Game Manual - Team Update - 2014-03-11

[Hallry]

Posted on the FRC Manual site, 3/11/14: http://frc-manual.usfirst.org/Updates/0#term 175

Game Manual - Team UPDATE - 2014-03-11

Game Manual

General Updates

During the 2014 FRC Season, two FRC teams have experienced major failures of the white plastic Clippard pneumatic storage tanks distributed via FIRST Choice in 2013. Two additional failures occurred during the 2013 FRC Season. In one of the 2014 situations, a metal hose clamp was used to secure the tank to the robot. The clamp was over-tightened, causing improper stress on the tank. In the second situation, the team was attempting to fix a leak between the tank and the metal fitting while the tank was pressurized. Thankfully, no one was hurt in either of these situations.

As we said in a blog post last year, there are some steps a team can take to help mitigate the risks of a failure in this manner.

1. Do not work on any part of the pneumatic system while it is pressurized. If you need to tighten a fitting, release the pressure from the system, tighten the fitting, and then repressurize the system to check for leaks.
2. Use the FRC Robot Control System to pressurize the pneumatic system. Robot Rule R80 requires the compressor to be controlled and powered by the robot, even if the compressor is off-board. Powering the compressor directly from a battery is not only illegal, it is unsafe.
3. Clippard recommends using 2-4 layers of PTFE tape on the fitting. Using more than this could increase stress around the plastic threads, weakening the tank.
4. Tighten the ¼” NPT fitting to 10-12 inch pounds (do not to exceed 15 inch pounds). Over-torqueing NPT threads in plastic pressure tanks can introduce stress and cracks that could lead to failures. Do not measure installation based on distance or number of threads exposed as there is a large variance on NPT threading from a variety of manufacturers.
5. If there is a leak detected, do not continue threading in the fitting. Remove the fitting and reapply the tape sealant.
6. If possible, use the provided attachment method for securing the tank to the robot. Do not use attachment methods that introduce extra stress or deform the tank.
7. Protect the tanks. This game has seen a lot of high speed interaction between robots on the field. Sometimes, pieces from one robot reach into and contact pieces inside another robot. A thin sheet of plastic can help protect both pneumatic and control system components inside the robot.
8. Don’t use chemicals on plastic tanks that can erode or compromise the integrity of the tank material.

Section 3.2.5: ROBOT Actions

G26-1

ROBOTS may not break the planes of the openings of the opponent’s LOW GOAL in an attempt to impede opponent SCORING in that GOAL.

Violation: FOUL. If extended, strategic, or repeated, TECHNICAL FOUL.



Section 4.5: Material Utilization

The purpose of R18 is to give all Teams at each Event the same access to the same amount of unbagged FABRICATED ITEMS. A Team bringing more than 45 lbs, but leaving the items outside the venue, has access to more than 45 lbs and is violating this rule. The change below is being made to accomplish two objectives:

To make the intent of R18 explicitly clear.
To make verification of R18 easier for Inspectors at each Event.

R18

At an Event, Teams may have access to a static set of FABRICATED ITEMS that shall not exceed 45 lbs. This static set of items may only be brought into the Pits when the Team initially loads in at the Event. Items made at an Event do not count towards this weight limit.

For Teams attending 2-Day Events, these FABRICATED ITEMS may be used during the Robot Access Period and/or brought to the Event, but the total weight may not exceed 45 lbs. FABRICATED ITEMS constructed during the Robot Access Period and bagged with the ROBOT are exempt from this limit.

Items exempt from this limit are:

1. the OPERATOR CONSOLE,
2. BUMPERS, and
3. any ROBOT battery assemblies (as described in R5-A).