Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave McLaughlin
For the last few seasons 1983 has recessed our bumper backing into the frame and then pop riveted through the top and bottom to secure it. We think that the end result is not only aesthetically clean, but it adds to the structure of the frame. The recess is created by extending the upper and lower sheer panels past the vertical walls of the frame. If you look closely you can see the thru holes for the rivets in the attached picture.
http://team1983.files.wordpress.com/.../wp_001144.jpg |
Dave, this looks like a very slick way to attach bumpers, but my initial reaction is that it would be in violation of R21-F (must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT ...) and/or R26 (BUMPERS must be supported by the structure/frame of the ROBOT (see Figure 4-10). To be considered supported, a minimum of ½ in. at each end of the BUMPER must be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER...)
Since your FRAME PERIMETER (definition copied below for reference) is the top/bottom horizontal plate, it seems your BUMPERS are backed by an interior part of the robot, not the FRAME PERIMETER. Alternately, if you intend to define your FRAME PERIMETER as the vertical face which backs the bumpers, then the robot is in violation of the STARTING CONFIGURATION requirement.
Can you (or any experienced inspectors) help me understand how this attachment method is legal?
FRAME PERIMETER: the polygon defined by the outer-most set of exterior vertices on the ROBOT (without the BUMPERS attached) that are within the BUMPER ZONE. To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT at the level of the BUMPER ZONE - the string describes this polygon.