[FRC Blog] Our Mistake and Q612

[Hallry]

Posted on the FRC Blog, 1/21/16: http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/Our-Mistake-and-Q612

Our Mistake and Q612

Written by Frank Merrick, 2016 Jan 21

Through Q612 on the FRC Q&A we learned that we made a mistake on the drawing for the Rock Wall. The Rock Wall is actually wider than indicated on the drawing.

When our supplier first attempted to make the Rock Wall to our requirements when we were prototyping, they found that they would not be able to do so because of the proximity of the bends in the steel. They asked if we could adjust the size of the Rock Wall to make them manufacturable without running the risk of distortion. We agreed, but did not make the necessary changes to the drawings that would later be published, as we should have. I’m sorry for this.

In verifying the Rock Walls that we had already been manufactured and delivered, we learned additionally that the height was out of specification. Working with the supplier to understand their capabilities, and considering the time to manufacture, we will be having the current manufacturer remake the Rock Walls to an updated specification that will retain the height as published on the original drawing, but widen the wall to 5.25”, the closest the supplier can come to the original dimension. Attempting to switch to a different manufacturer at this time capable of maintaining the original wall width while meeting our delivery deadlines is not realistic, and would further delay our ability to confirm to teams the dimensions of the Rock Wall they can expect at competition.

I recognize that this will lead to some teams having to rework their designs and defenses. I sincerely apologize for the extra resources the teams in this situation will now need to invest.

The updated drawings have been posted to the Game & Season Materials page (or for direct links: 2016 Team Versions and 2016 Field Components). We have verified all other defenses as being manufactured to the drawings. Further, we will be reviewing and updating our drawing verification process to ensure this issue does not recur.

Again, I apologize for the extra investment teams are now required to make.

Frank