Re: pool noodles
 

Isn't this against the rules?

Re: pool noodles
 

Not any more. Bumpers aren't considered part of the robot (in 2014) and the (2014) rules against reusing fabricated parts don't apply to them.

Re: pool noodles
 

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

You can cannibalize parts. Reusing the pool noodle is ok.

Re: pool noodles
 

If we are able to buy from local pool supply store in Michigan during peak winter, they will be available in other states too! BTW swimming is not just summer activity! Grocery and big chain stores keep seasonal products, but pool supply stores keep them all year round.

Re: pool noodles
 

Our team's policy at the competition is to disclose anything that is remotely questionable to the inspectors at the time of inspection, allowing us time to fix it if they are going to object.

Last year, we had this on our robot, and specifically pointed it out to the inspectors with a discussion of how the rules applied. It created a bit of consternation, but ultimately was allowed based on how we were using it.

The worst time to find that a part is disallowed is when your bumper comes apart during the competition, revealing 20lb of air entrained concrete :rolleyes:. No time to remediate.

Re: pool noodles
 

The pink noodles are superior...and even though you can't see them, just knowing they are pink gives you a competitive advantage. Your scouts should be telling other teams that there are pink noodles in those bumpers.

Re: pool noodles
 

I have heard of an over zealous inspector taking a knife to a team's bumpers to check what's inside :ahh:

Re: pool noodles
 

Kevin,
An inspector should not cut or damage your bumper in any way.
Bumpers do not need to be made new each year and are not part of the with holding allowance under R18 2014 rules, (and forever, I hope). You're welcome.

Re: pool noodles
 

Why promote not following the rules, when the rules have been very clear in the past and easy to follow regarding bumpers? ::rtm::

If you don't have access to pool noodles in person, then order them online.

Re: pool noodles
 

I would say no, you cannot fill the hollow with Great Stuff. A pool noodle is a pool noodle and is legal for use on a FRC Robot (under previous years rules. My ruling would be a pool noodle filled with Great Stuff is not in line with the rules.

Re: pool noodles
 

I should have added (thanks Dana) that if the two noodles do not feel the same, we will want to know why.

Re: pool noodles
 

When the rules say "plywood, or solid, robust wood", it is pretty clear you can't use a metal plate.

"pool noodle" is more a description than a specification (such as wood). A "pool noodle" is generally accepted to be a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam. So, if someone wants to use a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam, that is not sold as a "pool noodle", then why not?

Similarly, if company XYZ sells a "pool noodle" made of a synthetic cork compound that floats, is it not allowed because it is not polyethylene foam?

Since Industrial Thermal Polymers invented the "pool noodle" 30 years ago, is their official "pool noodle" the only pool noodle that can be used (literal interpretation), or can anything that functions like a "pool noodle" be used?

Re: pool noodles
 

I can definitely see this reasoning, but to follow on from another comment above, apparently we can use solid noodles...so do I have to only use solids with solids and hollow-with-hollows, or can I put a hollow above and a solid below.

And would the wedge-effect I've imagined really be anything or is this just wishful thinking?

As for pink working better, yeah, I knew that. That's it. Yeah, I knew.

Re: pool noodles
 

Here's the training video for inspectors on checking the feel of the bumpers, for everyone's reference.

Re: pool noodles
 

If they suspect there is something that isn't right, they won't disassemble the bumpers.

They'll make you disassemble the bumpers until they're satisfied that you aren't hiding a steel rod inside hollow pool noodles or some similar stunt. Often that would be one or both ends, not the whole thing.