Robot Ripstick

[DynamiteHack]

Our team is thinking of using a chassis which is divided into two parts, front and back. The two would be connected in the middle with a pivot - allowing the two to swing side to side individually. If you've ever seen a Ripstick, that's essentially our idea. The problem is, we're not sure the bumpers would be within constraints; they wouldn't always be on the same plane.

[Jones571]

Check out CD media for our 03 bot something similar should work for ya

[EricH]

For clarification: Let's define a coordinate frame with the z-axis pointing straight up from the floor and the x and y axes pointing horizontally. Does it pivot about the z-axis or the x/y axis?

If your answer is z-axis, you'll have to have a rigid frame perimeter to mount the bumpers on that is non-articulating (<R11>); have that and you should be legal.

If your answer is x/y axis, same thing--rigid frame perimeter, non-articulating, all that good stuff. You'll need to take some extra care to make sure that the bumpers stay in the bumper zone (10-16" above the floor) unless you're going over the bump, but you should be OK.

You'll also have to watch out for <G30>, but some careful planning should give you no problems there.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

From Rev E of Section 8...
<R11> The FRAME PERIMETER must be comprised of fixed, non-articulated structural elements of the ROBOT. The FRAME PERIMETER must remain a fixed, unchanging polygon throughout the MATCH.

[Vikesrock]

For the sake of discussion, if this were legal what advantage do you gain for the added complexity? Is it worth it?

The only scenario I see this being useful in would be climbing up the bump at an angle. For this fringe case that can be potentially avoided by the drivers I don't see the added complexity as being worth it.

Regarding the legality, as Al mentioned above the Frame Perimeter restrictions would apply. You would need a fixed, non-pivoting frame perimeter structure, a separate structure for the wheels that articulates the way you want and some type of spring or gas shock to connect them.

[Jones571]

not overly complex and helps keeping the wheels in contact with the ramp.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/15003