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).
Combination of parts for a steering system and the implications of friction and damping.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img194 | |
| Date | 30th May 1932 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to BA. " " WDR. " " E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} " " DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} STEERING. I am not quite sure what the complete combination of parts of the steering system it is suggested we should use, but assuming we use: (1) the spring shackle, (2) the loaded cross tube spheres, (3) the spring longitudinal tube, (4) and the rest of the standard mechanism is retained, it would seem as though any friction in the system to be effective for damping should be on the road wheel side of the flexibility in the longitudinal control tube, but as this may affect selectivity there may be reasons why it is suggested that this friction is on the control side of this flexibility. I do not however like adding complication (gadgets) which demand adjustment, cost money, etc. and the friction on the steering column suggested that we should like to avoid it if it is in any way possible. If not it will be remembered that we can at present very easily make the adjustment in our steering column thrust bearing, whereas in the suggested arrangement there seems difficulty in many ways in making it, and locking it. I also think in any case this matter should go through DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}'s office, and make them responsible for the design of the suitable parts to function in the way found best by the Expl. Dept., that is, each policeman must stand his corner and take his own responsibility. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||