This question seems a little related to this thread:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=110475
In particular, look at Al's post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
I think that Jon is on the right track. With an infinite number of exterior corners, and a bumper that completely surrounds the circular robot, it would be impossible for an inspector to state the the rule is not satisfied. An inspector would not be able to determine where one starts and the other ends. Backing into the description, if the bumper surrounds the robot it must be completely protecting the frame perimeter regardless of corners.
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Personally, I can see this going either way. As you and Al said, having bumpers completely surrounding the robot really does meet the intent of the rules. However, it all comes down to how a bumper segment is defined - does a segment end at a corner, meaning for 8" of protection you need an 8" straight piece of wood with pool noodles and fabric? Or can a segment wrap around a convex protrusion of the frame perimeter, continuing on past it?
I would recommend asking your question on the Q&A when it opens today, assuming this is a design direction you're aiming for.
A related question: How is the corner of the robot defined, for these purposes? For example, a lot of teams assemble the KitBot chassis with a 1"x1" gap in the corners - the C-channel doesn't completely fill the corner from either side. Does this mean you technically have an octagonal robot, or does the intent of the design, being a 4-sided robot, allow you to have 4 straight bumpers with those small holes in the corners between the bumper backing material and the frame?