From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Proposal for an experimental clutch system using a combination of free wheel, jaw clutch, and friction clutch mechanisms operated electrically.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\C\March1919\ Scan5 | |
| Date | 11th March 1919 | |
| Contd: -3- R6/G11.3.19. some attention, and we are proposing, if the advantages justify the complication to make an experimental set as suggested above. Mr. Southern might take out the necessary patents for the scheme suggested of the combination of free wheel (ratchet) and jaw clutch, and also the friction and jaw clutch combination. For the moment we may consider that as we have electr- ical energy available on all chassis, we may use this as one way of operating the above devises, as follows:- Pressing down the clutch pedal fully makes a contact after the main clutch has been released, i.e. the last ½" of travel, the current passing through this contact is utilised to excite an electrical magnet or other similar device which with- draws the positive jaw clutch on the side shaft, so making the side shaft free in the direction of overrun, or in the case of a friction device, the side shaft wheel will only be attached by friction, sufficient to drive the detached main friction clutch. The change speed lever is also provided with a contact which is made when the lever is in all neutral positions. This is used to withdraw the auxiliary friction clutch, so as to have the gears entirely free for changing gear. When the gear is sel- ected the contact is broken, allowing the auxiliary friction clutch to synchronise the side shaft and the jaw clutch, so that when one raises the pedal of the main clutch the jaw clutch will fall into mesh, or do so directly the auxiliary friction slips. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Sketches will be sent to Mr. Southern to-morrow. | ||