Official Team Update #2! 1/15/2010

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

A passive deflector seems to be legal according to this update. The way I read the update something like a playground slide shaped funnel is legal, if it is only 3" deep.

Very challenging to cut down on bouncing though to use such a funnel.

[jvriezen]

[MECHANISMS are considered “active” if they are in motion relative to the ROBOT while in contact with the BALL. Resetting or moving MECHANISMS while not in contact with a BALL is permitted as the MECHANISMS are not considered “active.”]

What about a robot part that moves due to forces such as the impact of the ball, or inertia related to robot accelerations? For example, a loose cargo net, which would move if the robot stopped or turned suddenly and of course when hit by a ball. How about a padded surface that gets depressed by a ball hitting it? Both of these are 'moving' relative to the robot while in contact with the ball.

It seems the 'spirit' of the "active" definition seems to apply to mechanisms which move due to robot actuators.

[bhsrobotics1671]

Im curious about the 13.5" change in the BUMP height. I was in NH for the kickoff and noticed the angle seemed steeper than 45 degrees. What does this height change do for the BUMP?

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by bhsrobotics1671

Im curious about the 13.5" change in the BUMP height. I was in NH for the kickoff and noticed the angle seemed steeper than 45 degrees. What does this height change do for the BUMP?

The bump didn't actually change since Kickoff. It's just changed in the Manual to reflect it.

I think the angle is still 45 degrees.

[bhsrobotics1671]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

The bump didn't actually change since Kickoff. It's just changed in the Manual to reflect it.

I think the angle is still 45 degrees.

Thanks!

[Vikesrock]

I think the final thing that needs to be clarified to distinguish between Evan's interpretation and the interpretation adopted by Travis and I is what it means to be inside a feature.

I don't think that a ball can be inside a ramp. As a contrast I believe that a ball can be inside a playground slide shaped funneling feature. In my opinion such a feature complies with the rules if it is 3" deep or less.

[joeweber]

No matter what the meaning of the rule it will be up to the inspectors to intrepid them. One set of inspectors may go a little one way and another set of inspectors could go the other way. How will they get a consistent interpretation at the competition? How far can we go with the design and be safe from major reconstruction?