Re: [DFTF] Bumper Tips...
 

Sorry if this has been mentioned, but during assembly, we'll usually put a dab (technical measurement :P) or two of hot glue on each pool noodle to hold them in place. Really makes wrapping them much easier.

As far as attachment, we've been using the same Quick Release Pins (Similar to McMaster P/N 92384A034) for two or three years. They're a bit expensive, but work really well for us. Depending on robot weight, we'll attach the pins to the frame with a piece of string to keep them from getting lost - unless we need those precious few ounces.

Re: [DFTF] Bumper Tips...
 

Gerri,
Those of us who are writing, are doing so from our shared experience as inspectors. We have seen teams modify the bumpers with things like 3/4 steel rod, tape to constrict pool noodles to 1" in diameter or less, every kind of fabric you can think of including a couple of pairs of Levi's cut up, and recently every shade of blue and red you can think of. Please remember that the bumper design, for what it is, is intended to minimize robot to robot damage. Those who instituted the rule(s) believe they are working very well when built as specified.

Re: [DFTF] Bumper Tips...
 

We have used 1/4" Hole Grip Cleco clamps to hold our bumpers on for past three years. They work extremely well. You will need Cleco pliers as well to remove the Clecos.


We attach a small piece of aluminum angle to the bumper. The angle has a 1/4" hole drilled to match the KOP chassis frame holes.

In the past we have made two sets of bumpers.

Re: [DFTF] Bumper Tips...
 

This is a good idea, but I will add a word of warning. Depending on exactly what your noodle is made of and how zealous the student is, it can be very easy to melt sizable chunks out of the noodle.

Re: [DFTF] Bumper Tips...
 

On making a one-piece bumper which you will slip down over the frame: It depends on what the rest of your robot is like. It might not be that easy to slide it down past everything. Yes, the Frame Perimeter in the Bumper Zone must be the largest horizontal extent of your Robot, but that doesn't mean it will slip on easily. Maybe compromise, and have 2 parts?

Bumper skirts won't work as well this year if you intend to have less than 100% bumper coverage.

We too have used spots of hot glue to stabilize the noodles while we are stretching the fabric over them.

Past rules and/or interpretations have stated that bumpers can be made only of plywood, noodles, fabric, fasteners and optional angle aluminum. I haven't extensively studied the 2 pages of bumper Q&A to see if that applies this year.