[Scott Hill]

Cory,
The Q&A answer you refer to follows:

Default Re: Bumper Length
1. The statements are not contradictory. The length of a BUMPER is determined by the portion of the assembly the includes all the required elements (pool noodle, fabric covering, clamping angles, and plywood backing) in the cross-section of the assembly. The length of this portion of the BUMPER assembly must be at least six inches. This is consistent with the previous answers and the statements/drawings in Team Update #2.

2. As indicated in Rule <R08-I>, all exterior corners of the BUMPER PERIMETER must be protected by BUMPERS. Both "sides" of the corner must be protected.

3. Rule <R18-E> requires that the ROBOT be designed such that contact between the ROBOT and the TRAILER (other than the Trailer Hitch) must be BUMPER-to-BUMPER. There are no exceptions to this.

To be honest I don't see here where it is abundantly clear that both sides of the corner must have their own BUMPER segment. It is clear that "all exterior corners of the BUMPER PERIMETER must be protected by BUMPERS." and that "Both sides of the corner must be protected." It is easy to create a ROBOT BUMPER PERIMETER which meets the the two statements in 2. above which has a side that does not have bumpers on it, yet the side would be protected. I believe the ROBOT in question at the beginning of this thread could be such a case. All it takes is two sets of oblique angles as part of the BUMPER PERIMETER.

Paul,

You quote ..."all sides must have a bumper"... GDC clarifications. I would like to know where you found that quote. In the Manual, in the team updates, and in the Q&A in it's many replies to questions on this topic I can't find where the GDC has stated "all sides must have a bumper". If any one has knowledge of where, in the above venues they have, please show me.

If you think about this.... if they really wanted each side of the robot to have BUMPER(S) they just have to include in the Competition Manual or the Team Updates the simple statement "all sides must have BUMPERS". When it would be so easy to state "all sides must have BUMPERS", they don't; not in the Competition Manual, not in the Team Updates, and not even in the many replies to questions in the Q&A. In my mind it is doubtful that in all of this communication, all of these communicators have randomly avoided using this simple statement if it clearly expresses their intent. Therefore I don't think it is the GDC's intent to require all sides of a ROBOT to have BUMPERS.

Paul, I look forward to seeing you, and your team and ROBOT at Midwest, and Cory, if things work out you and your folks as well at Nationals, the best of luck to us all,

Scott