Bumper problems....
 

Hello from 288/216 Robodawgs and Robodawgs II

We are having some bumper problems on our 216 robot. one of the sides we need to cover is only 4 inches long. The rules have been interperated in multiple ways, and we don't know how this one will work. we have our first competition at Traverse City in less than a day, and we dont know how to get the bumpers on.

The ides:
Put the bumpers on vertically (dont think this will work)

Extend the bar into the gap, block part of our opening, but have legal bumpers (would work, but limit our ball collecting)

Wrap the bumpers around corners to leave the pool noodles longer than 6 in. (Is it the plywood or the noodle that has to be more than 6 in?)

Any other ideas?

Re: Bumper problems....
 

"Hard" part of the bumper needs to be at least 6 inches long. Your second option seems the most realistic without any other knowledge of the geometry of your robot.

Re: Bumper problems....
 

1. No, not allowed
2. Yes, probably your only option
3. No, doesn't count towards the 6 inches.

So unless you redesign, you'll have to go with option 2. Sorry. :(

Good luck in your regional this weekend!

Steve

Re: Bumper problems....
 

As far as limiting your geometry with the second option, check out the Section 8 examples in Team Update #2. You ARE limited already.

This year, the bumper rules were extremely specific, with very little room for interpretation.

Re: Bumper problems....
 

The hard part of the bumper has to be fully supported (in the manual) so it doesn't seem like any of those 3 options will work.
If you have 2/3 of the robot covered and a bumper will make first contact with the wall when driving forward you would not need a bumper on that section.. can't really say more having not seen the robot.

Re: Bumper problems....
 

If they extend the bar (option 2) and extend the bumper, and the bar is properly braced, which is easy to do, that option will be fully legal unless some other rule is broken in the process.

Re: Bumper problems....
 

Thanks Eric... I posted as I was on my way out the door for class and thought of this after the fact. Good catch.