Define A Wedge

[T3_1565]

Now all this talk about ramps has me wondering. What is FIRST's idea of a wedge??? Now I went and searched the definition and it gave me a few:

-any shape that is triangular in cross section.

-something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them.

This two can be completely different in a robot sense. Now which do you think FIRST means by a "Wedge". And If you have a better definition I'd be glad if you posted it.

Thanks,
1565

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by T3_1565

Now all this talk about ramps has me wondering. What is FIRST's idea of a wedge??? Now I went and searched the definition and it gave me a few:

-any shape that is triangular in cross section.

-something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them.

This two can be completely different in a robot sense. Now which do you think FIRST means by a "Wedge". And If you have a better definition I'd be glad if you posted it.

Thanks,
1565

I'll tell you exactly what FIRST means by a wedge:

<R05> "Wedge” ROBOTS are not allowed. ROBOTS must be designed so that interaction with
opposing ROBOTS results in pushing rather than tipping or lifting. Neither offensive nor
defensive wedges are allowed. All parts of a ROBOT between 0 and 8.5 inches from the
ground (the top of the BUMPER ZONE) that are used to push against or interact with an
opposing ROBOT must be within 10 degrees of vertical. Devices deployed outside the
ROBOT footprint should be designed to avoid wedging. If a mechanism or an appendage
(e.g. a harvester for retrieving GAME PIECES) becomes a wedge that interferes with other
ROBOTS, penalties, disabling, or disqualification can occur depending on the severity of the
infraction.

I intend to move a ruler around our entire robot this year to see if anything below the 8.5" mark could be interpreted as such.

[AV_guy007]

the wedge rule is no longer counted when you are in the home zone and trying to lift up another robot. therefor when you deploy your ramp at the end of the match you are not breaking any rules.

[T3_1565]

yeah I know that. But my design is not nessacary a ramp. So by reading this rule would on think that a platform that is between these measurements (0 - 8.5 inches) with a flat edge on it, be considered legal?

[Tristan Lall]

They've made an excellent change to the wedge rule, from the way it appeared last year. And I'm not talking about the home zone exemption. It used to restrict parts "that might push against another robot"; now it covers parts "that are used to push against or interact with an opposing ROBOT".

Under the old rule, pretty much every robot was theoretically illegal, in some insignificant way. Now, you've got to actually wedge something to cause a violation.

[ttedrow]

Originally Posted by T3_1565

yeah I know that. But my design is not nessacary a ramp. So by reading this rule would on think that a platform that is between these measurements (0 - 8.5 inches) with a flat edge on it, be considered legal?

Here my interpretation. Anything in the 0” to 8.5” range the may lift an opposing robot (offensive or defensive) off of its wheels is a wedge.

[MattB703]

Originally Posted by ttedrow

Here my interpretation. Anything in the 0” to 8.5” range the may lift an opposing robot (offensive or defensive) off of its wheels is a wedge.

I would ammend that slightly. I would say that anything in the 0" to 8.5" range must be within 0-10° of vertical.

[DonRotolo]

I agree with Matt.

[amateurrobotguy]

If your design could easily lift any part of a bot off the ground, it can't be used on the field (excluding alliance zones). It was actually last year that they added this rule. There was this huge argument thread here bout it too. I said that it counted as robot entanglement, which was an existing rule. Soooo, looks like my argument won as they expressly forbid wedge use.

[T3_1565]

Ahh I see ok that helps thanks. My design cant lift robots until I want it to but it is fiarly thin. so it should be allowed.. if not there is an easy fix lol

[Dominicano0519]

What if i have a wedge but i cover about 5 inches with lets say polycarb would it be considered legal u think?

[Greg Needel]

I am trying to figure out if this counts for inverse wedges also, like an angled section to make it easier to climb robots. see drawing below...

[MattB703]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

I am trying to figure out if this counts for inverse wedges also, like an angled section to make it easier to climb robots. see drawing below...

The way it is currently written, I am afraid the answer is yes, that would be illegal based on the wedge rule. This is an unfortunate oversight that did not seem to get corrected from last years rule.

Matt B.

[ttedrow]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

I am trying to figure out if this counts for inverse wedges also, like an angled section to make it easier to climb robots. see drawing below...

The quick answer is YES this is a wedge. It looks to be greater than +/- 10 degrees of vertical.