Bumper Backing Question

[Jon Stratis]

There is no defined minimum amount of contact with the frame to satisfy the "backed" rule. Inspectors are really looking for something that can withstand rigorous gameplay, and this includes robots with bumpers at a different height hitting you, and hitting you hard.it's in your best interest to make sure your bumper can withstand that interaction... if your plywood breaks, or your mounting system snaps, then you're sidelined until you can get it fixed. And that may require a trip to the hardware store for more plywood!

For what it's worth, the old c-channel frame usually only had 1" of material backing the bumpers.

This year my team has the bottom 1 1/2" backed, with vertical supports extending another 1 1/2" every 6" or so.