Robot Inspection and Build Rules - Mechanical - Answer Thread

[Barry]

You'll find the answers to your questions about Mechanical robot components here.

[Sheldon]

http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-511-trac...23-single.aspx They seem to only have a single degree of freedom. As long as they do not damage the field are the a legal COTS component.

A: Yes, these tracks are legal COTS per Rule <RM01.c>

[Sheldon]

Are pneumatics and/or compressed air allowed? I can't find a rule excluding this.

A: No, pneumatic/hydraulic devices are not legal.

[Sheldon]

Are VEX Robotics parts allowed?
I am a new mentor and I don't see a rule against them; but, I was told "just bring them to a competition and see what happens".
Specifically we are interested in the VEX Tank Tread Kit since the kids are thinking of tread drive.

A: There is no rule restricting where team may acquire legal parts. Therefore as long as the VEX parts do not violate any other rule, they are legal. VEX treads are a legal COTS.

[Sheldon]

My team has the idea of using CO2 to launch a grappling hook that would catch on the top bar. They are then thinking that they could hoist their robot using the grappling hook. Would that kind of thing be allowed? I didn't see anything specifically referencing CO2.

A: Devices using compressed fluids (air, CO2, hydraulic, etc.) are not legal. Rule <RG11> specifically prohibits the launching of parts of the robot, including grappling hooks.

[Sheldon]

We are considering using off-road style tires with foam inserts and available wheels from ServoCity and we would like to know if the these are legal to use:

https://www.servocity.com/html/5_2__...l#.VgSKQdJViko

https://www.servocity.com/assets/ima...rt-_200px_.jpg

Thanks,
ElectroJackets 3600

A: These tires are designated as off road tires and have an extremely aggressive tread that is designed to have high traction. Rule <RM01.d> prohibits the use of high traction tires. Therefore they are not a legal part.

[Sheldon]

Hello. When referring to rule 5.3.2 Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials Rules under <RM01> part d, we believe we can use Heavy Duty Rubberized Undercoating to spray on our tank treads for traction. We have tested the spray, and when dry, it provides increased traction without damaging the playing field. Are we correct?

A: It is impossible to make a determination without seeing the coating in question. The test the Inspectors will use to determine whether the tread is legal is to run the fully loaded robot against an immovable object (perimeter wall) and then have the teams spin the tires. It the tires damage the rubber floor tile the teams will be asked to replace the wheels/tread before they can pass inspection

[Sheldon]

Is this a legal wheel?

http://www.harborfreight.com/materia...eel-98950.html

We are particularly looking at Game Manual 1, Section 5.3.2 Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials Rules, rule <RM01>, item d.

It says "High traction wheels (e.g. AM- 2256), and high grip tread (e.g. Rough top), that may damage the Playing Field are not allowed."

We have tested this wheel. It does not damage the playing field in any way.

We are concerned about attending a competition and be disqualified based on this rule.

We'd appreciate your help on this. Thank you.

A: The GDC cannot rule on every possible tire and tread combination. If the Inspectors suspect that a tire/tread will damage the field then teams will be asked to perform the test outlined in the post from 9-24-2015. If a robot passes this test then the tire/tread is legal.

[Sheldon]

Are linear slides (linear guides) that have recirculating ball bearings allowed? An example of this type is at this website: http://www.mk-group.com/en/products/...ng-guides.html or http://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail...0043225%3A%3Aa. We believe they are not allowed per rule <RG02> h. but would like confirmation. It was believed they were allowed in earlier years. Thank you.

A: Yes, linear slides with recirculating ball bearings (as well as solid bearings/bushings) are allowed.

[Sheldon]

Is the cart assembly shown in the following link http://openbuildspartstore.com/v-slot/?sort=bestselling legal? You buy the wheels and plate separately.

Thanks,

Psionics 9053

A: Yes, linear rails of all types are legal providing they do not violate any other rule.