Cutting Notches into Bumpers

[1757]

Our team is running into an issue with bolt heads interfering with the bumpers. The bolt heads hitting the bumpers are on a mechanism that moves. We look through the rules and there is no clear rule against cutting notches into the bumpers so the bolt heads will not be stopped and the mechanism will be able to move to its full capacity. Do you think that this will be allowed?

[Qbot2640]

A picture would help explain what you're talking about...but:

If your are talking about adding a recess to the wood backing that will surround a bolt head but will not change the shape of the soft part of the bumper, then I believe you will be ok. The rules do allow for bolt head protrusions.

If you are talking about cutting a section the whole way through your bumper (such that the pool noodle and cloth are also affected) then I believe this will be disallowed. In 2012 we had notches to allow our bridge pushing arms to come down far enough...there was more than the specified 8" on each side of the notch, never the less - we had to rebuild our bumpers before we passed inspection. Further, our team number was in the center and we didn't have any way to paint new numbers, so we had to re-manufacture the middle portion just to display the numbers. Point of the story - make it right before competition so you don't spend time fixing something when you should be playing practice matches.

[EricH]

I summon... The Q&A!

Q338 (https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/Question/338/our-bumper-is-39x5-in-a-kicker-device-interferes-with-the-bumper-can-we-cut-a-6x1-in-rectangle-out-of-our-bumper-to-allow-room-for-kicker-while-still-attaching-full-bumper-if-not-do-you-have-any-r)

As long as you have 8" of coverage from any given corner of the Frame Perimeter, you ought to be OK, but I would advise cutting all the way through the bumper if you go that route. Saves some hassle even if it is eventually ruled legal.

[jvriezen]

I summon... The Q&A!

Q338 (https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/Question/338/our-bumper-is-39x5-in-a-kicker-device-interferes-with-the-bumper-can-we-cut-a-6x1-in-rectangle-out-of-our-bumper-to-allow-room-for-kicker-while-still-attaching-full-bumper-if-not-do-you-have-any-r)

As long as you have 8" of coverage from any given corner of the Frame Perimeter, you ought to be OK, but I would advise cutting all the way through the bumper if you go that route. Saves some hassle even if it is eventually ruled legal.

As an inspector, I would read that Q&A answer as indicating that you can't cut a 6x1" rectangle out of your bumper backing. i.e. "No"

From the OP info given, I'm thinking it would also likely be no, but more information *might* persuade me otherwise.

[Qcom]

We use a Spade or Forstner bit to cut holes slightly larger than the hardware diameter - works like a charm!

[Mr V]

Are you considering creating a simple round recess for the bolt head on the back side of the bumper for a bolt head that protrudes 1/4" or less from the frame perimeter? If that is the case then yes it would be legal.

If you are planning on cutting a slot for the bolt head to move through in the back of the bumper then I'd say that the answer is likely no but you have to ask the Q&A for an official ruling.

If you are planning on cutting a notch on the edge of the bumper then no that would not be legal.