Bumpers

[Roborioles]

So one of the mentors in our team came up with an idea. When the robot is climbing the pyramid the bumper will get in the way. If mechanically the robot were to roll up the bumper while in the air, no longer on the playing field, would that be a volation of the rules?

Really appreciate any responses.
~Avon Roborioles
Team 4103

[nitneylion452]

Bumpers may not articulate in relation to the frame perimeter, however, there is nothing against having part of your robot not be covered by your bumpers. Remember, you only need to have 8 inches of bumper on each side if each exterior corner.

[BigJ]

Yep, sorry.

Originally Posted by The Manual

R25
BUMPERS must be located entirely within the BUMPER ZONE, which is between 2 and 10 in. from the floor, in reference to the ROBOT standing normally on a flat floor.

R26
BUMPERS may not be articulated (relative to the FRAME PERIMETER).

[451roan]

Originally Posted by Roborioles

So one of the mentors in our team came up with an idea. When the robot is climbing the pyramid the bumper will get in the way. If mechanically the robot were to roll up the bumper while in the air, no longer on the playing field, would that be a volation of the rules?

Really appreciate any responses.
~Avon Roborioles
Team 4103

Rule R26 prohibits the articulation of the bumpers. The frame is also not permitted to articulate.
"4.1.6.5 R26

BUMPERS may not be articulated (relative to the FRAME PERIMETER)."

[WilloTree24]

My team was wondering if it is legal to have diagonal bumpers. When viewed from the side they would look like this:
_____
\ 4118\
.\_____\
as opposed to this:
______
| 4118 |
|_____ |

[CalTran]

Originally Posted by WilloTree24

My team was wondering if it is legal to have diagonal bumpers. When viewed from the side they would look like this:
_____
\ 4118\
.\_____\
as opposed to this:
______
| 4118 |
|_____ |

Referencing R24, I think that it would be difficult to achieve that shape while still using

A. be backed by ¾ in. (nominal) thick by 5 in. (± ½ in) tall plywood or solid, robust wood.

That is just my take on it. I suggest you submit that question to the Q&A.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by WilloTree24

My team was wondering if it is legal to have diagonal bumpers.

I see no rules prohibiting that, assuming your FRAME PERIMETER is also a parallelepiped as drawn. That is, the bumpers must follow the FRAME PERIMETER.

[GaryVoshol]

I think the diagonal question was the side view of the bumpers, not the top view of the frame. If that's the intent, it would be hard to deal with the corner protection requirements.