Integrated Bumpers

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

The idea that the frame must provide substantial structural support for the bumpers (rather than the other way around) is nothing but a silly conceit—any support whatsoever satisfies the requirement (R26).

???

Perhaps you missed the report on tests performed by Dave Lavery and his team that tested various materials, methods of attachment and robot structure backing. The current rules are an outgrowth of that testing. Yes, even 3/4" plywood cracks and fails when struck by a 150lb robot running at the speeds we encounter except when supported by substantial robot structure at least every 8". Even then, repeated hits, the angle of the collision and a variety of other factors (i.e. running into or being forced into the low goal corner) can lead to bumper failure and damage to the robot. Anyone who witnessed this past game, especially in the early weeks of competition, know that even accepted practice in bumper construction failed from time to time. Teams that used a particular style of support (typical in WCD) found that repeated hits to the bumper system caused the standoff style support to punch holes in the plywood or fail altogether. The resulting failure damaged drive axles and wheels.
Due to the repeated impact and the energy imparted this year, fields regularly grew by up to three inches each weekend, as the player stations were driven apart.