Clarification for Bumpers?

SandraM6046 · February 11, 2016, 3:40pm

My team looked at the manual and we’re wondering what updates or clarification there is for the bumpers (size, restrictions, and height restrictions) on the robot.

Do we have to attach the bumpers directly to the frame or can they be above the frame on brackets?

Robosquatch76 · February 11, 2016, 3:44pm

Per R22:
“BUMPERS must be located entirely within the BUMPER ZONE, which is the volume contained
between two virtual horizontal planes, 4 in. above the floor and 12 in. above the floor, in reference
to the ROBOT standing normally on a flat floor. BUMPERS do not have to be parallel to the floor.”

So yes, you can use brackets to attach your bumpers. However, they “must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame”

Robosquatch76 · February 11, 2016, 3:45pm

For all the rules, see 4.7 in the robot rules.

SandraM6046 · February 11, 2016, 3:47pm

Thank you very much!

GeeTwo · February 12, 2016, 12:44am

See Q766

Q&A:

Q. Our chassis is 6" from the ground at its highest point. Are we allowed to make our bumpers so that they start 6" above the ground and end 11" above the ground? They would start at the top of the chassis.

A. There is no rule that requires the BUMPERS to be backed by the “chassis”, however they do have to be backed by non-BUMPER ROBOT elements (which constitute the FRAME PERIMETER). Please note that per R26: “BUMPERS must be supported by the structure/frame of the ROBOT (see Figure 4-9). To be considered supported, a minimum of ½ in. at each end of the BUMPER must be backed by the FRAME PERIMETER.” and that per R21-G they “must attach to the FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame” (emphasis added).