On this compressor we have, we have the ability to rotate the output air thingy to 2 different positions, which is not its original position that it came in. Is it legal to rotate it to a different position?
The mark 1 is where it is originally and marks 2 and 3 are where we can rotate it to.
That is the cylinder head, and I think you will discover that you are not allowed to alter pneumatic parts…and most Robot Inspectors would consider that an alteration.
Read the rules again about that, though, to be sure. R76 is where the action is.
1 Like
Every COTS compressor I can recall has the output parallel to the motor, so that would set off bells. As I don’t expect this is unsafe but I don’t really know, this is one of those borderline cases where as a second-year RI I would advise you to put it back like COTS, but would volunteer that if you really want to do this, we can go to the LRI.
Honestly, is having the output going in a different direction worth the time of an argument with the RI and LRI, and risking having to reconfigure if you lose? My advice is to deal with it in the COTS orientation now so you can get more practice matches at your first event. Pick your battles; is this hill worth the effort?
5 Likes
No. Please do not modify the compressor by rotating the head. See R76. Rotating a compressor head is NOT one of the listed exceptions in A-E.
1 Like
As others have said, that would be considered modifying a pneumatic component, and is against the rules. You are welcome to ask on the Q&A for a more official answer, however. I believe I t’s been asked in past years and answered as above.
1 Like
I don’t know if it’s supposed to do that or ssayas it does that on the packaging then I guess it’s still considered cots, if it’s not on the packaging then I wouldn’t
1 Like
I don’t really agree, but the LRIs I have worked with say it is an an illegal modification. The one exception would be if the manufacture’s published directions list it.
The LRIs that I have worked with say once modified, it is illegal. (Not my opinion, I am just the messenger)
Having lived the joy of frantic replumbing to meet an RI understanding of the pneumatic rules and pass tech before a first match and knowing that they are very enthusiastically enforced (due to safety implications) I would strongly recommend you do not alter the compressor in any way. It became somewhat sadder when the RI came back and said they had pondered it some more and decided it was acceptable, but not recommended, after we had ripped it all out. We did make our first match, but is was much more frantic than previously planned.
I would bet that many RIs and most LRI would deem that a modification. It is just not a place you want to go.
That was sort of my point. As a RI, I use the LRI’s interpretation of the rules even if I disagree.
1 Like
Absolutely. That is also where as a mentor I would try and go, with both RI and LRI.
The debate is not “what is done in industry” or if it is really safe, it is what do the rules say and the LRI at the event is pretty much it when it comes to deciding on what they mean. In the case of a dramatic impact (ie we could not complete) I would probably politely escalate past the LRI to headquarters but common sense will typically get you alignment with their impretetation at inspection.
This topic was automatically closed 365 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.