Bumper Question
 

Our team 5145, a rookie team, has a bumper question. We received the AM14U drive-train kit and we are unsure if it is okay for our bumpers to come over the sides of our drive-train because they need to be 5 inches tall and our drive train is only 3 3/4 inches. So can the wood of the bumpers be wider than the frame's height. Also, the AM14U has a gap between the center frame and the outer frame that holds the wheels together. Is it okay that we do not have the wheel gap covered when the frame goes on because in the rules it says in R26 B. "the gap between the backing material and the frame must not be greater than 1/4in." So does the wheel gap not count as being backed? Any other tips on bumpers would also be appreciated.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Yes it is fine to have your bumpers extend over or hang below your frame as long as they are within the window of 2-10" from the floor. (R22)

The gap where the wheels are would have to be covered with bumpers because they are within 8" of a corner. (R26)

Basically use the corner of the robot as you frame perimeter. The inner frame doesn't count as your actual frame perimeter. The extensions where the wheels are housed is a part of your frame.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Thank you for the feedback. We do plan to cover the gap at the corners with the bumper, but the question is, do we need to have a metal backing behind the bumper where the gaps are?

Re: Bumper Question
 

No, the plywood will do just fine. However, you can put one in if you wish to.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Just to clarify slightly: The plywood is a required part of the bumper. However, aluminum angle is allowed per the bumper rules (not required); other stiffeners/backings would probably need to be part of the attachment system in order to be used.

Re: Bumper Question
 

You are allowed to have 'gaps' deeper than 1/4" in the supporting frame, as long as they are less than 8" long.

Remember the bumpers have to be supported at the ends (i.e., corners)...

Re: Bumper Question
 

Guys,
I think the OP is asking about the gap in the frame at the front and back of the robot. I suspect that the flange of the outer plate when used with the AM bumper kit satisfies the 1/2" rule for robot structure. This looks like a Q&A.

Re: Bumper Question
 

That's how I answered it, I don't think it makes much sense that FIRST would offer the kit robot with modifications necessary to make it legal to play. I agree that the flange on the outer plate having vertical mounting is to satisfy the 1/2" from the edge mounting.