Aluminum angle on bumpers

[Jay H 237]

Originally Posted by MikeDubreuil

The problem is with graphic communication. The GDC supplies graphics in the Robot Manual to help describe what they are specifically referring to in certain rules. However, the graphics may contradict other rules. Unfortunately, the graphics can lead readers to conclusions the GDC never intended. Then us mere mortals rely on the Q/A to clear the confusion.

I am assuming in Figure 8-1, you are supposed to infer that the use of aluminum angle is optional because no bumper rule expressly tells you to use aluminum angle.

In Figure 8-2 (I know, beaten to death), you are not supposed to infer anything and simply look at the "OK" corner configurations.

The GDC would say they provide clarification, meaning the Q/A responses are direclty supported by the rules. (that sentence may get me in trouble)

For me personally this has been a very tiresome year. The GDC wants a very specific bumper design. Unfortunately, the rules seem to be very non-specific and the graphics are confusing. Some folks around here find it simple and straight forward. They think that anyone who doesn't is either: A.) Trying to advance an illegal robot design, B.) lawyering the rules, C.) a moron; which have led to some viscous personal attacks. Quite frankly I don't pour my seemingly dwindling free time into something that I think is a waste of time. I think the rules discussions are important because it provides a platform for the GDC to understand where our thought process is- how people, who don't know the GDC's intent, interpret the rules.

Bingo! Hopefully next year they can clarify the bumper construction, it's hard to be in full compliance when the rules aren't fully clear.

We have our bumpers built with the plywood backing, pool noodles, fabric stapled in place and 3/4" aluminum angle screwed over the fabric where the plywood is. We also have the tee nuts in the plywood for the bolts to fasten the bumpers.

We DO have steel angle pieces that fasten those bumper bolts to the robot frame. Basically the steel angle has bolts on both sides, one to hold the bumpers to them and the other to hold the angle to the robot frame.