More on bumpers

[FRC134]

For years we have wanted to use bumpers, but never were able to save back the weight. This year we made them. But, on a standard frame and a standard wheel chair wheel, there is no way there is clearance to climb the ramp with the bumper floor height of 2.5 inches. In fact, we can't see any way to get the clearance except to have a drive system that raises and lowers just as it starts up the ramp, and still stay within the rule. Is there any way the game committee could reconsider the height rule on the bumpers to be: bumpers must be as low as the lowest portion of your frame?

[GDC]

The bumper requirements are stated in Rule <R35>. Note that, based on the wheelbase of your robot, the bumpers may need to be non-contiguous in order to clear the edge as you drive up the ramp. Segmented bumpers are permissible, provided they meet all the other constraints of Rule <R35>.

[FRC134]

We do not understand the response. Does this mean the bumpers can be segmented and designed to pivot or floatup when they interact with the ramp and floor behind? Or, does this mean you can only have a short fixed bumper on each of the sides that is only as long as permits to go up the ramp?

As a suggestion, next year if it is FIRST uses the wooden people-pushed robots, perhaps their bumpers could be built to specifications so we may have a better idea about the bumpers.

[GDC]

Bumpers may be moved relative to the main structure of the robot, as long as they remain in the Bumper Zone and within the overall robot size limitations specified in Rule <R08>. If moved, the plywood backing of the bumpers must remain vertical with respect to the playing field, as illustrated in Rule <R35>. This allows bumper movement in two axes of translation and one axis of rotation (e.g. the bumper may translate along either horizontal axis or rotate about a vertical axis). Bumpers may not pivot or “float” up out of the bumper zone. Bumpers may be segmented into non-contiguous lengths to permit the passage of balls or clearance over the edge of the ramp (as illustrated in Rule <R35>).