The Robot - Parts and Materials

[Professor Proton]

This is our first year participating in the FTC program, and my team has read the instruction manual closely but we still have a question that needs to addressed. Which TECHNIC pieces from the LEGO MINDSTORM kit can we use for the robot? We are especially concerned about the peg and beam pieces in the MINDSTORM kit. Thank you for taking your time to answer this question.

All of the LEGO TECHNIC parts contained in the LEGO MINDSTORM 9797 kit that is part of the 2011 FTC Full Competition kit are allowed parts that may be used in the construction of an FTC robot.

[Professor Proton]

Are there any restrictions as to what constitutes a nut?

Restrictions for mechanical fasteners, including nuts, are described in rule <R5>c18. All types of nuts, of any length, any thread type, and any thread size up to 0.375" diameter are permitted.

[Wil Wheaton]

We are confused about the two answers that seem to be conficting. In The Robot Parts & Materials post #19 ACME threaded rod IS allowed. In The Robot Mechanical Answers post #2 a Lead Screw IS NOT allowed. We believe ACME threaded rod is a type of Lead Screw. If you go to McMaster and search for Lead Screw you get to ACME Threaded Rod.

Can you reconcile these two answers?

A: In light of the confusion and ambiguity that surrounds threaded rod vs. lead screw, the Game Design Committee has decided to allow any type of threaded rod/lead screw that conforms to the initial limitations (i.e. 3/8" diameter or smaller). This allowance also includes compatible nuts for the threaded rod/lead screw.

[Wil Wheaton]

With regards to The Robot-Mechanical post #2, can Threaded Rod be used as a Lead Screw? R17. "Unlimited length Threaded Rod (also known as All Thread) not to exceed 0.375” (0.9525cm) diameter
(e.g. McMaster Carr Part #94435A317)." does not specify that threaded rod be used as a fastener.

A: Please see Post #33 in Parts and Materials for an update with respect to threaded rod and lead screws

[Professor Proton]

Our current robot design uses a relatively long length of pneumatic tubing, and we have a few questions regarding our options on creating that long of a run.
Q1: The GDC has stated in another forum post that only lego created tubing is allowed, however we are allowed latex or surgical tubing, would we be allowed to use that?

Q2: If we would not be allowed to use latex or surgical tubing, would we be allowed to use small aluminum tubing as an coupler for lego created tubing?

A1: No, substitutions for the LEGO Pneumatic tubing are not permitted.
A2: No.

[Professor Proton]

Post number 35 in "Parts and Materials" states that joining pneumatic tubing with aluminum tubing is not allowed. Is it allowed to join pneumatic tubing using other LEGO parts?

For safety and inspection considerations, ALL parts and materials used in the pressurized system must be LEGO parts sold specifically for the LEGO Pneumatics system.

[Professor Proton]

Can we use aluminum rectangle tube? The game manuel said we can use a 1" x 1" aluminum square tube. Can we use aluminum rectangle tube that is less than 1" x 1", e.g. 1" x 0.5" tube?

Yes, aluminum rectangle tube with a cross section dimension of 1" x 1" or smaller is allowed.

[Wil Wheaton]

<R5> c. 6. Restricts thickness on aluminium sheet metal to '...not greater than 0.0625" thick.', meaning that sheet metal less than 1/16" is allowed.

<R5> c. 7-11. Says "Aluminium [Shape], up to 1" x 1" wide, 0.0625" thickness."

Does the wording "up to" apply to both the width and the thickness of the part, and thus restrict thickness in the same way as <R5> c. 6?

A: yes, the aluminum shapes referenced in <R5>.c.7-11 are allowed to be up to 0.0625" in thickness. Thinner wall thickness are allowed.

[Sheldon]

Robot parts
1. My impression from the forum and the rules indicate that if we can make it ourselves from allowable materials then it's allowed for use. Is this correct?
2. local suppliers cannot get 1" aluminum U-channel. can I get a flat sheet of aluminum and bend it into a U-channel, staying below the 1"x1".
3. If so, is it restricted to the 24" max dimension, only allowing 8 sticks at 24" long, or does it come under U channel letting me have unlimited length?
4. If I'm limited to the 24" length, can I bend it into larger than 1"x1" U-Channel?
5. Does this also work with the other aluminum shapes, specifically angle and flat bar?
6. <r5>c.6 states Galvanized flat sheet. Does this mean galvanized steel? How does this apply to the previous questions?

A: You may make any size or shape channel from the allowable aluminum or galvanized steel sheet. Rule R5 C.6 restricts the length of the material used in this application. Also, note that the combined quantity of aluminum and steel cannot exceed 576 in2.

[Professor Proton]

Hello,

The rules say that only non-slip material without an adhesive backing that is also labeled as non slip pad is allowed. We have a "non-slip material without an adhesive backing" that is labeled as: rug grip, rug stay, and nonslip rug cushion. Would this be allowed?

Thank you,
Team 4999 (ImagineIt)

Yes, provided that the non-slip material doesn't also have a backing material (i.e. foam, felt, fabric, etc.).