Hydraulics

[ticoloco12]

Hey guys,

According to the rules, <R02>, we are prohibited from using any hydraulic fluids or hydraulic components. Now I know what hydraulics systems are ussually, but what would define a hydraulic fluid? any fluid? would this prohibit silicone? Are completly sealed non powered shocks out of the question? are there any dampers you guys can think of that would be safe to implement instead of hoping for a judgement call to go or way?

[EricH]

Closed-loop gas shocks are still in the picture, as far as I know.

Use of hydraulics is pretty much strictly prohibited, partly because of a relatively high risk of contaminating the field if something goes wrong.

[maltz1881]

Has anybody found the link to Bimba this year? We found them in the rules but usually it is in the form of a link to the order form.

[Mark McLeod]

You can order your team's free Bimba actuators here: http://www.bimba.com/FirstFree.aspx

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Will,
As pointed out, gas shocks are legal but fluid filled shocks are not. If you think about the reason behind such a rule, it is easy to see why. Any spilled fluid on the playing field will either severely delay play or stop play until the carpet can be replaced. In many venues, the game plays on a basketball court which would be damaged by spilled fluids of almost any kind, silicone or water included.

[dlavery]

From this entry (http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13812) in the official Q&A:
Q: Would an oil filled shock absorber violate the prohibition on hydraulics?

A: Absolutely. Hydraulic systems of any type are explicitly prohibited by Rule <R02>.