bid.p
May 13, 2018, 6:45pm
1
I’d like to repose this question for Turning Point that was answered for the 2017-2018 game, In The Zone.
The original post was made by Lewie from 8000, and the original question was:
"Is it legal to shape a side of a robot chassis using an angle with the intent of minimizing adjacent robot traction during pushing, while still remaining fully responsible for tipping (Figure 1)? While this system is either defensively or counter-defensively employed, tipping would remain unlikely because the pre-mentioned angles only raise the front wheels a minuscule amount. Along with this, the system would not have any intention of making the contacting robot incapable of moving.
This is the only similar post on the forums, however, the mentioned system is completely different: “such that the robot on top is incapable of moving” by lifting the opponent’s “robot … completely off the ground.” As seen in figure 3, both the intent and the mechanism vary entirely.
Here, you stated that “Generally rigid mechanisms such as the one shown in the attached photos do not pose entanglement risks. If the “cage” was instead built out of a flexible material like string, surgical tubing, or rubber anti-slip mats, then it may be more susceptible to an entanglement risk/violation.” Therefore, if these angles are made of a rigid material and are designed against entering spokes of wheels, would these angles pose an entanglement threat?"
To which the response, made by the VEX GDC, was:
“We cannot comment absolutely on hypothetical robot designs, and the final determination will be made by the inspector/head referees. That said, we do appreciate the sketches and specific rule references, as it helps to visualize what you are asking. Provided that the hypothetical design does not pose an entanglement risk, and it does not lift, tip over, or otherwise immobilize the other robot, there are no rules preventing this.”
Original Post with the figures referenced by Lewie can be found here: Answered: Drive Angles Clarification - VRC > In The Zone (17/18) - VEX Forum
It is my understanding that the rules on “tipping” and such have not changed for Turning Point, so I’d like to ask the GDC to revisit this question.
A similar ruling by team BNS (Bots n Stuff) was answered by Karthik 5 years ago, so I’d like to provide that as context when this question is answered. That post can be found here: Answered: Wedge robot - VRC > Previous Games - VEX Forum
Any response is much appreciated. Thanks!