Ground Clearance Vex clamping gearbox

[steelerborn]

We only damaged the field in the very first practice match, after that we never hit the platform again and we played probably 17 matches.

But we were told that since our ground clearance was so low that we "could" damage the scoring zones so our frame would not pass inspection. I felt this was odd because you are flagging a robot for what "could" happen in the field, but if the intent was to damage the field I am sure teams could find a way and we would have many more robots not pass inspection.

For teams with low clearance just avoid the zones but probably start brainstorming options to raise your frame just in case.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by steelerborn

But we were told that since our ground clearance was so low that we "could" damage the scoring zones so our frame would not pass inspection. I felt this was odd because you are flagging a robot for what "could" happen in the field, but if the intent was to damage the field I am sure teams could find a way and we would have many more robots not pass inspection.

I'd love to talk with the inspector that decides that robots must have a minimum ground clearance to compete. It is odd because it doesn't make any sense at all, and it's never been a rule that you have to have a specific ground clearance. If you don't damage the actual field, you're fine. That's my 2c.

[FrankJ]

The edges of the scoring platform are taped. The gear could pull up the tape under the right circumstance. But no more than a stalled wheel spinning on the taped seam.