Answered: Polyester Rug Gripper and String Pulley

[Flame6332]

Is it against any competition rules if our team uses a polyester/vinyl rug gripper that rolls on VEX wheels, pulled by non-official polyester string attached to a motor as a pulley system to transport stars on the robot? I’ve seen multiple teams use the rug gripper such as here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJLNgUEnOXA
but I’ve never seen it used in a flat sheet moving form. Also, is the string event legal to be used and cranked shorter or longer on a gear connected to the motor?

[Karthik]

Is it against any competition rules if our team uses a polyester/vinyl rug gripper that rolls on VEX wheels, pulled by non-official polyester string attached to a motor as a pulley system to transport stars on the robot?

Part 1: “polyester/vinyl rug gripper”

Here’s what the VEX EDR product line has that meets that description:

Anti-Slip Mat (2-types)

So this would be a legal part, as well as mats that are identical as per <R7b>

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
b. Any parts which are identical to legal VEX parts. For the purposes of this rule, products which are identical in all ways except for color are permissible. Note: It is up to inspectors to determine whether a component is “identical” to an official VEX component.

Part 2: String/Rope

<R7k> specifies the allowable rope for robot construction.

k. An unlimited amount of 1/8”, braided, nylon rope