[DFTF] Bumper Tips...

[RufflesRidge]

Originally Posted by thefro526

Sorry if this has been mentioned, but during assembly, we'll usually put a dab (technical measurement ) or two of hot glue on each pool noodle to hold them in place. Really makes wrapping them much easier.

This is a good idea, but I will add a word of warning. Depending on exactly what your noodle is made of and how zealous the student is, it can be very easy to melt sizable chunks out of the noodle.

[GaryVoshol]

On making a one-piece bumper which you will slip down over the frame: It depends on what the rest of your robot is like. It might not be that easy to slide it down past everything. Yes, the Frame Perimeter in the Bumper Zone must be the largest horizontal extent of your Robot, but that doesn't mean it will slip on easily. Maybe compromise, and have 2 parts?

Bumper skirts won't work as well this year if you intend to have less than 100% bumper coverage.

We too have used spots of hot glue to stabilize the noodles while we are stretching the fabric over them.

Past rules and/or interpretations have stated that bumpers can be made only of plywood, noodles, fabric, fasteners and optional angle aluminum. I haven't extensively studied the 2 pages of bumper Q&A to see if that applies this year.