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).
Redesign of the longitudinal tube ball end for steering, focusing on safety, shocks, and damping.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 11th November 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Y5430 R3/M11.11.26. STEERING 20 HP. & 40/50. X.8451 X.5430 BUFFER SPRINGS ETC. X.8430 X.8425 Regrading the longitudinal tube ball end we now have involved the following objects :- In order of (1) Safety - ample clearance and moderate rating. importance - (2) Shocks - low rating. rather too (3) Direction - set up. many and (4) Damping - high ball pressure. contradictory. It will be realised also that we are soon up against the limit of weight of spring and pressure on the poorly lubricated balls for damping. I have shewn that two joints such as we sent you some months ago (N.sch.2258.) will do all that is possible with slight modifications, if we forego (4) slightly (as for other reasons will be wise). The pendulum lever ball which only goes through a small angle (therefore nearly no damping efficiency) can only have 50 lbs. ball pressure - i.e. these springs are only set up 50 lbs. or less, but the joint in the axle can have 200 lbs. as these springs would be set up this amount, therefore diagram would be - [Diagram showing a stepped component with forces labeled '200 LBS' and '50LBS'] Due to opposed springs, balls are clamped to give pressure and allow for wear. This is the best we can do owing to the limits before mentioned. Regarding the cross steering tube these balls move through a large angle, and can have good pressure with springs of little weight, because rating can be high (i.e. only sufficient to avoid being over sensitive of adjustment and wear.) But I feel that nearly all this weight on balls should be avoided by the hydraulic or mechanical steering damper to be fitted on the axle. I think this summary will make the situation clear, and get it settled quickly. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||