Quote:
Originally Posted by Guru
I believe energy storage through springs is perfectly legal, although i cant find the rule right at this moment.
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Robot Rules, 8.3.1 General Design & Safety Rules
Under <R02> (about energy used on the robots--one of 4 permitted energy sources):
"Storage achieved by deformation of ROBOT parts. Teams must be very careful when incorporating springs or other items to store energy on their ROBOT by means of part or material deformation. A ROBOT may be rejected at inspection if, in the judgment of the inspector, such items are unsafe."
In summary, SAFE springs are legal. The definition of a spring seems pretty broad. I believe a spring is safe if it is:
1) Not likely to break
2) Well secured at both ends
3) A suitable strength for the application.
Humorous illustration: There was a fiction piece in the December 2006
Boys Life magazine about a boy who designed a revolving Christmas tree using a wind-up mechanism powered by an inner tube. He did not have adequate restraints on his device, as he learned when he released the catch...
