bumpers, a problem?

[65_Xero_Huskie]

problem with bumpers..
i saw that the center of the bumper is higher than the center of the ball, and that makes it possible that the bumpers will cuse the robot to roll over the ball and get it stuck underneath, if someone can explain this differently, i would appreciate it, cuz thats a big thing i see wrong

[JBotAlan]

I don't really see this as a problem.
From R35, last bullet point at bottom:

Bumpers must be positioned on the robot so that they remain between 2-1/2 inches and 8-1/2 inches above the floor

Even though what you said was right, the overlap is big enough, I think.

The bottom of the bumper, covered with smooth material (required in the bumper rule) should not catch the balls. I think it'll be low enough to not cause problems.

Just my take on it.
JBotAlan

[Donut]

The center is higher than the center of the ball, but the bumpers can extend all the way down to 2 & 1/2", so there shouldn't really be problems rolling over balls unless a team doesn't extend all the way down to that level, I would think.

[prettyyinpinkk9]

You're correct...if the center of the bumper is higher than the center of the ball, the ball will roll under the robot, causing 2 different scenarios...1)the ball will cause the wheels to come off the ground, hendering any type of movement 2) the ball will cause only the front wheels to come off the ground, but as the robot moves forward, the ball forces the back wheels off the ground, but at the same time the front wheels are lowered back onto the ground

[Henry_Mareck]

the bumpers are designed so that balls will not go under, as well as impact reduction.
FIRST does not want ball around wheels or in chain and sprockets.
I can imagine a balls going under a robot, and a spray of foam pieces coming out the other side. oops.

[Schneidie]

I seriously doubt the fact that FIRST would overlook a problem that could destroy their equipment for all the competitions.

[adam]

If bumpers can be 2.5 inches off the ground, and the center of the ball is at 3.5 inches (7 inch diameter i believe)........I don't see there being any problems.

Besides, i'm pretty sure that you can have other non-bumper material below 2.5 inches.

[Nuttyman54]

Originally Posted by adam

Besides, i'm pretty sure that you can have other non-bumper material below 2.5 inches.

yes you can (otherwise we'd need hovercraft robots), but any non-bumper material must be within the original 28"x38" footprint

[adam]

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54

yes you can (otherwise we'd need hovercraft robots), but any non-bumper material must be within the original 28"x38" footprint

we were just thinking of going for the hovercraft design...

[Nuttyman54]

Originally Posted by adam

we were just thinking of going for the hovercraft design...

you know...i never checked to see if that was legal...good luck getting it to run off of the Exide!

[psycho7]

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54

yes you can (otherwise we'd need hovercraft robots), but any non-bumper material must be within the original 28"x38" footprint

or just steal some star wars repulsor lift coils

[adam]

I'd say that a hovercraft above 5 feet could be legal.....I'm pretty sure that the rule is that you cannot exceed 5 feet while in a STABLE POSITION (flat on the ground?)

[pez1959]

Originally Posted by adam

I'd say that a hovercraft above 5 feet could be legal.....I'm pretty sure that the rule is that you cannot exceed 5 feet while in a STABLE POSITION (flat on the ground?)

<R08> states "The robot may not exceed the 60-inch height restriction at any time during the match."

That is a direct quote from the manual

[adam]

Originally Posted by pez1959

<R08> states "The robot may not exceed the 60-inch height restriction at any time during the match."

That is a direct quote from the manual

hmmm, in that case i'm not sure what i was thinking of. I seem to remember some mention of the height requirement only applying to robots in a stable position (so if another robot tips you over, one of your corners raising above five feet won't count against you).

[pez1959]

Well, not to beat a dead horse, but I think if your robot is within the 60in cube during gameplay, unless you have a diagonal piece, tipping over would not put you outside of the limit. Lifting you up could, which is something you may want to look into if you're a tall robot and you're concerned of being lifted.


Hmm I assume the 60in is 60in from the ground? Ie...when you're on a ramp, its 60in from the top of the ramp instead of original playing field?