pic: Ramp Video

[joeweber]

As you can see from the drawing the frame is stationary on level ground and does not articulate. When it goes over the ramp the drive system articulates but the frame remains solid. ( the frame is where the bumpers are attached).

[GaryVoshol]

Joe, it seems to me that as the middle wheel goes up, the outer wheels go down. Wouldn't this cause the bumper height to change? Bumpers must remain in the BUMPER ZONE, 10-16" off a level surface.

[Rosiebotboss]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

Joe, it seems to me that as the middle wheel goes up, the outer wheels go down. Wouldn't this cause the bumper height to change? Bumpers must remain in the BUMPER ZONE, 10-16" off a level surface.

Key phrase--"level surface". If the robot is set up on a level surface, are the bumbers in the bumper zone?

[Brad Voracek]

You also have to watch out for your max height.

Don't make the robot 5 feet above the frame, make it 5 feet above the wheel at the lowest point.

How they would test this in the box.. I don't know.

But still, ask the Q&A if you guys go with it. Awesome drive.

[joeweber]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

Joe, it seems to me that as the middle wheel goes up, the outer wheels go down. Wouldn't this cause the bumper height to change? Bumpers must remain in the BUMPER ZONE, 10-16" off a level surface.

<r07>The BUMPERS must be located entirely within the BUMPER ZONE when the ROBOT is standing normally on a flat floor,

The measurement is taken when the robot is on flat floor. We meet all requirements that we have found in the rules. The bumpers are between 10 an 16 inches above the floor when on flat ground.

[Gdeaver]

If I was an inspector, I would measure your robots bumpers with all wheels in contact with the floor . Then I would ask you to full articulate the wheels and then measure the bumpers. If at both configurations the bumpers where with in the bumper zone then I would be satisfied. If not then I would turn this down. I am not an inspector nor am I a member of the GDC. You better Q & A this soon before you go farther. From the picture your bumper height appears to be variable and not fixed or static.

[JB987]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

If I was an inspector, I would measure your robots bumpers with all wheels in contact with the floor . Then I would ask you to full articulate the wheels and then measure the bumpers. If at both configurations the bumpers where with in the bumper zone then I would be satisfied. If not then I would turn this down. I am not an inspector nor am I a member of the GDC. You better Q & A this soon before you go farther. From the picture your bumper height appears to be variable and not fixed or static.

Sure looks like bumper height would remain fixed while on the flat floor as the regs require.

[BJT]

Everyones bumpers will be out of the bumper zone when going over a bump, so if this thing is legal on the floor it seems fine to me.

[Gdeaver]

If the robot is flat on the floor and the middle wheel is articulated up, are the bumpers still in the bumper zone? This really needs a Q&A. Also with the bumpers up high this year, robot frames will be subjected to allot more stress than in past years with the low riders. Make sure those supports are robust.

[joeweber]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

If the robot is flat on the floor and the middle wheel is articulated up, are the bumpers still in the bumper zone? This really needs a Q&A. Also with the bumpers up high this year, robot frames will be subjected to allot more stress than in past years with the low riders. Make sure those supports are robust.

If the robot is on the flat floor why would the wheels be articulated up? The articulation is not powered. the wheels follow the floor all the time.

[maltz1881]

The center Omni's are ALWAYS touching the ground, they never leave the floor. They aren't powered by anything other than the friction on the carpet when the Mec wheels are moving. The bumpers are in a permanet position. If you use the bump to manuvere around the field then no matter what your bumpers are going to change height. Meaning when you are going up your back bumper will be closer to the ground then if you were on level ground and just the opposite when going down the other side. The bumpers are solid and in the correct height while on LEVEL ground!

We have read the rules many many times and the question has been given to Q & A. We have asked many many teams in our area about it and if this is doable. Most agree with us that it is perfectly fine while others weren't sure. We are 99.9% sure that we are correct and would be shocked to see anything differently.

[joeweber]

Q & A gave us the green light, Yahooo!!!

[JesseK]

Yep Joe, Update #3 today also green-lighted it. I really look forward to seeing this design in action! Be sure to post some videos of it during competition.

[the man]

Is that the 45degree angle of the ramp? it looked to shalow, and you should build a real bump if possible because it is much harder to test with out the real thing if you know what i mean.

[joeweber]

Originally Posted by the man

Is that the 45degree angle of the ramp? it looked to shalow, and you should build a real bump if possible because it is much harder to test with out the real thing if you know what i mean.

That picture is from one year ago. You can view a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQMcw4QNCLI

The video ramp is a 45 degree ramp but we had to cut the corners for the low ground clearence of the 6 inch wheels. We will be using 8 inch