Bumper modification

[Doogie]

Some people on our design team are wondering if it's legal to cut the bottom section of the bumpers off at, say, a 30 degree angle so that it would not interfere with ascending the ramp at the end of the match. The "10 degrees of vertical" rule states that it applies to all parts of a robot "that might push against another robot." Also, I'm unsure as to whether the specific bumper design rules allow for modifications. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[EricH]

I'm not sure either. Try Q&A.

[Arefin Bari]

When the rulebook tells me "no wedges on your robot," I am not going to put one on the robot. I agree with Eric, please post on Q&A and update us, Thanks.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Doogie

I'm unsure as to whether the specific bumper design rules allow for modifications.

I don't think they do.

Originally Posted by <R35>

...Please do not “lawyer” the bumper rule - it is meant to help.
If used, bumpers must satisfy the following constraints:

• Bumpers must be designed as shown in figure 5-1

<R35> also says "Note that robot wheel/tracks must be properly positioned relative to the bumpers to avoid trouble climbing the ramp." I'd take that as good advice.

[Doogie]

Cool, thanks for the help.