Previously, in Q&A 1341 the GDC has ruled:
Per rule <R7e>, all rope/string (or string-like material) on a Spin Up Robot must measure at least 3mm in diameter at its narrowest point, regardless of how it is used on the Robot. This is an intentional change from the rules regarding string in previous competition seasons, and applies to both VRC & VEX U Robots.
R7e:
An unlimited amount of non-elastic rope / string, with a thickness / diameter between 1/8” (imperial standard) / 3mm (metric standard) and 1/4” (6.35mm). String must measure at least 1/8” / 3mm in diameter at its narrowest point while on the Robot under no load.
VUR4:
Fabricated Parts must be made from raw materials. For the purpose of this rule, a “raw material” is any material that would not be considered a “pre-fabricated” part (i.e., has not undergone any of the fabrication techniques listed in VUR3). Standard raw material finishing processes, such as extrusion, heat treating, or anodizing, are not considered pre-fabrication.
VUR6:
Teams may use commercially-available springs on their Robots. For the purposes of this rule, a “spring” is any device used for storing and releasing elastic potential energy. Examples include, but are not limited to: a. Compression, tension, torsion, constant force, or conical springs made from spring steel. b. Springs made from elastic thread or rubber, such as surgical tubing, bungee cords, or stretchable braided rope. c. Closed-loop (pneumatic) gas shocks
VUR7:
Teams may use any commercially available fastener on their Robot. Examples include (but are not limited to) screws, nuts, washers, rivets, hinges, pins, rod ends, threaded rods, hose clamps, bushings, spacers, or standoffs. To be considered a legal “fastener” in the context of this rule, the primary function of the part must be to join or fasten together two otherwise legal parts.
VUR10:
There is no restriction on sensors and other Additional Electronics that Robots may use for sensing and processing, except as follows:
- Does the maximum sizing restriction of 1/4" also apply for string-like materials in VEXU?
- Does R7e take precedence over VUR4? If so, does this mean that any Fabricated Part which could be considered "string-like" must abide by the sizing restrictions in R7e?
- Does R7e take precedence over VUR6? If so, does this mean that any spring which could be considered "string-like", such as elastic thread, rubber, surgical tubing, bungee cords, or stretchable braided rope, must abide by the sizing restrictions in R7e? If so, should measurements be taken when the spring is stretched or unstretched?
- Does R7e take precedence over VUR7? If so, does this mean that any Fastener which could be considered "string-like" must abide by the sizing restrictions in R7e?
- Does R7e take precedence over VUR10? If so, does this mean that any Additional Electronics which could be considered "string-like", such as thin and flexible wires, must abide by the sizing restrictions in R7e?
- If the answer to #5 is Yes, would thicker (but still thinner than 1/8") wires, solid or stranded, be restricted in size under R7e? Previously in Tipping Point Q&A 1027 the GDC has said that single strand wire of 1/8" in size should be considered rope/string.
Overall, I believe the GDC's intention in answering Q&A 1341 in the manner they did was to prevent teams from using small diameter rope and string-like material as part of end game mechanisms. I agree with this intention. However, the ruling itself goes far beyond this and potentially restricts VEXU teams' exercise of many VEXU rules. To prevent this, I ask that the GDC modify its ruling for Q&A 1341 to only restrict other VEXU rules when legal materials under those rules are then used as part of an end game mechanism.