Anyone know what force gauge will be used to test TRAP flaps at competitions?

[mswhite60]

We are looking for a force gauge to test our team TRAP flap and wondering if anyone knows what FIRST will be using at comps?

Also/alternatively - any recommendations on an inexpensive gauge to test for the 2 ounce pressure to open the flap?

We are looking at this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Backlight-Power-Off-Function-Included/dp/B0CDWMMR7J/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Force%2BGauges%2B10N&qid=1706533844&s=industrial&sr=1-3&th=1

[mswhite60]

Note that in the team field piece drawing it states “It should only take about 2 oz of force applied to this location to move the flap”

The location referenced is the bottom of the flap as accessed from the field.

[gerthworm]

@mswhite60

We are looking for a force gauge to test our team TRAP flap and wondering if anyone knows what FIRST will be using at comps?

Field Faculty’s Finely Calibrated Phalanges , most likely.

Unless someone’s seen a spec and test procedure that I haven’t.

[Zook]

I went off of the 2oz spec and converted to newtons: 0.57N. Then used one of my classroom Vernier force sensors. From an absolute force frame of reference, that’s pretty much nothing and feels like a stiff breeze will push the trap open.

Measuring it on field seems loosely goosey to be honest.
I agree that field set up people will likely just push it and say “Seems good.”

[puck2017]

Does anyone know for sure whether the 2oz “to move the flap” means just barely opening the flap, or completely opening the flap to the backstop?

[Skyehawk]

It should be hardest to push open when it is closed and get easier the more you push it in.

[puck2017]

Are you sure? When the flap is pushed mostly open into a vertical position, the top of the flap hits the back of the support, stopping the top from moving further. But the bottom can be pushed a little farther back until it hits the stop, so at this point you’re flexing the flap and getting a spring-like restoring force.

[Skyehawk]

I can all but guarantee you this spring behavior of the poly carb is greater than 2 oz and not the area FIRST was intending to measure against. A glance at the field tour video makes it pretty obvious there is not need to force the flap on the trap much at all.