8 inch bumper rule and other

[Gregor]

Originally Posted by jlee0119

Also we attached our pool noodles to the board with tape (SHHHHH don't tell the inspectors!)

The fact that you're willingly breaking a rule disappoints me, and the fact that you're telling the internet baffles me. I can all but guarantee that at least one inspector at Chesapeake and/or DC has read this thread by now, and will be asking you to take your bumper apart at an event.

Originally Posted by jvriezen

In fact, zipties could be considered more of a violation because they are not as soft.

Something cannot be "more of a violation," a violation is absolute. Either something is a violation or it is not. That's like saying something is "more than perfect."

Originally Posted by jvriezen

As an inspector, I'd want to see very little give here, and also would want the robot to be able to be safely picked up off the floor by lifting from these same points on the bumpers only.

Where in the manual does it state this practice?

R21F (quote below for your convenience) does not specify that the bumpers must be able to support the weight of the robot. Bumpers must "withstand vigorous game play." No where does it state they must withstand being lifted up.

R21
BUMPERS must be constructed as follows

F-must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop or tie-wraps). The attachment system must be designed to withstand vigorous game play.

[protoserge]

Originally Posted by Gregor

The fact that you're willingly breaking a rule disappoints me, and the fact that you're telling the internet baffles me. I can all but guarantee that at least one inspector at Chesapeake and/or DC has read this thread by now, and will be asking you to take your bumper apart at an event.

OP, you will need to fix this. Here is the official ruling on exactly what your team has done.

If you are attending Chesapeake, please don't show up with this uncorrected.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

jlee and other members of your team,
What John and the others are addressing is the belief that the long section of bumper has nothing to lock it to the frame. Depending on it's height compared with another robot, that contact might just lift it causing a failure to the two attachment points on the short sides. If a section or two of "C" channel that fit over the frame were included on the long side, there would be no way for the bumpers to be lifted and therefore, cause a failure in the attachment points on the short sides. Alternately, any fastening point (aluminum angle attached to frame and bumper) on the long side would also work. Lifting the bumper system would be a valid test for an inspector to try and determine the robust nature of your attachment. That is the likely stress that your robot will incur during match play. As inspectors, we want to help you play every match.

[Retired Starman]

It is in your best interest (and the best interest of the alliances you are on) for you to have robust bumper connections. The ultimate test of this occurs on the field where you want your bumpers to stay on your robot.

Look at rule G-20. If you lose a bumper or have it jacked up out of the bumper zone, your robot will be disabled.

Don't know why you want to do a minimal job of attaching your bumpers when it isn't that much more work to do a good job that you can be proud of.

Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot. Every team builds a robot.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Gregor

Where in the manual does it state this practice?

R21F (quote below for your convenience) does not specify that the bumpers must be able to support the weight of the robot. Bumpers must "withstand vigorous game play." No where does it state they must withstand being lifted up.

You are correct in the wording of the rule. However, having been around FIRST for some time now, I can tell you that every robot from every team will at some point during the season be picked up by its bumpers. Our interest in making sure there is a robust mounting that won't break in this situation is purely for the safety of the students on the team, and thus falls under R8.