Bumper Length

[FRC1746]

BUMPERS Part 1:
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This response seems to contradict Update #2: '...The length of the the bumper assembly that includes all of these items is what determines the "bumper length." '

Team update #2 clearly shows that the 6" is measuring just the plywood backing - otherwise the max opening in the graphic would be 26" + 2.5 + 2.5 or 31 inches.

So .. just to be sure: How will the Bumper Segment Length be measured?

BUMPERS Part 2:
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Will bumpers be required on the angled faces of design like this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/32317?

The current rules would indicate no, as long as the sharp corner is covered by a bumper running up the side. Please verify.

BUMPERS Part 3:
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<R18E> "The Trailer Hitch must be placed such that, as the TRAILER swings from side to side, the first contact between the TRAILER and ROBOT is BUMPER-to-BUMPER and not TRAILER-tongue-to-BUMPER (to prevent placing excessive stress upon, and possibly damaging, the TRAILER tongue). See Figure 8-6."

Does this REQUIRE a team to place bumpers on the back of the robot?

Seems like we could design a TrailerBumper-to-RobotChassis contact that would save the same purpose of minimizing stress on the trailer hitch, especially since there will be other exposed areas of the robot that will be making this kind of bumper-to-chassis contact with other robots.

Question: Is the Trailer bumper ONLY allowed to contact the Robot Bumper (per <R18E>), or can the trailer bumper contact an exposed non-sharp area of the frame?

[GDC]

1. The statements are not contradictory. The length of a BUMPER is determined by the portion of the assembly the includes all the required elements (pool noodle, fabric covering, clamping angles, and plywood backing) in the cross-section of the assembly. The length of this portion of the BUMPER assembly must be at least six inches. This is consistent with the previous answers and the statements/drawings in Team Update #2.

2. As indicated in Rule <R08-I>, all exterior corners of the BUMPER PERIMETER must be protected by BUMPERS. Both "sides" of the corner must be protected.

3. Rule <R18-E> requires that the ROBOT be designed such that contact between the ROBOT and the TRAILER (other than the Trailer Hitch) must be BUMPER-to-BUMPER. There are no exceptions to this.