Bumpers

Technical Technical Discussion
1

We are a new team and want to clarify a rule to make sure we are correct. We are building our bumbers. In the front we need to leave an opening to let the ball come through our frame. We need 8 inches min from each vertex. Does that mean from each exact vertex of the frame or does that mean each side of the robot meaning if we overlap the side bumbers by 3 inches does that 3 inches count as part of the 8 inches required? If they over lap the side bumpers we would have 3 inches on one side of the exact vertex of the frame and 5 inches on the other side of the vertex. Is that legal? or do all 8 inches need to be on the inside of the frame vertex? (knowing that the corner still needs to be protected.)

Thanks.

2

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101318&highlight=bumpers

Try that thread. Someone asked the same question.

3

You need 8 inches on each side of each exact vertex. Overlapping the bumpers by 3 inches does not count toward the 8 inches.

For example, on a 28 inch long side of your robot, you would need 8 inches of bumper on each end, thus reducing the possible opening by 16 inches, leaving you with a 12 inch maximum opening.

4

You need 8 inches on each side of each exact vertex. Overlapping the bumpers by 3 inches does not count toward the 8 inches

But the extra 3 inches will help to get you team number on the bumper.

5

Would it be safe to say the 8 inches of the bumper has to be from the edge of the frame?

so it would sort of look like this for the front of the robot with 28 inch side

table (key for picture)

  • corner of robot ( which is covered by bumper)
    | edge of frame
  • 1 inch/ bumper coverage
    0 = open area of bumper

|--------000000000000--------|

would that be following the rule?

6

I think I know what you’re asking–does this Q&A answer your question?
Q: Figure 4-1 shows short segments of bumper on each side of an opening. 4.1.6 says that the minimum length of bumper is 8". But does the 8" include the part of of the bumper that overlaps with a bumper on the adjacent side, or only the part that is backed up by the chassis? A measurement added to Figure 4-1 would be really helpful.
A. The 8 in. specified in Rule [R27] does not include overlapping sections of bumper material found at an exterior vertex.

7

thanks, that answers my question perfectly, thanks.

8

Make sure that your bumper pads are all set to the right high of the wood and that your way to strap them is extra secure our team had trouble with that last year

9

Make sure that your bumper pads are all set to the right hight of the wood and that your way to strap them is extra secure our team had trouble with that last year