8 inch bumper rule and other

[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.

[jlee0119]

Thank you all for the feedback! We added another support for the bumpers, and we're now able to pick up the robot by the bumpers.

Also, what I said about the tape came out wrong -- we put them together before we realized it was illegal (it's not in the manual). We're planning on fixing the problem.

[jlee0119]

Thank you all for the feedback! We added another support for the bumpers, and we're now able to pick up the robot by the bumpers.

Also, what I said about the tape came out wrong -- we put them together before we realized it was illegal (it's not in the manual). We're planning on fixing the problem.

[landinw]

Ursa Major,

Please heed the advice of those who have commented on your bumper construction and attachment points. There is nothing more I can add that hasn't already been said.

We look forward to seeing you in DC and Chesapeake.

Bill Landin
Lead Robot Inspector, 2014 FIRST FRC Chesapeake Regional