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2099: Magnets for License Plate Olders


Dan Cieslak
14-Aug-2024

<R8>

Many teams like to 3D Print custom license plates and sometimes like to use magnets similar to those used to hold the brain cover on to enable "quick-swap" license plates.

R8 does not seem to contemplate this in the phrasing of "any supporting structures whose sole purpose is to hold, mount, or display an official license plate" as I'm not sure that a magnet could be considered a "supporting structure" though the inclusion of the magnet is the "sole purpose is to hold, mount or display and official license plate". Is it OK to consider these magnets part of the "supporting structure"?

Likewise, teams will sometimes 3D print custom brain covers. One could argue both sides of whether a Brain Cover is a functional or non-functional decoration, though common sense would indicate there is no competitive advantage for these items. Like above, teams will frequently press-in small magnets to keep the cover over the brain.

Are these reasonable applications of "common sense" to allow?

R8  
Answered by committee
11-Sep-2024

Is it OK to consider these magnets part of the "supporting structure"?

Are these reasonable applications of "common sense" to allow?

Yes. Provided they are only used to support a License Plate, Brain cover, or non-functional decoration and do not provide any other functional purpose on a Robot, small magnets could be considered supporting structures for non-functional decorations. However, final determination on the legality of a specific component must be made by the Head Referee at your event.