Answered: Preloads In Inspection

[1900Wes]

My robot has a mechanism on a hinge that once expanded, will make the robot larger than 18 inches cubed. The hinge is not powered; it relies on gravity to expand. At the beginning of a match, my preloaded barrel is under the mechanism, propping up this hinge. The barrel is touching the robot and the field tiles. The barrel also is partially out of the 18 inches cubed that my robot is in. Once the match starts, my drive train will be able to dislodge the barrel, and allow my robot to expand. Am I breaking any rules, and if not, how will I pass inspection with this robot if I need a barrel for the robot to be in the size dimension?

[Karthik]

My robot has a mechanism on a hinge that once expanded, will make the robot larger than 18 inches cubed. The hinge is not powered; it relies on gravity to expand. At the beginning of a match, my preloaded barrel is under the mechanism, propping up this hinge. The barrel is touching the robot and the field tiles. The barrel also is partially out of the 18 inches cubed that my robot is in. Once the match starts, my drive train will be able to dislodge the barrel, and allow my robot to expand. Am I breaking any rules, and if not, how will I pass inspection with this robot if I need a barrel for the robot to be in the size dimension?

Let’s take a look at the applicable rule from the VEX Gateway Manual. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis.

<R4> At the beginning of any match, robots must be smaller than 18” x 18” x 18”.
a. During inspections, robots will be measured in one of two ways
i. Robots will be placed into a “sizing box” which has interior dimensions matching the above size constraints. To pass inspection, a robot must fit within the box without touching the box walls or ceiling.
ii. Robots will be sized using a VRC Robot Sizing Tool. Robots will be placed on the base plate and must not touch the measurement slide as it is passed over the base plate. Please see http://www.vexrobotics.com/275-1455.html for a visual reference
b. Robots may expand beyond their starting size constraints after the start of a match.
c. Any restraints used to maintain starting size (i.e. zip ties, rubber bands, etc) MUST remain attached to the robot for the duration of the match.

Your preloaded Barrel would be considered a restraint to maintain starting size. Since it would not remain attached to the robot for the duration of the match, this approach would not be legal. You’ll need to find someway to use part a permanent part of the robot to keep that hinge propped up.