Bumper Wood

[wet_colored_arc]

I really hate to discourage you but I agree with most the other comments. Even not doing things like this we have occasionally had variations in some details of interpretation. Before my time involved with FIRST, the team got through an entire regional and then qualifications at another regional only to be asked to change something for finals when re-inspected.

I have always interpreted the spirit of the rule to provide for some minimum standard protection for your robot that is wholly independent of aiding function of the robot. In this case, not a true "aide" but certainly an accommodation.

Having said that, read the rules carefully. Maybe you can design around the 8" constraint or maybe consider the tolerances on cutting the wood.

[jvriezen]

One other clarification that I don't think has come up in this discussion.

If you have more than 8" of bumper (say 12" ) from the corner, the 8" minimum rule still does not allow you to notch between the 8" and 12" locations.

A bumper may cover only the minimum 8", but if its longer, all of it still has to fit the bumper rules and match the bumper cross section specifications.

[jvriezen]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

So the question is: If it is a small access hole (for the intake) and does not affect structural integrity, is it legal?

Realize that you are saying that a 5" wide piece of wood reduced to 4" at one (or two) locations doesn't affect structural integrity. How does that work?

The access holes for fasteners do effect structural integrity of the wood, but overall enhance the robutsness of the bumper system by getting more backing contact with the frame.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Daniel,
That is the standard interpretation based on past practice. It has always been used to allow a tight fit to the robot frame. (although in some years it was not allowed)

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by jvriezen

One other clarification that I don't think has come up in this discussion.

If you have more than 8" of bumper (say 12" ) from the corner, the 8" minimum rule still does not allow you to notch between the 8" and 12" locations.

A bumper may cover only the minimum 8", but if its longer, all of it still has to fit the bumper rules and match the bumper cross section specifications.

This is because all BUMPERS are exempt from size and weight restrictions. Free weight generally comes with conditions.

[TikiTech]

Howzit,

I believe if you are to use a combination of two previously mentioned resolutions to possibly make your intake work.

Measure the floor clearance of your existing bumper. If you are at 3" or more you have an easy fix of lowering the bumper.

Even if you are able to lower the bumper only a 1/2 inch you then can make the wood backing 4.5" and you will get your needed inch.

As mentioned by Jon "the bumpers really play a big role in game piece manipulation for a lot of teams. Having the bumpers in place changes the geometry and motion required for the ball to enter the robot. Personally, I'm a big fan of making some bumpers as soon as you have a frame and strapping them in place. It'll help you remember to include all of the constraints when designing your manipulators."

This is really important.. I am personally not a fan of corner only bumpers, I have seen many robots this year getting hung up on one another during heavy defense.

Good luck with your bumper revisions, and upcoming events.

Aloha!

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

This is because all BUMPERS are exempt from size and weight restrictions. Free weight generally comes with conditions.

This is not quite true. There is size minimums and weight maximums. There are also condition on what can and can't be used on a bumper.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by Steve W

This is not quite true. There is size minimums and weight maximums. There are also condition on what can and can't be used on a bumper.

I was referring to ROBOT sizing and ROBOT weight restrictions, but yes, I was being unclear. BUMPERS have their own set of size and weight restrictions as well.

[omalleyj]

This is an interesting thread, but wouldn't it be easier to notch the intake arms? Given that you'd have to diassemble the bumpers, notch, reassemble. Maybe move the brackets to get additional clearance. And after all that run the risk the inspection fails...
Isn't creating two new arms with a bend or notch easier?