Amusing Rule Inconsistency - Are All Robots Illegal?

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

So if BUMPERS are part of the ROBOT, but if no part of the ROBOT shall extend outside the FRAME PERIMETER, then BUMPERS cannot be outside the FRAME PERIMETER, right? However, numerous BUMPER rules and the definition of BUMPER require the BUMPER to be rigidly mounted to the FRAME PERIMETER, and are thus contained outside of it.

The dilemma is not with STARTING CONFIGURATION, but with how BUMPERS are attached. STARTING CONFIGURATION is easily solved by including BUMPERS inside the FRAME PERIMETER.

Most of the rule (R26) says the BUMPERS must be attached to the "structure/frame". Using that interpretation, ROBOTS with BUMPERS must meet the 120 inch FRAME PERIMETER limitation. STARTING CONFIGURATION dilemma solved.

However, there is one part of R26 that is a problem, where it says that the "BUMPER must be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER". It is impossible for the BUMPER to be inside the FRAME PERIMETER (outside face of the BUMPER on the FRAME PERIMETER), and be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER (inside face of the BUMPER on the FRAME PERIMETER) at the same time.