AM14U Kitbot and R26

Competition Rules/Strategy
1

R26
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

What I am worried about here is the end of the AM14U chassis on one side is just the piece of metal outside of the wheels and it is definately not 1/2 thick. It does have a bend at the top, but does this count as 1/2 support? If not will all teams using the kit chassis have to add a couple of custom L brackets just to make the bot legal?

I will Q&A this if I have to just wanted to get some feedback here and make sure I am not missing something obvious.

2

This is how the manual defines frame perimeter:

“To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT at the BUMPER ZONE described in R22. The string describes this polygon.”

Based on this, it seems like you would not need to add anything to the frame as long as the bumpers were against the front of the robot.

3

There is already a Q&A that has been asked on this subject.

Q271
A.When assembled according to the instructions the AM14U KOP chassis has a 5/8 in. flange extending inward from the outside plate inside the BUMPER ZONE which may be used to satisfy R26.

4

The only thing I need clarified is does the bumper have to be attached to that 5/8 in flange or is the centre tub enough?

5

Since the bumper must wrap around the corner, I suggest you attach the two bumper segments at the corner. If that is not practical, I suggest you add something to the side plate to help secure the bumper to the side plate. The rules do not require you attach it just that it be backed by at least 1/2" of frame. This is to prevent it from being hit in the corner and breaking.

6

The rule says the ends of the bumper segment must be supported by the frame. I do not believe that requires them to be attached there.