Rule 5a.v.

[scioly2345]

To my interpretation, these new vertical contact width lines is the biggest rule change from the 2019 rules to the 2020 rules.
I just wanted to make sure my interpretation of this new rule is the same as everyone else's.
I interpreted this rule in simple terms as "the compression piece which is up against the testing wall must not touch between the vertical contact width lines, which are drawn 4 cm TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT OF THE HOOK (making the lines themselves 8 cm apart.)
In simpler terms, the boomi compression piece has to be 8 cm wide MINIMUM., still taking into consideration the horizontal line (15cm (Div C) or 20 cm (Div B) below the center hole for the hook.)
Is this how everyone else is interpreting this rule? I just wanted to confirm because the rules have little bit of tricky wording, because it doesn't mention anything about * cm, just 4 cm on both sides.

[scioly2345]

8 cm, not * cm in the last sentence.

[knightmoves]

Yes. (Note that the rule also applies to the tension member - it can't touch the wall either. It would be an unusual design that wanted to do that, though.)

[123445]

Wait if the part of the boom touching the wall has to be wider than 8cm does that mean that the compression members will have to be diagonal (kinda) to hold the 5x5cm loading block. Im kinda of confused how thats gonna work. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Unome]

Wait if the part of the boom touching the wall has to be wider than 8cm does that mean that the compression members will have to be diagonal (kinda) to hold the 5x5cm loading block. Im kinda of confused how thats gonna work. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Diagonal is not the only option, but I suspect it's one of the best options. Regardless, your interpretation seems correct.

[dankdecidueye]

Can't you just add a small little piece at the end that satisfies the 8 cm parameter or no?

[cool hand luke]

You can do it definitely, will it work well is what the real question is.

[scioly2345]

Can't you just add a small little piece at the end that satisfies the 8 cm parameter or no?

Theoretically yes you could, but I highly do NOT recommend doing that. The pieces on the end making the compression piece legal are still receiving the small amount of pressure as everything else on the compression piece

[tsingh]

To my interpretation, these new vertical contact width lines is the biggest rule change from the 2019 rules to the 2020 rules.
I just wanted to make sure my interpretation of this new rule is the same as everyone else's.
I interpreted this rule in simple terms as "the compression piece which is up against the testing wall must not touch between the vertical contact width lines, which are drawn 4 cm TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT OF THE HOOK (making the lines themselves 8 cm apart.)
In simpler terms, the boomi compression piece has to be 8 cm wide MINIMUM., still taking into consideration the horizontal line (15cm (Div C) or 20 cm (Div B) below the center hole for the hook.)
Is this how everyone else is interpreting this rule? I just wanted to confirm because the rules have little bit of tricky wording, because it doesn't mention anything about * cm, just 4 cm on both sides.

I noticed this rule change too, however while designing by boomi for this year I found that the angle that the diagonal compression members made with the perpendicular line from the testing apparatus is only about 2.12 degrees which increases the load on the compression members from 43.29 kg (boomi constructed according to last year's rules) to 43.32 kg, if carrying max weight.
This is why I don't really see this rule change as that significant to the event, besides of course the fact the it will be a little more difficult to build. Am I missing something here?

[dholdgreve]

the other obvious change is the bonus. There will be significantly different strategies from last year in dealing with it.