Bumbers and Trailor Hitch

[dtengineering]

Perhaps what Jim is getting at is that the spacing at the back is actually largely pre-determined by other bumper rule requirements.

Consider that for a typical 27x37 rectangular robot, you have a perimeter of 128". That means you require 85.3" of bumpers as a minimum in order to cover 2/3 of the perimeter.

If you have the maximum width opening on the front of your robot, you will still have 12" of bumpers (two 6" sections) on the front of the robot.

For a robot in the wide configuration, assuming full bumpers along each side, that adds another 54" of bumpers, bringing the total length of bumpers on the front and sides to 66". That means you are required to have a minimum of two 10" long bumpers on the rear of the robot. These minimum lengths do meet the trailer hitch requirement.

For a robot in the long configuration, assuming full bumpers along each side, you will have 74" of bumpers along the sides. This means that you will have essentially met the 2/3 requirement and will only have to put the minimum 6" long bumper segments on the back. This, too, should meet the trailer hitch requirements, or else the GDC would have effectively outlawed long configuration rectangular robots with front openings.

You will note that I use a 27x37" robot... you have to be braver than I to get too much closer to the maximum 28x38" limits. It is nice to not have to worry about size and weight when clearing tech.

If you are clever enough to have come up with a custom frame of non-rectangular shape, or have some weird opening on the side of the robot for some purpose, then, of course, these calculations are not immediately relevant to your situation.


Jason