Answered: Surgical Tubing

captainespinoza · November 14, 2014, 10:35am

We were wondering if rule R7’ mention of rubber bands and rope width also applied to the use and legality of surgical tubing and other items alike. If use of such materials is legal, what size limits apply?

Karthik · November 14, 2014, 11:56am

We ask you to please thoroughly read the VEX Skyrise Game Manual and to please review the Q&A Usage Guidelines before posting in this forum. Specifically, please quote the rule or definition that your question is referring to.

Let’s take a look at <R7> from the VEX Skyrise Game Manual. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis:

VEX Skyrise Game Manual:

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
a. Any material strictly used as a color filter or a color marker for a VEX Light Sensor.
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.
c. Any commercially available #4, #6, #8, M2, M2.5, M3 or M4 screw up to 2" long, and any commercially available nut to fit these screws.
d. Teams may add non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect the robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the match. These decorations must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered “nonfunctional”.
i. Anodizing and painting of parts would be considered a legal nonfunctional decoration
ii. Any guards or decals must be backed by legal materials that provide the same functionality. i.e. If your robot has a giant decal that prevents Scoring Objects from falling out of the robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that also prevents the Scoring Objects from falling out.
iii. If using the VEX speaker (Part #276-1504), the chosen audio must not be distracting and must be in good taste. The Head Inspector and Head Referee will make the final decision on the appropriateness of the audio
e. Any non-aerosol based grease or lubricating compound, when used in extreme moderation on surfaces and locations that do NOT come into contact with the playing field walls, foam field surface, game objects, or other robots.
f. Non shattering plastic from the following list; polycarbonate, acetel monopolymer (Delrin), acetal copolymer (Acetron GP), POM (acetal), ABS, PEEK, PET, HDPE, LDPE, Nylon (all grades), Polypropylene, FEP; as cut from a single 12" x 24" sheet up to 0.070" thick.
i. Plastic can be mechanically altered by cutting, drilling or bending etc., but it cannot be chemically treated, melted or cast. Teams may heat the polycarbonate to aid in bending.
g. A small amount of tape may be used for the following purposes:
i. For the sole purpose of securing any connection between the ends of two (2) VEX cables.
ii. For labeling wires and motors.
iii. Teflon tape solely for the purposes of preventing leaks may be used on the threaded portions of pneumatic fittings.
iv. For securing and retaining a VEXnet key to the VEX ARM® Cortex®-based Microcontroller. Using tape in this manner is highly recommended to ensure a robust connection.
h. Hot glue for securing cable connections
j. A USB extension cable may be used for the sole purpose of remote mounting of a VEXnet key. The key must be mounted in the following manner.
i. The VEXnet key must be mounted such that no metal is touching the key above the VEXnet logo.
ii. We highly recommend that no metal may be within 2” of the top of the VEXnet key.
k. An unlimited amount of 1/8”, braided, nylon rope
l. Items used solely for the purpose of bundling or wrapping of 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire cables, and pneumatic tubing, for the purposes of protection, organization, or management are allowed. This includes but is not limited to electrical tape, cable carrier, cable track, etc. Note: it is up to inspectors to determine whether a component is serving a function beyond protecting and
managing cables.
m. VEX IQ pins used solely for the purpose of attaching VEX Team Identification Number Plates.

Please note that nowhere in <R7> are rubber bands mentioned. Also, note that only one specific width of rope with, 1/8", is allowed by <R7>. It is important that you carefully read the manually to ensure that you’re following the rules exactly as specified.

There is no specific allowance for surgical tubing. However since VEX Latex Tubing is a part of the VEX EDR product line, it is legal for use in the VEX Skyrise. A link to the full specifications and dimensions is found at the link below.

As per <R7b> you are allowed use any latex tubing that is identical to the tubing shown above. (Difference in color are permitted)

captainespinoza · November 14, 2014, 4:23pm

Wow, your answer really cleared things up for us. Excellent clarification, thank you. I’ll refer others to this question if I’m asked.

Karthik · November 14, 2014, 7:55pm

You’re welcome.