Are custom motor covers allowed for VEXU teams?
Of course, it would be 3D printed, so the part itself would be legal, I’m merely wondering if we’re allowed to mount motors in such a way.
<R22> and <R23>:
<R22> No modifications to electronic components are allowed. Motors (including the internal PTC or Smart Motor firmware), microcontrollers (including V5 Robot Brain firmware), extension cords, sensors, controllers, battery packs, reservoirs, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, and any other electrical component or pneumatics component of the VEX platform may NOT be altered from their original state in ANY way.
a. External wires on VEX electrical components may be repaired by soldering, using twist/crimp connectors, electrical tape or shrink tubing such that the original functionality / length is not modified in any way. Wire used in repairs must be identical to VEX wire. Teams may make these repairs at their own risk; incorrect wiring may have undesired results.
b. Teams must use the latest official VEXos firmware updates, found at www.vexrobotics.com. Custom firmware modifications are not permitted.
c. Teams may change or replace the gears in the “2-Wire 393” or “2-Wire 269” motors with the corresponding official VEX Replacement Gears.
d. Teams may change or replace the gear cartridge in the V5 Smart Motor with other official replacement gear cartridges.
<R23> Most modifications and repairs to non-electrical components are allowed. Physical modifications such as bending or cutting are permitted and may be done to legal VEX Robotics Competition metal structure or plastic components.
a. Physical modifications to electrical components such as a legal microcontroller or radio is prohibited unless otherwise explicitly permitted, per <G21>.
b. Internal or external mechanical repairs of VEX Limit and Bumper switches are permitted. Modifying the metal arm on the Limit Switch is permitted. Using components from these devices in other applications is prohibited.
c. Metallurgical modifications that change fundamental material properties, such as heat treating, are not permitted.
d. Teams may cut pneumatic tubing to a desired length.
e. Teams are permitted to fuse/melt the end of the 1/8” nylon rope to prevent fraying.
f. Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching in any way that is not provided within the VEX platform is NOT permitted.
Example picture: https://pasteboard.co/Ju2f0Pc.png
So as far as I can tell, custom motor covers are legal, because they are not a modification to the electrical components of the motor itself, they are simply a new non-electrical part to mount a motor on.
Can anyone provide insight on why it may or may not be legal to do this?
Update:
According to this post: Answered: VEX U clarification on modifying motor Casing, this modification is acceptable because it does not improve motor performance in any way, however, I’m still checking if anyone can come up with reasons as to why this might be illegal.