Our rookie team is wondering…
We are wonding if the rules require a chain cover for where our motors attaches to our chains.
We are building the very common four wheel robot with with the two interior motors attaching by long chains to the front and back wheels. I have seen other robots with those AndyMark covers over the gears on the motors to the chains. Is that required by the rules? Thought I would ask if I need to order those covers. Thanks for the help!
jalmos
4166
It’s inspector dependent but you won’t see too many FRC robots with guards over their drive chains. That’t not to say it’s a bad idea just that few do it for weight or space reasons.
FRC robot chain paths are dangerous things that can easily remove a finger. Our team has a strict rule that before the robot is enabled the operator must first say “CLEAR” and make sure no one is in contact with it.
4.1.2 Safety & Damage Prevention
[R08]
Robot parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, cause an unsafe condition, or interfere with the
operation of other Robots.
If the chains are inside a drive mechanism and not generally able to allow fingers to enter you are OK. If the chain is exposed and near where a person’s hands or other body parts may be pulled in, the chain should be covered or protected. This is true of shooter motors as well since they are likely to be still moving at the end of a match where field resetters and refs will be moving near and about your robot.
Thanks for the quick reply. I just wanted check with the rules. SAFETY wise our robot should haev these covers. THANKS!
jalmos