Question about the bumpers.

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by BillP

No, the bumpers are not mandatory, and yes, it is OK if they only cover part of your robot. However, if you don't have the bumpers, the referee's may interpret "contact" with other robots differently (this varied a little from regional to regional last year).

Having said that, I'm pretty sure you can put a different bumper design on your robot, but if you do, they must be weighed as part of the robot and fit inside the sizing cube. (Only the "Standard" bumpers must be removed for weighing and sizing). This is just my interpretation. You might want to confirm this with the Q/A system.

Thanks. I wanted to clarify that. And for the record I understand ref will look at bumping in a different light without bumpers, thats why it will be partly covered, so far our design cannot have a bumper on the back of it. So we will probably put one on the front for bumping purposes.

EDIT: Is it still considered to be a "standard bumper" if it doesn't completely cover the robot?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Bumpers do not need to be on all sides of the robot. If your design requires you be able to scoop tubes from the floor, then a bumper would not allow that. The object with bumpers is that field refs will be watching for contact within the bumper zone as well as other rules relating to the competition. If you use bumpers, then they must be built using the construction guide in the robot manual. (i.e. two unmodified pool noodles on a plywood backing covered in the specified fabric, etc.) If they are not detachable then their weight and size will be included in the robot max dimensions and weight during inspection. By using the bumper design, you can legally pick up another 15 lbs and provide some protection for your robot. I predict this year will be a very defensive year, plan on pushing and bumping.

[Brad Voracek]

Hm, thanks guys. The zipties were obviously an exaggeration, I didn't mean we actually plan to use them. We were just trying to think of an easier way to secure the bumpers, but we probably will end up using the bolts still. They were just a real hassle last year, because we planned them last minute. I'll tell our build team that they should try to use the bolt system, and just try to make it easier to reach. Anyways, thanks again.

[Justin M.]

I feel you on the bolt system. Our chassis will have big milled channels for weight on the sides, so we have nothing to bolt them to. Looks like I'll have to custom engineer something when we actually have a robot to look at.

[EricH]

Easy use of bolts: use a t-nut (blind-nut) on the inside of the bumpers (well secured--you don't want to have to take the bumper apart to find it) and put a hole through the frame and bumper backing (and cloth as well) for the bolt. When you take the bumpers off, attach the bolts to them so you don't lose 'em. If you have something on the outside of your robot, like an axle end, try shaping a small hole/cavity for it. (Then mark which side that bumper goes on and which side is up.)

[Dominicano0519]

hey but if you use the bumpers from last year you shouldn't have any problems

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Dominicano0519

hey but if you use the bumpers from last year you shouldn't have any problems

Ah, but are they component or mechanism? You could make a case either way.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by EricH

Ah, but are they component or mechanism? You could make a case either way.

That issue is a moot point--they're FABRICATED ITEMS under the rules.

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Billfred

That issue is a moot point--they're FABRICATED ITEMS under the rules.

There is a Q&A about this that makes it quite clear that you are required to make new bumpers this year.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I inspected a team at Championship that attached eye bolts to the back side of the bumpers. They fit over a couple of threaded studs on the robot base and attached with butterfly nuts. An easy, no tool solution with gravity working in their favor.