I think this could work.
But, there are right and wrong ways of doing this. If it were me, I'd design it so that sliding forces (in all directions in the plane of the backing) are resisted by some sort of edges—for example, if the magnets are recessed into the frame, and the bumper backing has steel plates that stick out slightly and fit snugly into the recesses. I'd also spread those points of contact so that pushing on the top edge can't lever the bumper away at the bottom edge. Finally, I'd pick very strong magnets. Not too strong that they can hurt you (much), but strong enough that you can't pull it apart by hand. Then I'd devise some sort of lever action or sliding mechanism to disengage the magnets from within the frame. (For example: pull a tab to slide the magnets upward and out of the recesses, then the bumper falls off. Another example: design cams that push
really hard on the bumper backing, using some sort of suitable mechanical advantage. It might look strange if you have to pull out an
extra-large Allen key to take your bumpers off, but it will be worth it.)
As for your proposed size of magnet, you should do the calculations (and have those calculations handy at inspection). With enough of those (my gut feeling without doing the math is 16 to 24 per side), this could work.
The standard in the rules is "a rigid fastening system [that forms] a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop or tie-wraps)...[which is] designed to withstand vigorous game play." I don't think that categorically excludes magnets.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryVoshol
But I'm not an inspector.
|
You (as a referee) could always invoke T07 to enforce a robot rule, especially if the bumper is clearly not up to the job during gameplay.