bumpers, a problem?
 

problem with bumpers..
i saw that the center of the bumper is higher than the center of the ball, and that makes it possible that the bumpers will cuse the robot to roll over the ball and get it stuck underneath, if someone can explain this differently, i would appreciate it, cuz thats a big thing i see wrong

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I don't really see this as a problem.
From R35, last bullet point at bottom:
Even though what you said was right, the overlap is big enough, I think.

The bottom of the bumper, covered with smooth material (required in the bumper rule) should not catch the balls. I think it'll be low enough to not cause problems.

Just my take on it.
JBotAlan

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

The center is higher than the center of the ball, but the bumpers can extend all the way down to 2 & 1/2", so there shouldn't really be problems rolling over balls unless a team doesn't extend all the way down to that level, I would think.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

You're correct...if the center of the bumper is higher than the center of the ball, the ball will roll under the robot, causing 2 different scenarios...1)the ball will cause the wheels to come off the ground, hendering any type of movement 2) the ball will cause only the front wheels to come off the ground, but as the robot moves forward, the ball forces the back wheels off the ground, but at the same time the front wheels are lowered back onto the ground

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

the bumpers are designed so that balls will not go under, as well as impact reduction.
FIRST does not want ball around wheels or in chain and sprockets.
I can imagine a balls going under a robot, and a spray of foam pieces coming out the other side. oops.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I seriously doubt the fact that FIRST would overlook a problem that could destroy their equipment for all the competitions.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

If bumpers can be 2.5 inches off the ground, and the center of the ball is at 3.5 inches (7 inch diameter i believe)........I don't see there being any problems.

Besides, i'm pretty sure that you can have other non-bumper material below 2.5 inches.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

yes you can (otherwise we'd need hovercraft robots), but any non-bumper material must be within the original 28"x38" footprint

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

we were just thinking of going for the hovercraft design...

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

you know...i never checked to see if that was legal...good luck getting it to run off of the Exide! :p

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I like bumpers

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

If you had a hovercraft, could you fly above 5 feet? :p

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

Ok I'll bite, <R08> states "The robot may not exceed the 60-inch height restriction at any time during the match."


And on a non-rule point, getting a hovercraft more than a few inches off the ground is hard...5 feet is nearly impossible.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I think he's asking (jokingly of course) if you could make a 60" robot and then raise it a few inches with the hover-drive, thus breaking the limit...and the answer would be no, you can't

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

about the hover craft it would be almost impossible to steer. and when you are even bumped by another robot you would just start bouncing around the arena. you would not have the acceleration to stop you from bouncing around the arena :p