Springs on a minibot?

[hans4]

So I have some team member wondering if springs are allowed on the minibots.
I believe that rule <r-92> says no, however part J makes me wonder if its possible.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Nick

[cbeavers6790]

i would agree with you and say no. If its not listed under the things that can be used on the mini bots then i wouldnt risk it. I would stick with the things that they say can be used. i will check the rules to make sure though

[EricH]

Spring springs are not in the list.

But rubber bands and surgical tubing are (parts U and V).

Twisted rope could also act as one, but I'd go for rubber bands first.

[hans4]

Thanks guys i'll let my team members know


Nick

[Waffles]

It's rather questionable, considering that ruling <R92> under listed part J says:

non-metallic rope, or cord

If you're thinking about a different materialized spring, it may be considered. Deff check with the Q&A, otherwise assume no because springs can be deemed dangerous in some way shape or form.

Just my two cents.

[Duke461]

Originally Posted by hans4

So I have some team member wondering if springs are allowed on the minibots.
I believe that rule <r-92> says no, however part J makes me wonder if its possible.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Nick

Well, unless you used a NON-metallic rope or cord for a spring (i dont know how you would, feel free to let me know) you could not use a spring; also, that would be pretty hard because your minibot has to stay in contact with the pole throughout. So
1. it'd be hard to make a non-metallic spring
2. it'd be hard to make a non-metallic spring with a enough force to get to the top
3. it'd be hard to make a non-metallic spring with a enough force to get to the top while touching the pole, which would impede in some way on the upward speed
Happy to help,
-Duke

[ThePeracha]

What about launching it? Can we launch it directly from the robot to the pole?

[cbeavers6790]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

What about launching it? Can we launch it directly from the robot to the pole?

NO that would not only be dangerous, but from what i have looked at in the rules it is not allowed please do not try it

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

What about launching it? Can we launch it directly from the robot to the pole?

With a spring? As long as the spring is connected to the ROBOT/HOSTBOT, and not the MINIBOT, the spring is part of the ROBOT and would be legal.

[Waffles]

Originally Posted by cbeavers6790

NO that would not only be dangerous, but from what i have looked at in the rules it is not allowed please do not try it

Can you provide a reference point from the manual? I mean, there are methods we've thought about, and considering that we're working with a steel pole, that means that there's potential for magnets as well.

Just my two cents.

[jamie_1930]

If your looking for more of a compression type spring I would suggest using bent polycarbonate. Although too much compression could cause permanent defermation of the polycarbonate, so be careful (also it would be a weak spring). In addition with the mention of using rope to create a spring you could do this by utilizing the rope as torsion catapaults do.

[ThePeracha]

Originally Posted by cbeavers6790

NO that would not only be dangerous, but from what i have looked at in the rules it is not allowed please do not try it

Hahaha, don't worry, my team already kind of considers my a bit loony.

But why not? It'll have to be sturdy and have a latching mechanism but that's all. Even with a cubic foot of space, we can still make it possible. Plus, we only have 10 seconds to climb 11 feet, and this is the quickest way possible.

I was thinking of using surgical tubing since that would light weight and easily stretched. With no height limit this year, it should be too difficult to make a catapult that could possible also double as an arm.

[ThePeracha]

Originally Posted by Waffles

Can you provide a reference point from the manual? I mean, there are methods we've thought about, and considering that we're working with a steel pole, that means that there's potential for magnets as well.

Excellent idea. But won't the magnets disrupt both the sensors and the electronics on the minibot?

[ThePeracha]

From thread http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/ne...reply&p=993370:

Originally Posted by Waffles

It's not necessarily the BASE. When you "deploy":

DEPLOYMENT – the act of positioning a MINIBOT on a TOWER. DEPLOYMENT starts when the MINIBOT breaks the vertical projection of the TOWER BASE circumference during the END GAME. (Related form, DEPLOY, verb)

DEPLOYMENT LINE – located on the POST, approximately 18 inches above the top surface of the BASE.

These are the Manual definitions.

I believe you have an 18" buffer zone on which you PLACE the minibot.

(Otherwise, correct me if I'm wrong)

Does this mean it can't be thrown above the line area?

[nighterfighter]

Originally Posted by Waffles

and considering that we're working with a steel pole, that means that there's potential for magnets as well.

Just my two cents.

I feel like using magnets would only slow you down.