Trailer Hitch
 

Hey does anyone know if we can use any perimeter edge of the robot as the trailer hitch mount?

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

<R18>
To attach the TRAILER to the ROBOT, TEAMS must use a Trailer Hitch constructed from materials provided in the 2009 Kit Of Parts. Details on the construction of the Trailer Hitch are provided in Drawing “GE-09040.”
A.
The Trailer Hitch is composed of the “Trailer Spacer” (Part 2 in the referenced drawing) and the “Trailer Mount Bar” (Part 3 in the referenced drawing). The Trailer Spacer is a 7-inch length of square steel tubing provided in the Kit Of Parts. The Trailer Mount Bar is a 7-inch length of robot chassis material (C-channel) to be cut from the provided KOP chassis material.
B.
The Trailer Hitch must be rigidly attached to a fixed location on the ROBOT, with the long dimension of the Trailer Hitch horizontal and the opening of the C-channel facing away from the ROBOT. The horizontal center line of the Trailer Hitch must be 2-13/16 inches above the floor.
C.
The Trailer Hitch must be positioned so that the TRAILER may be locked in place with a standard 1/4– inch diameter hitch pin (McMaster-Carr part number 98416A009). During a competition MATCH, this hitch pin will be provided with the TRAILER as part of the ARENA equipment. See Figure 8-5.
Figure

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

The rule manual has all the wonderful answer you seek.


Also, there's no need to make two threads with the same question. Welcome to CD, and I suggest you take some time to read the FAQ before you start posting around.

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

No they haven't announce that yet...=/....my mentors and everyone was also talking about that. They said hopefully they update the rules this week so "everyone" won't lost time building there robots. ><! These stuff is going insane! :(

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

As long as the hitch is rigidly mounted to the outside edge frame and is the proper height and meets the "swing" requirements of the goal (bumper-bumper contact) the mount should be legal. Using a long or wide chassis configuration should be fine.

The only question that needs refinement is the definition of an outside edge.

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

Does the hitch need to be with in the 28 x 38 size, or is it an add on, like the bumpers?

The drawings show it as an add on, but the text does not say one way or the other.

I will post in the Q&A when available, but ask it here in case we have missed this somewhere in the rules.

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

Chris, when you post your question about the trailer hitch being included in the 28x38, also ask if it is included in the Bumper Perimeter. (I'd ask, but I'm not with a team this year so I won't have access.)

Re: Trailer Hitch
 

I glad to learn that you'll be posting that question, Chris.

Imagine the delays at the inspection station, while inspectors wait for teams to remove trailer hitches from their robots so they can be checked for size. Rules require that bumper removal be quick (10 minutes work by one person per <R08>F.) but there is no such requirement for removing trailer hitches.