Our team is thinking of using a chassis which is divided into two parts, front and back. The two would be connected in the middle with a pivot - allowing the two to swing side to side individually. If you’ve ever seen a Ripstick, that’s essentially our idea. The problem is, we’re not sure the bumpers would be within constraints; they wouldn’t always be on the same plane.
Check out CD media for our 03 bot something similar should work for ya
For clarification: Let’s define a coordinate frame with the z-axis pointing straight up from the floor and the x and y axes pointing horizontally. Does it pivot about the z-axis or the x/y axis?
If your answer is z-axis, you’ll have to have a rigid frame perimeter to mount the bumpers on that is non-articulating (<R11>); have that and you should be legal.
If your answer is x/y axis, same thing–rigid frame perimeter, non-articulating, all that good stuff. You’ll need to take some extra care to make sure that the bumpers stay in the bumper zone (10-16" above the floor) unless you’re going over the bump, but you should be OK.
You’ll also have to watch out for <G30>, but some careful planning should give you no problems there.
From Rev E of Section 8…
<R11> The FRAME PERIMETER must be comprised of fixed, non-articulated structural elements of the ROBOT. The FRAME PERIMETER must remain a fixed, unchanging polygon throughout the MATCH.
For the sake of discussion, if this were legal what advantage do you gain for the added complexity? Is it worth it?
The only scenario I see this being useful in would be climbing up the bump at an angle. For this fringe case that can be potentially avoided by the drivers I don’t see the added complexity as being worth it.
Regarding the legality, as Al mentioned above the Frame Perimeter restrictions would apply. You would need a fixed, non-pivoting frame perimeter structure, a separate structure for the wheels that articulates the way you want and some type of spring or gas shock to connect them.
not overly complex and helps keeping the wheels in contact with the ramp.