stock bumper quick disconnect system
We too wish to use a quick disconnect system based on a U bracket bolted to the wood frame and held to the standard robot frame with a quick disconnect pin. It clearly meets all the functionality requirements of R8. Unfortunately its a well known problem that regional competition rule interpretation can vary with punishing consequences to the effected teams. The 3rd bullet in the R8 subsection " must be attached to the Robot with a bolt-and-fastener system..."'s intent is crystal clear to me but unfortunately the specific words are imprecise both from an engineering language and from a English language prespective. A "fastener" is usually a bolt (or bolt and nut). That means you have asked for a bolt and bolt system. Our U bracket may or may not be interpreted as a "fastener" by some inspectors. I think FIRST meant to say "fastenING" system.
In fact I suspect the intent was to say "must be attached with a fastening system that is rigid.... One example is the bold and blind nut system shown in the diagram but it is not the only acceptable implementation."
Again, sorry for the request for clarification but it will make both the 1500 teams jobs easier with one less stress poiint and the probably hundreds of inspectors jobs easier
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