Clarification on bumper rule...
 

We are thinking of designing a system where we could raise and lower our wheels, which would intern raise and lower the body of the robot. The question came up with the rule of the Bumper Zone being 10" to 16" off the floor.

If the bumpers are located on the fame of the robot and the robot's frame raises or lowers more than 1/2 inch, the bumper would be outside of the bumper zone. Is this a violation of the rule if we are doing it to go through the tunnel or over the bumps?

To whom or how would we submit this question for a "formal ruling"?

Thanks for the input

Re: Clarification on bumper rule...
 

RTM.

FIRST Q & A

Re: Clarification on bumper rule...
 

R07> Teams are required to use BUMPERS on their ROBOTS.

To achieve this, BUMPERS must be constructed as described below and illustrated in Figure 8 – 1.
A. BUMPERS must provide complete protection of the entire FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT (i.e. BUMPERS must wrap entirely around the ROBOT). The BUMPERS must be located entirely within the BUMPER ZONE when the ROBOT is standing normally on a flat floor, and must remain there (i.e. the BUMPERS must not be articulated or designed to move outside of the BUMPER ZONE).

That kind of says it all for your idea. The safest thing is still to post in the Q&A. The GDC is the only body that make an official ruling. It is better to be safe than sorry.