Bungee Cables on Robot
 

Are we allowed to attach bungee cords around the edge of the robot, to shield off balls from our undercarriage?

Obviously the bungee cables cannot go outside the bounds of the robot/bumper, but if we run them just outside the robot, we can make sure soccer balls are not trapped underneath our robot (it is on the KOP risers). We would just have the bungee cables hooked taut into holes drilled into the chassis...

Thanks.

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

There is no rule that I am aware of that forbids this.

Just make sure the bungees won't be able to fall out.

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

Is it an issue if the bungee/surgical tubing rubs along the carpet while the robot climbs the bump?

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

There is no rule that I know of preventing that.

The only rule that I remember is about traction devices and floor damage.

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

As described, "just outside the robot" sounds illegal. They can not be outside the "frame perimeter".

JMHO,

Mike

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

bungie cables are springy, and have alot of "give"
May I suggest pneumatic tubing?
My team is using pneumatic tubing (2 strands of it at varying heights) to keep balls out from under our robot.
It has alot less "give" and pushes the balls straight back out with no problem...
It is also slightly stretchy, so even putting it about 4 inches off the floor (like we have on our robot) it can still negotiate the bump with no friction to hold it back, and they spring right back into place.
Use a "G" sized drill bit to drill through what you want to mount it to, then use a #10 bolt (about a 3/4 inch length) and a nice washer to keep it from going back through the hole...

the #10 bolts work beautifully on pneumatic tubing, and form an almost indestructible bond when threaded all the way into the tube...

this is just my $0.02 suggestion

we were testing the "impenetrability" of the undercarriage of our robot, and one of the members threw the ball at the side of the bot, and the tubing threw it straight back at him with ehough force to knock the glasses right off his face lol
and it did not even break the 3" plane rule :)

Re: Bungee Cables on Robot
 

WW,
Your concerns are founded in that the bungies could be dragged outside the FRAME and are not interacting with the ball. The two second rule applies to ball interaction. However, a team must also insure they are not in possession of more than one ball at a time.
Choose wisely!