Pool noodles around the edges
 

Hey I had a few question about the pool noodles...

1. They are allowed to go over the size limit?
2. If so than how are they allowed to be attached?
3. Can they be bolted on (do bolts count for size), or do you think zipties are better?
4. Do we really need them anyway?

If you could answer back in the same format I asked in then that would be great.

Re: Pool noodles around the edges
 

This is answered in <R35>, found on page 11 here.

Re: Pool noodles around the edges
 

Heh ya I know, I read it. It doesn't answer it that well.

Re: Pool noodles around the edges
 

OK.

My team's experience has been that bumpers are generally a good idea; they have allowed us to use pit time for improvements rather than repairing damage between matches.

This year's bumper rule <R35> differs from the rules in previous years. The new rule basically says you have two options if you want to use bumpers: (1) design them per the figure shown at the bottom of page 11 in <R35>, in which case they are allowed to extend past the 28" x 38" sizing box limit and their weight doesn't count toward the 120 lb. maximum, or (2) use any other bumper design you want, in which case the bumpers must stay within the 28" x 38" sizing box limit and their weight does count toward the 120 lb. maximum.

My opinion is that using the <R35> bumper design will give most robots that do so advantages in traction and protection. My team (931) is using <R35> bumpers. We will be attaching them with bolts as shown in the figure.

If you decide to go with non-<R35> bumpers then attaching them with cable ties, velcro, or double-sided sticky foam would save weight, but wrapping them in cloth and securing the cloth with screws through washers or through strips of metal will be more robust.

Re: Pool noodles around the edges
 

Ok thanks that helped alot.

Re: Pool noodles around the edges
 

I can answer for #4, we had our scrimmage and our robot is free of major damage, but the bumpers took a beating. If we hadn't had bumpers , our robot would be dead.