Bumper question

[IndySam]

4.1.6 Bumper Rules
Robots are required to use Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the Frame Perimeter. For adequate protection, at least 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex(see Figure 4‑1, Figure 4‑2, and Figure 4‑3).

OK this is a very important rule as far as robot design is concerned. I hate waiting for answers from the GDC for things like this because it is so important.

While we wait for Q&A to open what are peoples opinion on the 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex thing?

Will that include the 2.5" beyond the corner or is it from the corner? this makes a 5" difference in possible bumper openings for ball pickup. Opinions?

[DMetalKong]

In my interpretation, the "bumper" is the part that has a hard backing, therefore the 8" required is 8" along the frame perimeter, and does not include the protrusion by any fluffy parts at the corner.

[IndySam]

Thanks David, I tend to agree with you.

The vertex is the corner (if I remember my geometry that I took many years ago) so each side of corner would mean 8" from the corner not boned it.

I think this is going to possibly screw up a lot of teams like the similar rule did in Lunacy.

[the man]

I believe their were some diagrams in the manual. Unless you pose a different question. Would you mind maybe drawing a quick pic?

[plnyyanks]

Originally Posted by the man

I believe their were some diagrams in the manual. Unless you pose a different question. Would you mind maybe drawing a quick pic?

Look here for the pictures you're thinking of

[akoscielski3]

So we can split the 8 in up right? so 4 in on the right and 4 on the left. (this would be for one Side of the robot)

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by akoscielski3

So we can split the 8 in up right? so 4 in on the right and 4 on the left. (this would be for one Side of the robot)

No. See section 4.1.6:

Robots are required to use Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the Frame Perimeter. For adequate
protection, at least 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex

Emphasis mine. So, if you have a gap between bumper segments (along a straight portion of your FRAME PERIMETER), you'll have (at minimum) 8 in of bumpers on each side.

[KevinGoneNuts]

While I have you all here. I also have a bumper question. Attached is a picture of a bumper idea, after reading the rules it seems that this is alright? I want to be 100% sure. Does it seem okay to you?

[plnyyanks]

Originally Posted by KevinGoneNuts

While I have you all here. I also have a bumper question. Attached is a picture of a bumper idea, after reading the rules it seems that this is alright? I want to be 100% sure. Does it seem okay to you?


Attachment 11290

Looks okay to me.

Originally Posted by R27

are required to use Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the Frame Perimeter. For adequate protection, at least 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex (see Figure 4‑1, Figure 4‑2, and Figure 4‑3).

Since all your exterior vertices and the required 8 inch covering are protected, it looks legal to me.

[KevinGoneNuts]

Originally Posted by plnyyanks

Looks okay to me.

Do you know how far it can go into the frame perimeter?

[plnyyanks]

Originally Posted by KevinGoneNuts

Do you know how far it can go into the frame perimeter?

How far that little inlet can go into your frame? I can't find anything in the bumper rules that specifies that...

[JohnBoucher]

Each set of Bumpers (including any fasteners and/or structures that attach them to the Robot) must weigh no more than 20 lbs

Was it not 15 lbs last year?

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by JohnBoucher

Was it not 15 lbs last year?

Bumpers were last 15 lbs in 2008. They were 18 lbs in 2009, and 20lbs since.

[KevinGoneNuts]

Originally Posted by plnyyanks

How far that little inlet can go into your frame? I can't find anything in the bumper rules that specifies that...

Thank you! Should I bother the GDC about it or should I just leave it? haha

[slijin]

Originally Posted by plnyyanks

How far that little inlet can go into your frame? I can't find anything in the bumper rules that specifies that...

You're looking for [R33]; if the width of the gap >= 8", then it can only go 1/4" in; otherwise, there seems to be no apparent limit other than your bot itself.