Friction-increasing substances

[nayer247]

We're thinking of using a conveyor-system to move balls from the foor to the back and the the top of our robot. Is it legal to apply a friction-increasing substance, like rosin used by violinists on their bows, to the belts to help it grab the balls a bit more?

Thanks
Team 247

[EricH]

Will it damage the balls or leak onto the floor/anything else? If either is true, it's most likely illegal. If neither is true, then it would most likely be legal.

[aznkazoon]

As long as it doesn't affect the ground or the wheels, then your fine. The reason they say to not use other substances is so they can keep the playing field even.

[smurfgirl]

As long as it doesn't affect the ground or the wheels, then your fine. The reason they say to not use other substances is so they can keep the playing field even.

Like Eric said, it also has to stay off of the balls. If it affects any of the field elements, including game pieces, it will be deemed illegal.

[joek]

we're using a similar method, except with hooks, but we tried the method of using 2 belts to compress the ball slightly, and it provides enough friction on it's own... so a friction increasing substance is not needed

[Ozeaden]

i think using any kind of chemicals at all that will be a major use on your robot is illegal. wasnt there some rule that said that using any chemicals at all is prohibited? just use velcro or something. it works; my team tested it out and it was pretty good.

[EricH]

i think using any kind of chemicals at all that will be a major use on your robot is illegal. wasnt there some rule that said that using any chemicals at all is prohibited? just use velcro or something. it works; my team tested it out and it was pretty good.No, there isn't.

You are thinking of <R02-I>, which bans caustic chemicals.

Oh, and careful with the velcro: if you damage the balls, you'll have to think of an alternative.

<R34> governs lubricants (or, presumably, additives that could contaminate the field--might be a good idea to Q&A that).

[roboraven15]

have you ever consetered velcro? i dont know if thats legal but the rough side could grip ball well

[R.C.]

have you ever consetered velcro? i dont know if thats legal but the rough side could grip ball well

Pretty sure itz legal and no it does not hurt the ball. Make sure you dull the roughing side down a bit and slow rpms on the conveyors. Only advice there. Our whole system is velcro and our balls are in perfect shape, note to all teams.

-rc

[Andrew Y.]

depending on the material (rubber)

there is a spray used on RC tire compounds to make em stickier...i cant remember the name but your local hobby shop may know

[dpeterson3]

I wouldn't use rosin. I bowl, and I have seen rosin go everywhere. It will stick to the balls and most likely get on the floor. It doesn't stick well to any non-fabric materials, and it doesn't stick well to them either. It is designed for keeping hands dry/

[Bruceb]

What about pine tar like the big leagers use on their bats? Or some kind of friction tape or maybe belt ease?
Bruce

[MrForbes]

We found some spray on insulating rubber paint, designed for tool handles and such. Applied to ABS pipe (after sanding the pipe so it sticks better) it seems to do a great job of increase friction on the balls, and does not leave any residue like rosin would.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqXdL74tVzc

[Daniel_LaFleur]

What about pine tar like the big leagers use on their bats?

Pine tar is rosin

[RMiller]

wasnt there some rule that said that using any chemicals at all is prohibited?

I hope not. Everything is a chemical! :ahh:

[MrForbes]

<R02> prohibits this type of stuff:

E. Flammable gasses
F. Any devices intended to produce flames or pyrotechnics
G. Materials that off-gas noxious or toxic gasses
H. Materials that produce hazardous inhalable particles
I. Caustic chemicals
J. Hydraulic fluids or hydraulic components

There may be other rules that prohibit more stuff, please read them all and see!