Quote:
<R36><R36> So that every robot’s maximum power level is the same, the motors in the kit may not be modified in any
way, except as follows:
• The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface of the motors may be modified to facilitate the
physical connection of the motor to the robot and actuated part.
• The gearboxes for the Fisher-Price, and Globe motors are not considered “integral” and may be separated
from the motors. FIRST will not provide replacements for parts that fail due to modification.
• The electrical input leads on the motors may be trimmed to length as necessary.
The intent is to allow teams to modify mounting tabs and the like, not to gain a weight reduction by
potentially compromising the structural integrity of any motor. The integral mechanical and electrical system
of the motor is not to be modified.
|
I read this as ruling that no, you may not modify the window motor in this way. The modification you propose would go beyond "facilitating the
physical connection of the motor to the robot and actuated part".
Although, I had to play around with the Window motor last night, and I can't see why the gearbox is considered integral this year. It connects with 3 screws, and thats it. The output shaft of the motor is a little (really little!) shaft with two flats on it. There is a funky radiation symbol type dog and adapter that connects the gearbox and motor, but certainly nothing more integral then the Globe or FP setups. While I don't see many teams using the window motor alone, there is plenty of room for modifying that gearbox if it where legal.
I don't have an older window motor to compare to the new ones, but perhaps they where integral in previous years (like the van door motor), and have changed this year?
The key here is as Dr. Joe said- It's not explicitly allowed, so it ain't legal when it comes to motors.
-Andy A.