Chain contacting BUMP

[DRH2o]

I have posted to Q&A. Opinions: Chain dragging on BUMP while crossing. Not supporting the weight of the robot, just dragging on the corners of the
BUMP. Violation of <R08> or not.

[Dad1279]

IMHO Violation of <R08> & <R36>

If the chain is not supporting, why not just design a guard to protect the field?

[RoboTigers1796]

I know you referenced the rule so its not like you haven't read it. Simply showing it for visual purposes.

<R08> ROBOT wheels, tracks, and other parts intended to provide traction on the FIELD may be purchased or fabricated (“traction devices” include all parts of the ROBOT that are designed to transmit any propulsive and/or braking forces between the ROBOT and the FIELD). In no case will traction devices that damage the carpet or other playing surfaces be permitted. Traction devices shall not have surface features such as metal, sandpaper, hard plastic studs, cleats, or other attachments. Anchors (i.e. devices that are deployed/used to keep one’s ROBOT in one place and prevent if from being moved by another ROBOT) shall not use metal in contact with the carpet to “stay put.” Gaining traction by using adhesives or Velcro-like fastener material is not allowed.

I also see you say it isn't to gain traction so it is slightly in conflict with the rule. Even with that in mind I don't think it would permitted. Simply because there is too high a chance of it possibly getting caught in the rug as your moving over it and ripping the rug or simply because it will dirty the rug with the grease/oil transmitted from the chain to carpet. Last year we had to cover up a chain system that was a foot above the floor just because it was splashing too much grease/oil supposdly. It also violates the general rule that metal should not be in contact with the carpet. So I would have to say no, the GDC would not permit it, and also your inspector at your regional would not allow it.
Is there that much if an issue you cant bring your chain system higher to avoid contact with the bump while moving over it?

[DRH2o]

We will probably either guard the chain or re-route it. Would rather leave it alone if you know what I mean.

[RoboTigers1796]

Originally Posted by DRH2o

We will probably either guard the chain or re-route it. Would rather leave it alone if you know what I mean.

Better to be safe then sorry. Wouldn't want to show up to a regional and have to redesign your drive system because an inspector won't allow your robot on the field! Good luck.

[DRH2o]

The main reason I posted this was for others to check their design before it is too late and hard to make the correction. We usually do not have to worry about this happening.

[EricH]

Q&A has answered: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=14011

Short version: Drag a chain, you've just violated <R08>. Plan accordingly.

[MrForbes]

this would have been a good "don't ask, don't tell".

Oh well.

I guess if we oil the chain to make it not a traction device, then it has oil, which is a different no-no

[Rich Kressly]

we had the same issue
some Aluminum skids with 1/16 polycarb extended under/around the chain did the trick. I'll see if we have a good pic somewhere

[dtengineering]

Gates is donating sprockets and belts this year... a belt in contact with the field would likely be less of a problem.

That said, we'll probably stick with good ol' #35 chain... we're familiar with it, and the sprockets are easily accessible.

Jason

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Gates is donating sprockets and belts this year... a belt in contact with the field would likely be less of a problem.

That said, we'll probably stick with good ol' #35 chain... we're familiar with it, and the sprockets are easily accessible.

There are some advantages to a belt drive. While you have to calculate exact distances, it never stretches, so you don't have to break and tension it ever. The ability for it to touch the floor, with some traction, may be beneficial for some, though I'd recommend for most people you try to ensure noncontact unless you know what you're doing...

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

There are some advantages to a belt drive. While you have to calculate exact distances, it never stretches, so you don't have to break and tension it ever. The ability for it to touch the floor, with some traction, may be beneficial for some, though I'd recommend for most people you try to ensure noncontact unless you know what you're doing...

Chris,

Even if you do exact Center to Center distances. It would be a smart move to build/design in a way to tension them. Better to be safe than sorry.

-RC

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by R.C.

Chris,

Even if you do exact Center to Center distances. It would be a smart move to build/design in a way to tension them. Better to be safe than sorry.

-RC

Thanks. I've only played with belting in prototypes and word of mouth, so I'll keep this in mind in the future.

[JeffChan]

This is a related question.

Consider an aluminum chassis that rubs against the carpet for <1 second as it climbs over the bump. Is that legal? How does <R08> apply?

[engunneer]

IMO, the frame can touch, as long as it is smooth. It's not attempting to gain traction, and it's not a moving part, which is the most likely way to cause damage to the field.

You may want to avoid it anyway, since the touching means your wheels may not be touching any more, and if you take a kit with the weight of your robot on the frame instead of the wheels, you may get a bent frame out of the deal.