Quote:
Originally Posted by 2166BlueBotics
It sounds like you are thinking about doing something like this
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/at...2&d=1233599363
If that is the case, I got this response from the Q&A about it
My interpretation of this is NO, you may not use a brace if you intend to permanently attach it to the bumper assembly. I came up with a solution to make a brace using "soft" parts of the bumper only. I can model it and post a picture here if you would like. |
My meaningless vote is with BigFlip. I have a pending Q about it, something like this: is there a limit to how far inside the robot perimeter the bumper part of a bumper bracket may extend? Is there a limit to the number of bumper segments that may attach to one bracket?
Until overruled by tonight's conf call, or the Q&A, I intend to have two solid horizontal left side plywood braces whose edges are coincident with the robot perimeter but extend inward above/below the frame, and permanently attach the bumper segments to it. This will stiffen the frame as well. Attached with bottom bolts through the bottom/frame/tee-nuts in top brace.
Bumper weight: my prototype 48" x 5" x 3/4" oak plywood weighs about 3 lbs. With two full length noodles and fabric, about 4.5 lbs. This represents the weight of all left side bumper segments, so I have 4.5 lbs of margin to add braces, staples/glue to hold fabric, bolts, t-nuts, screws, etc, per side,
to add up to 18lbs.
I imagine I'll have to leave an inspection flap at the corners to show the inspector that the bumper segments meet point to point at the corner without intruding into the corner. Since this is stock frame, I'll have to have pockets drilled in the bumper backing for the axle bolts, which makes the robot perimeter a little fuzzy.
18lbs of bumpers seems like a lot compared to some fancy milled aluminum 3 lbs frames I read about here...
The top edge of the bumper needs much more bracing than the bottom,
given the bumper zone is not centered on the stock frame.