Q774 and the Supreme Bumper Mounts

[Procolsaurus]

Q744
Q. Section R21-G, Figure 4.7, indicates a “1” limit for hard parts”. However, a 1” width limit for hard parts is not explained in the rules. We are considering permanently attaching a 1”X1” angle to the back of the bumper (aluminum angle permanently attached to the wood backing) for the purposes of attaching our bumper to the frame perimeter so that the angle can rest on top of the frame perimeter and provide a place for fastening the bumpers to the frame. In this case, the hard parts of the bumpers would be 1.75” wide (1” angle plus 0.75" wood), but the wood backing of the bumper would be tight against the frame perimeter structure. Is this permitted provided we still follow R20 and R22?

A. The 1" restriction shown in Figure 4-7 is described in R21-B and is measured from the FRAME PERIMETER outwards. There is no explicit restriction on the distance hard parts used as part of the "rigid fastening system" may extend into the FRAME PERIMETER.

It appears that Q744 enables some more ridiculous bumper designs than I have ever seen or thought of. Imagine that the fastener from Figure 4-7: BUMPER Vertical Cross Section extended 25 inches to the FRAME PERIMETER on the opposite side of the robot, potentially acting as a cross brace for the robot.


Do you think a design like this is...
A) Illegal, this is an incorrect interpretation of the rules.
B) Legal but a bad idea, may need to explain the legality to an Inspector.
C) Legal, but likely to cause a change in the rules to prevent it.
D) Legal, and a great idea