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).
Ergonomics and proposed repositioning of the side brake lever.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\4\ scan0083 | |
| Date | 5th July 1921 | |
| R.R. 199 (250T) (SD676 19-7-17) MP180865 X3462 W/S. Sp.{Mr Spinney} from BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} e.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. c. Hr. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Sp.{Mr Spinney} RECEIVED SIDE BRAKE LEVER. X3458 Referring to the above question, I assume from the information supplied to me that you are actually proposing that the brake lever when outside the body, should be 22.750" from the Dash instead of as at present 16.750". On looking up this on the drawing it gives me the impression that except for the earlier part of the travel of the lever one would be able to exert very little power in bringing on the brake, as the elbow will be well behind the shoulder, and the arm is in such a position that it is almost impossible to exert any real pull upon the lever. In any case, I think in regard to Sales view on this subject that the Experimental Department should go into the matter and test out levers bent back to various distances from the dashboard, with the object of fixing up some position which will be considered reasonable by both Works and Sales. If Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, requires drawings we will provide these for him, but would like to know what levers he would like to produce. We would suggest one 3" further back than the standard and one 6" further back, as suggested by Mr Spinney. Handwritten notes: HHS BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} May Experimental Dept. be requested to try this, please? By sp.{Mr Spinney}6.7.21 Soh An excellent idea if this will HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, Derby Do you intend to try this experiment, please? CH sp.{Mr Spinney} 6. 7. 21 | ||