Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?

[Cynette]

Originally Posted by Rosiebotboss

All these methods work well. BUT, the VERY BEST way to construct and mount bumpers is in strict accordance with the 2011 FRC Manual.

Always a good reminder! Don't count your chickens until they hatch and don't make firm plans for a bumper design until the game rules are released!

Originally Posted by alubin237

... We put threaded inserts into the plywood. Then we attached the bumpers to the robot with thumb screws.

This is Team 1511's approach as well. Easy on, easy off!

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

This past year we used the flip method to change our bumpers which worked out pretty awesomely. Luckily we had a talented seamstress on the team that made the bumper covers for us that worked excellently all season.

(emphasis mine)

You can't say enough about the talented seamstresses / seamsters who sewed fitted covers and flip bumpers this past year. As the person running the sewing machine for our team, my firm belief is that although the flip bumpers looked awesome, given the chance to do it again, our team would have two sets of bumpers.

[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by Cynette

You can't say enough about the talented seamstresses / seamsters who sewed fitted covers and flip bumpers this past year. As the person running the sewing machine for our team, my firm belief is that although the flip bumpers looked awesome, given the chance to do it again, our team would have two sets of bumpers.

I agree completely. It took me way to long to do the reversible cover. We loved having it but I'm not sure I would want to spend the time making it again.

Also we used ball lock pins from McMaster to hold our bumpers on the last 2 years. thay are the easiest thing we've found.

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by Cynette

You can't say enough about the talented seamstresses / seamsters who sewed fitted covers and flip bumpers this past year. As the person running the sewing machine for our team, my firm belief is that although the flip bumpers looked awesome, given the chance to do it again, our team would have two sets of bumpers.

I did not run the sewing machine so I cannot speak on how difficult it actually was (although I know our seamstress spent a considerable amount of time on it). I did really enjoy having the flip as opposed to an additional set though. I guess that will be one of the discussions we have next season, assuming similar bumper rules. If FIRST does go with similar bumper rules for 2011, it may be worthwhile to look into having the flip covers mass produced.

-Brando

[Gary Dillard]

Originally Posted by Pjohn1959

Team 118 also had a one-piece (see photo).

The cool thing about them, was that they brought extras, and were giving them to teams that had not done their bumpers at Lonestar. They brought a big stack of them, but by the end of Thursday, they were all gone.

If team 811 needed a set, they could have kept the numbers on.

[kgzak]

Originally Posted by Rosiebotboss

All these methods work well. BUT, the VERY BEST way to construct and mount bumpers is in strict accordance with the 2011 FRC Manual.

You want to get me a copy of this rule book?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by kgzak

You want to get me a copy of this rule book?

Can do, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it will not get to you before January. It will have the bumper instructions, though.

[joeweber]

We countersunk 2 "U" chanels into the plywood for the bumpers than wraped the fabric around it. The "U" chanels slipped over the frame we than slipped eye bolts through drilled holes and install wing nuts. This allowed us to remove and install with out tools.

I wonder if we can use the same bumpers for next year? That would save some money and work.

[davidthefat]

Was the bumper necessary every year? or was it just last year? Was the bumper as limited as last year was?

[EricH]

Bumpers are required and have been since 2008. They were optional in 2006 and 2007. You must use the pattern given in the rules, and yes, they are that limited, though openings are typically allowed.

[Siri]

We were a wing-nut bumper team this year as well. It started out very fast and got progressively more difficult as our additional functionality started blocking hand access. Still a clean and simple system and much better than some of our previous methods.

My favorite technique? Probably these guys. Then again, it's hard to beat the Thunder Chickens and their rivets.

[rahilm]

As far as construction, we just took the wood, glued on pool noodles, put the fabric around it, and stapled on the back end.

For mounting, we used 254's slick idea of codder pins. Took us about 10 seconds to replace a single bumper (total of 4 bumpers). After one competition, we made it a requirement that each drive team member carry an extra codder pin on them at all times

[EricH]

Originally Posted by joeweber

I wonder if we can use the same bumpers for next year? That would save some money and work.

Chances are, you won't be allowed to. They'd be fabricated items used on a previous robot, thus not allowed under the 2010 rule <R35>. Assuming that the 2011 rulebook has the same rule, which is in fact a pretty safe bet (it's been in the rules for as long as I can remember), then no use of this year's bumpers would be allowed.

Also note that robot design plays a factor; your robot design next year may not call for bumpers all around the perimeter.

Standard disclaimer: I am not on the GDC, and therefore have no knowledge of the game, and this is an unofficial forum, so this is not to be construed as an official statement in any way, shape or form.

[GaryVoshol]

Even if the rules would allow reuse of the bumpers, you'd be wise to look at making a new set. They get pretty beat up over the course of a year, especially if you go to several events and off-season events. The pool noodles begin to compress, and the wood starts to splinter and even crack. Besides, don't you want a fresh look for your new robot each year?

[thefro526]

As far as bumper construction, we made ours according to the guidelines set forth in the manual. (I know, suprise )

For attachment we made brackets out of aluminum "U" channel that could slip over our frame without much effort. From there we used 1/4" Push Pins from McMaster similar to part number 92384A036. We found that these worked excellently and almost never came loose during competition. The only drawback is that they're pretty expensive at ~$20 a piece.

[kramarczyk]

Originally Posted by thefro526

As far as bumper construction, we made ours according to the guidelines set forth in the manual. (I know, suprise )

For attachment we made brackets out of aluminum "U" channel that could slip over our frame without much effort. From there we used 1/4" Push Pins from McMaster similar to part number 92384A036. We found that these worked excellently and almost never came loose during competition. The only drawback is that they're pretty expensive at ~$20 a piece.

$$$ Yikes!!!

If you need more pins take a look at 98320A135.

They should be a direct replacement for a lot less. $1.39 / piece. I've used them on 3 robots over the last 2 seasons without issue.