Bumper Questions

[Animal Control]

If you have a small ramp over the bumper would that be in violation if it is in the 20 in. area?

[EricH]

The rules are written such that you have to have the bumpers, but there is no prohibition on anything going over the bumpers and down to the floor.

[Animal Control]

Thank you that will help us with are picking up design.

[Design006]

Another solid question came up too about adding an adhesive wax to the cloth of the bumpers. Thoughts?

[Tuba4]

Remember, your ramp would have to be inside the frame perimeter at the start of the match. After that, just inside the 20" extension limit. As far as adhesive goes....it is prohibited on wheels. Can not leave residue on the carpet. I suspect the answer to having adhesive on the bumpers would follow the same logic. Can't leave residue on the balls or other robots.

[EricH]

Another solid question came up too about adding an adhesive wax to the cloth of the bumpers. Thoughts?

I would say NO. There are a couple of ways I could do this; the most obvious is that bumpers are to be constructed per R21 (including images), which does NOT say anything about modifying the fabric. I could also try to invoke R17, which specifically refers to lubricants not contaminating the field/other robots, but that would depend on the exact purpose of the wax. (Note that in such a case, I'd feel a lot safer if someone had asked Q&A about it and been turned down.)

On the other hand, the only restriction on the cloth is that it be both rugged and smooth. If you found cloth that was rugged, smooth, and somewhat sticky or slippery to boot, I don't think I'd have any problem passing your bumpers.

[DonRotolo]

If you want to use adhesive to stick the cloth to the wood or pool noodles, that will likely not be strong enough. Does depend on the cloth and the adhesive though. From my view, some staples would be better.

[RRLedford]

If you want to use adhesive to stick the cloth to the wood or pool noodles, that will likely not be strong enough. Does depend on the cloth and the adhesive though. From my view, some staples would be better.

Shoe goo urethane adhesive will hold fabric stronger than almost anything, but needs 24HR to dry, so staples needed to keep fabric in place initially while glue dries.

-Dick Ledford

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I assumed from your question that you are asking to use the wax on the outside of your bumpers to assist in ball pickup. That should be a Q&A but I suspect the answer would be NO.