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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:

A.      Padding – A minimum of 2.25in (5.72cm) depth of foam padding, at least 4.5in (11.43cm) tall consisting of solid blocks, sheets, or stacked rods of one or more of the following materials:

i.      Solid pool noodles or backer rod

ii.      Solid polyethylene closed cell foam (including crosslinked) with density between 1.5 and 3.0lb/ft³ (24.03 to 48.05kg/m³)

iii.      Solid EVA closed cell foam with density between 2.0 and 6.0lb/ft³ (32.04 to 96.11kg/m³)

iv.      Foam floor tiles

Multiple types, shapes, and/or layers of foam may be used within a single BUMPER.

Teams should be prepared to provide information about the padding material used in their BUMPERS. Teams do not need to have a separate material sample or expose padding for direct inspection to show compliance with this rule.

B.      Backing – A backer at least 4.5in (11.43cm) tall which supports the padding (i.e. padding is not cantilevered other than in corners) and facilitates installation and removal of the BUMPER from the ROBOT (as noted in R410). Additional elements may be added to strengthen the backing, fill space between the BUMPER and ROBOT frame, serve as part of the attachment system, or for any other purpose.

Figure 8‑5 BUMPER backing supporting padding (cross section)

C.      Cover – Cloth (as noted in R411) which covers all outward, upward and downward facing surfaces of padding such that no padding is exposed to interaction with the FIELD or other ROBOTs.

D.      Fastening System – BUMPERS must attach to the ROBOT PERIMETER with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop tape, tape, or cable ties). The fastening system must be designed to withstand vigorous game play. All removable fasteners (e.g. bolts, locking pins, quick release pins, etc.) may be considered part of either the BUMPERS or ROBOT for determination of weight per R103 and R408.

The BUMPER Rules provide teams significant freedom in choosing designs and materials. For information on a reference design, see the Bumper Guide under the Mechanical Resources section of the Technical Resouces Page.

Figure 8‑6 BUMPER Cross Section Example

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# contentMap.en
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:

A.      Padding – A minimum of 2.25in (5.72cm) depth of foam padding, at least 4.5in (11.43cm) tall consisting of solid blocks, sheets, or stacked rods of one or more of the following materials:

i.      Solid pool noodles or backer rod

ii.      Solid polyethylene closed cell foam (including crosslinked) with density between 1.5 and 3.0lb/ft³ (24.03 to 48.05kg/m³)

iii.      Solid EVA closed cell foam with density between 2.0 and 6.0lb/ft³ (32.04 to 96.11kg/m³)

iv.      Foam floor tiles

Multiple types, shapes, and/or layers of foam may be used within a single BUMPER.

Teams should be prepared to provide information about the padding material used in their BUMPERS. Teams do not need to have a separate material sample or expose padding for direct inspection to show compliance with this rule.

B.      Backing – A backer at least 4.5in (11.43cm) tall which supports the padding (i.e. padding is not cantilevered other than in corners) and facilitates installation and removal of the BUMPER from the ROBOT (as noted in R410). Additional elements may be added to strengthen the backing, fill space between the BUMPER and ROBOT frame, serve as part of the attachment system, or for any other purpose.

Figure 8‑5 BUMPER backing supporting padding (cross section)

C.      Cover – Cloth (as noted in R411) which covers all outward, upward and downward facing surfaces of padding such that no padding is exposed to interaction with the FIELD or other ROBOTs.

D.      Fastening System – BUMPERS must attach to the ROBOT PERIMETER with a rigid fastening system to form a tight, robust connection to the main structure/frame (e.g. not attached with hook-and-loop tape, tape, or cable ties). The fastening system must be designed to withstand vigorous game play. All removable fasteners (e.g. bolts, locking pins, quick release pins, etc.) may be considered part of either the BUMPERS or ROBOT for determination of weight per R103 and R408.

The BUMPER Rules provide teams significant freedom in choosing designs and materials. For information on a reference design, see the Bumper Guide under the Mechanical Resources section of the Technical Resouces Page.

Figure 8‑6 BUMPER Cross Section Example

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