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Thread: Chassis and Bumpers

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
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    Default Chassis and Bumpers

    The following was recently stated:

    "The intent of Rule <R08-M> is to ensure that sufficient structural reinforcement is provided to the BUMPERS to allow them to withstand the high-speed, high-energy impacts that are likely to occur during a typical Lunacy MATCH without failing. A simple flat 1/8-inch aluminum plate mounted on standoffs is unlikely to provide the required structural support for the BUMPERS."

    Question, Is 3.2 mm alumimum that has been strengthed and is on standoffs "likely to provide the required structual support for the BUMPERS." If not, what thickness is the GDC going state is the required thickness that will "likely to provided the required structural support for the BUMPERS".

    The intent of the question is "not to lawyer the rules" but get clarifaction on a chassis that has been completed - meaning designed, cut, and welded. Completed before the most recent "clarification" in the Q&A on the use of standoffs.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
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    1

    Default Bumper support clarification

    In a previous Q&A response, you stated:

    "No. The intent of Rule <R08-M> is to ensure that sufficient structural reinforcement is provided to the BUMPERS to allow them to withstand the high-speed, high-energy impacts that are likely to occur during a typical Lunacy MATCH without failing. A simple flat 1/8-inch aluminum plate mounted on standoffs is unlikely to provide the required structural support for the BUMPERS."

    What are the limits that will be used to determine structural support? Would a 1/4-inch flat aluminum plate provide the required structural support? Or a 1/4 inch flat steel plate?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    2,777

    Default Re: Chassis and Bumpers

    It is impossible to provide a single, simple litmus test to determine the suitability of any one particular material for this task. The structural capabilities provided by a system are determined by many factors, including the material composition, thickness, shape, support type/location, integrity, etc of the structure.

    As previously indicated, the purpose of Rule <R08-M> is to ensure that sufficient structural reinforcement is provided to the BUMPERS to allow them to withstand the high-speed, high-energy impacts that are likely to occur during a typical Lunacy MATCH without failing.

    A simple 1/8-inch thick, 1-inch tall, piece of flat aluminum bar supported at a minimal number of locations by tall standoffs across an entire side of a ROBOT is unlikely to provide the required structural support. Conversely, a piece of 1/8-inch thick, 3-inch tall piece of aluminum that has been folded into a 1x1-inch C-channel, stress relieved, heat treated, oriented properly to provide maximum bending resistance against side impacts and fully integrated into the fundamental structure/frame of the ROBOT would be perfectly acceptable. Where a particular solution might be placed along the spectrum of possible solutions between these two points must be determined by the TEAM and the inspectors.

    We would also note that there have not been any changes to Rule <R08> (the BUMPER rule) since The Manual was released at kick-off. Nothing has changed that would cause any changes to a chassis designed in compliance with the original rules.

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