pool noodles

[BriteBacon]

Originally Posted by GrifBot

Rip them from your old robot?

Isn't this against the rules?

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by BriteBacon

Isn't this against the rules?

Not any more. Bumpers aren't considered part of the robot (in 2014) and the (2014) rules against reusing fabricated parts don't apply to them.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by MrRoboSteve

Think carefully about using substitutes, particularly ones that don't look like pool noodles or have substantially different physical properties. You may end up needing to "sell" them to the inspectors at the competition.

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

Originally Posted by BriteBacon

Isn't this against the rules?

You can cannibalize parts. Reusing the pool noodle is ok.

[Tungrus]

If we are able to buy from local pool supply store in Michigan during peak winter, they will be available in other states too! BTW swimming is not just summer activity! Grocery and big chain stores keep seasonal products, but pool supply stores keep them all year round.

[MrRoboSteve]

Our team's policy at the competition is to disclose anything that is remotely questionable to the inspectors at the time of inspection, allowing us time to fix it if they are going to object.

Last year, we had this on our robot, and specifically pointed it out to the inspectors with a discussion of how the rules applied. It created a bit of consternation, but ultimately was allowed based on how we were using it.

The worst time to find that a part is disallowed is when your bumper comes apart during the competition, revealing 20lb of air entrained concrete . No time to remediate.

[Qbot2640]

Originally Posted by hrench

Did get all pink noodles, but that's no big deal. Can't see 'em on the 'bot anyway.

The pink noodles are superior...and even though you can't see them, just knowing they are pink gives you a competitive advantage. Your scouts should be telling other teams that there are pink noodles in those bumpers.

[Kevin Sheridan]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

I have heard of an over zealous inspector taking a knife to a team's bumpers to check what's inside

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Kevin,
An inspector should not cut or damage your bumper in any way.
Bumpers do not need to be made new each year and are not part of the with holding allowance under R18 2014 rules, (and forever, I hope). You're welcome.

[Carolyn_Grace]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

Why promote not following the rules, when the rules have been very clear in the past and easy to follow regarding bumpers?

If you don't have access to pool noodles in person, then order them online.

[Rosiebotboss]

Originally Posted by hrench

...As for 'solid' noodles, can you foam 'great-stuff' into the center? I think maybe you want your bottom noodle to be solid and the upper noodle hollow, so you'll get a wedge-effect that gets the other robots' weight onto your machine so you get the traction. Would that work?

I would say no, you cannot fill the hollow with Great Stuff. A pool noodle is a pool noodle and is legal for use on a FRC Robot (under previous years rules. My ruling would be a pool noodle filled with Great Stuff is not in line with the rules.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I should have added (thanks Dana) that if the two noodles do not feel the same, we will want to know why.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by Carolyn_Grace

Why promote not following the rules, when the rules have been very clear in the past and easy to follow regarding bumpers?

When the rules say "plywood, or solid, robust wood", it is pretty clear you can't use a metal plate.

"pool noodle" is more a description than a specification (such as wood). A "pool noodle" is generally accepted to be a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam. So, if someone wants to use a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam, that is not sold as a "pool noodle", then why not?

Similarly, if company XYZ sells a "pool noodle" made of a synthetic cork compound that floats, is it not allowed because it is not polyethylene foam?

Since Industrial Thermal Polymers invented the "pool noodle" 30 years ago, is their official "pool noodle" the only pool noodle that can be used (literal interpretation), or can anything that functions like a "pool noodle" be used?

[hrench]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

I should have added (thanks Dana) that if the two noodles do not feel the same, we will want to know why.

I can definitely see this reasoning, but to follow on from another comment above, apparently we can use solid noodles...so do I have to only use solids with solids and hollow-with-hollows, or can I put a hollow above and a solid below.

And would the wedge-effect I've imagined really be anything or is this just wishful thinking?

As for pink working better, yeah, I knew that. That's it. Yeah, I knew.

[MrRoboSteve]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

I should have added (thanks Dana) that if the two noodles do not feel the same, we will want to know why.

Here's the training video for inspectors on checking the feel of the bumpers, for everyone's reference.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

If they suspect there is something that isn't right, they won't disassemble the bumpers.

They'll make you disassemble the bumpers until they're satisfied that you aren't hiding a steel rod inside hollow pool noodles or some similar stunt. Often that would be one or both ends, not the whole thing.