pic: Storm Robotics Team, FRC2729 - 2010 Breakaway Robot

[mwsmith78]

PAR_WIG1350,

I think the original picture is a slight optical illusion. I beleive the flange you are referring to is the C-channel that sits under the bottom T-slot. I have included another picture that should clear that up. The C-channel is within the same boundary as the T-slot.

All,

You do bring up a good point regarding the frame perimeter and the screw heads on our orange gusset plates. I believe we are ok on the sides and back, because the plexi mounts and screws push out the bumpers to same plane. However, the front gusset plates may need to be removed, because there is nothing on the top of frame to push out bumper to account for the orange gussets at the bottom front corners. Either that or we need to add something to top-front to push out bumper. Lucky for us, the orange gusset plates are extra structural reinforcement and decorative. So removing them, if necessary, is no problem.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MrKnauss...12952304481682

[EricH]

The C-channel is fine, but how are you going to get a fully supported bumper along that frame perimeter? On the front, it looks like you'll be fine. On the sides, there's a pretty substantial space where the frame isn't the frame perimeter, but about 1/8" or 1/16" inside. I'd suggest putting a shim in along there to bring the frame out to the perimeter.

[mwsmith78]

EricH,

I see your point ...

M. The entire length of the BUMPER backing must be supported by the structure/frame of the ROBOT (i.e. the backing material must not be in “free space” between or beyond attachment points) (see Figure 8 – 3).

When I first read this rule I interpreted it as large gaps in the frame. But, I guess the 1/16-1/8" gap that we have due to screw heads would also count against this.

We will have to take some shims (as you suggest) to our competition. Thanks for the feedback.

Matt