FRCTools

8.4       BUMPER Rules

A BUMPER is a required assembly which attaches to the ROBOT frame. BUMPERS protect ROBOTS from damaging/being damaged by other ROBOTS and FIELD elements.

A BUMPER guide providing additional information on materials and design based on historical best practices may be found under the Mechanical Resources section of the Technical Resources page. Teams may also reference the KitBot Instructions for a detailed step-by-step on how to build bumpers for the KitBot.

All dimensions specified in this section are nominal and will be measured during inspection with a tolerance of 0.25in (0.63cm) unless otherwise specified. This means that maximums specified have a tolerance of +0.25in (0.63cm) and minimums specified have a tolerance of –0.25in (0.63cm). Teams are encouraged to design to the nominal dimension and reserve the tolerance for unexpected deviation such as manufacturing error or tolerance stack-up.

Similar Rules

Rule R402
R402       *BUMPER construction. BUMPERS must consist of the following elements. With the exception of padding and cover extending into corners and cover wrapping around the end of segments, any vertical cross section of the BUMPER must include parts A, B, and C:
Rule R404
R404       *BUMPERS must be soft. Hard parts of BUMPERS must not extend more than 1.25in (3.17cm) out from the ROBOT PERIMETER. Only padding (per R402-A), cover (per R402-C, including any coatings or markings), and soft fasteners used to secure padding or cover are permitted beyond this limit. Padding must extend at least 2.0in (5.08cm) beyond any hard parts of the BUMPER. There is no limit on how far BUMPER hard parts may extend inside the ROBOT PERIMETER.
Rule R401
R401       *BUMPERS almost all around. ROBOTS are required to use BUMPERS to protect the entire ROBOT PERIMETER. Gaps of less than 1.25in (3.17cm) between adjacent segments are permitted as long as all corners are filled per R406. A single gap larger than 1.25in (3.17cm) is permitted, as long as at least 5.0in (12.7cm) of ROBOT PERIMETER on each side of each corner is protected by BUMPER.
Rule R403
R403       *BUMPER extension limit. BUMPERS must not extend more than 4.0in (10.16cm) from the ROBOT PERIMETER.