, outflow, and CIP. It must provide a stable, repeatable base so that:

Repeatable alignment is achieved with dowels and H7 drill/ream holes in the side rails.

Key interfaces: Main frame (#26C16A) → drivetrain mount plate (#9075CD); main frame → transmission mount plate (#B341C3); main frame → loaded mount plate (#34E682, collection assembly). All three plates are mounted from the top onto the frame and side rails. Leveling: 6111K669 M24 100 mm Swivel Leveling Mount (McMaster) on M24 tapped endplates at bottom of legs (Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7). Enclosure/shell: Enclosure-shell.

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).

Figure key (CAD colour coding)

Colour (hex)Component
#26C16AMain frame
#34E682Loaded mount plate (collection assembly; static side of extraction)
#B341C3Transmission mount plate (yoke, two 35 mm shafts, two LMK35UU linear bearings)
#9075CDDrivetrain mount plate (gears, housed tapered roller bearings, reducer spacer, Sumitomo reducer)
#FFD6916111K669 M24 100 mm Swivel Leveling Mount (McMaster), M24 tapped endplates on legs

CAD views. Refer to figures in the text as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.

Isometric — main frame, three plates, leveling mounts
Figure 1. Isometric — main frame, three interface plates, leveling mounts.
Top-down — three loaded interfaces on side rails
Figure 2. Top-down — loaded (#34E682), transmission (#B341C3), drivetrain (#9075CD) mount plates.
Isometric alternate view
Figure 3. Isometric alternate.
Perspective view
Figure 4. Perspective view.
Front — six legs, six leveling mounts
Figure 5. Front/angled — six legs, six leveling mounts; loaded plate (left), transmission plate (right).
Right side — frame, feet, loaded and transmission plates
Figure 6. Right side — leveling mounts, loaded plate (left), transmission plate (right).
Side — all three plates, six feet
Figure 7. Side — loaded (left), transmission (centre), drivetrain (right); six feet.

Components

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.

Assembly steps

  1. Adjust the frame to be flat by increasing the height of the six feet.
  2. Mount the plates to the frame and add shims where needed so plates and brackets are flush to the frame.
  3. Fasten the plate to the frame with bolts.
  4. Drill and ream H7 holes through the three plates and into the side rails for repeatable alignment.
  5. Unfasten bolts; build subassemblies; reassemble onto the frame using the drilled holes as reference.

Frame.md (source)