Bumper Support?

[Zack.McDonald]

We would like a clarification on Rule 26-B... Does this rule mean that the bumpers must be attached via some type of bracket every 8 inches, or does it mean it must be backed by the frame?

[Steve W]

BUMPERS must be supported by the structure/frame of the ROBOT (see Figure 4-10). To be considered supported, a minimum of ½ in. at each end of the BUMPER must be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER. Additionally, any gap between the backing material and the frame

must not be greater than ¼ in. deep, and (change to “or” per last TU)
not more than 8 in. wide

The bumpers must be supported at each end by at least 1/2". If there is less than 1/4" space between bumper and frame for the rest of the bumper then you are OK. If however there is greater than a 1/4" between frame and bumper there must be a support at least every 8 inches.

[Lil' Lavery]

If you seek official clarification of the rules, use the official FIRST Q&A system. Any answers given on chief delphi are not official, and hold no weight at the events.

https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/Questions.php


My interpretation of <R26> doesn't concern how or where the bumper is attached to the frame, only how it is supported/backed by it. No segment of the bumper that is longer than 8" may be more than 1/4" away from the frame.