Mini-bot Hinges

[baroneje]

Are the mini-bots allowed to use hinges like door hinges, etc. to use as doors that close up around the pole?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by baroneje

Are the mini-bots allowed to use hinges like door hinges, etc. to use as doors that close up around the pole?

Not if they aren't in <R92>, and I don't see "hinges" in there.

However, using aluminum, hardware, and maybe some surgical tubing or something, I'm sure you could rig up some form of hinge substitute.

[baroneje]

Are you allowed to mill them out of aluminum since the rules allow the use of sheet aluminum?

[DonRotolo]

I don't see why not.

[StevenB]

Originally Posted by EricH

Not if they aren't in <R92>, and I don't see "hinges" in there.

As you mentioned, <R92> part S allows "Mechanical hardware (i.e. screws, bolts, etc). Pending clarification in the Q&A, I wouldn't completely rule out hinges as hardware. The hardware store calls them hardware, and you find them stocked pretty close to the screws and bolts.
See this thread for more discussion.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by StevenB

As you mentioned, <R92> part S allows "Mechanical hardware (i.e. screws, bolts, etc). Pending clarification in the Q&A, I wouldn't completely rule out hinges as hardware. The hardware store calls them hardware, and you find them stocked pretty close to the screws and bolts.
See this thread for more discussion.

But being close is not being equal. 5 is close to 4...

The specific examples in the rule tend to point towards fasteners, not springs and hinges (motion parts, we could call them).

[J.Warsoff]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

I don't see why not.

yea i dont see why not either, Don. btw, i might want to use some kind of hinge in the prototype ive been working on, so hopefully i can get that going. i may need some help though

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by baroneje

Are the mini-bots allowed to use hinges like door hinges, etc. to use as doors that close up around the pole?

As long as it's made out of allowable parts, then yes.

Check out McMaster part #1635A24. It's a 100% polycarbonate hinge, and thus should be legal.

[BJT]

Update#3 seems to rule out hinges on the minibot. you could make one, but purchasing a pre-made hinge, regardless of material, seems to be out. right?

[awesomeguy1235]

well, if it is listed in the parts you are allowed to use, then you can, but if it is not, then just forget it, my team thought of arms that used pulleys and surgical tubing to clamp it shut

[PAR_WIG1350]

Update #3 still doesn't rule out the polycarbonate hinge. I'd Q&A that one if I were you.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by BJT

Update#3 seems to rule out hinges on the minibot. you could make one, but purchasing a pre-made hinge, regardless of material, seems to be out. right?

What of Team Update 3 makes purchasing premade parts illegal?

[Jimmy the Kidd]

Originally Posted by BJT

Update#3 seems to rule out hinges on the minibot. you could make one, but purchasing a pre-made hinge, regardless of material, seems to be out. right?

A couple of the posters here and I seem to have the same opinion. You should be able to only MAKE hinges. Buying them is against the rules.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

What of Team Update 3 makes purchasing premade parts illegal?

If they aren't Tetrix, and they aren't specifically listed (which the parts in question--hinges--are not), then you either have to make your own or go without. Team Update 3 removed all ambiguity on the "hardware" point by changing "hardware" to "fasteners".

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by EricH

If they aren't Tetrix, and they aren't specifically listed (which the parts in question--hinges--are not), then you either have to make your own or go without. Team Update 3 removed all ambiguity on the "hardware" point by changing "hardware" to "fasteners".

But the hinges are made exclusively of materials found on the list of allowed parts. Why is it suddenly required that you hand make them if they are literally just shaped versions of what is allowed?