Bumper Inspection Discrepency

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by RMS11

At Alamo, our bumpers passed inspection with flying colors and were even complemented by many inspectors for how effective they were. They are one single assembly that we slide over the top of our robot into slots in the frame.

At Peachtree, we were informed from the beginning that our bumpers were illegal. The butt joints created by the wood at the corners of the bumpers were ruled not legal. We reconsulted the rules and figured that under <R07> L, "Hard" parts of the BUMPER (i.e. plywood backing, fastening system, and clamping angles) may extend up to a maximum of 1" beyond the FRAME PERIMETER." made us legal.

As the Lead Robot Inspector at the Alamo Regional, I stand by our decision and I would approve to pass your bumpers again, referencing this same exact rule. While I did not personally inspect your bumpers, I agree with the inspector's decision who did this at the Alamo Regional.

However, if the Lead Robot Inspector at the Peachtree Regional found something that was specifically not allowed in the rules (possibly a different rule), then their decision at that time must be followed, like your team did. If there is indeed a specific rule that we did not catch at the Alamo Regional, and we should have told you about this, then I am sorry that this was missed. Reading through this thread, I still don't see a clear explanation of why your bumpers would be illegal. If anyone can clearly and effectively show how this is illegal, please do this so we can all be educated.

If you (or anyone) wish to pass along more information to me via PM, I can possibly help alleviate this situation.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker
LRI at Alamo Regional & Boilermaker Regional
Inspector at Midwest Regional & Smokey Mountain Regional

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Guys,
I am guessing the answer came from this rule...
D. BUMPERS segments must have a minimum length of six inches (as defined by the
BUMPER backing), and a maximum length that does not exceed the maximum horizontal
dimension of the ROBOT (except for the soft cushion in the corner, as permitted by Rule
<R07-C>).
We have allowed teams to make one piece bumpers that do not violate any other rules. Paul's design is but one that appears to be legal.
Please remember that the 1" hard parts rules is a cross sectional rule as defined in Fig 4-1 extending out from the robot frame. As always, inspectors are concerned that no hard parts exist in the corners that can damage another robot. Sorry that you got passed at one regional and caught at another. We are trying hard to make things consistent across all regionals.