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).
Investigation into a broken speedometer drive pinion, concluding the cause was over-tightening and proposing a new design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 45\3\ Scan240 | |
| Date | 18th April 1923 | |
| X4077 EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Or. Sftr. C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY/C14/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 18.4.23. 20.HP. CHASSIS. SPEEDOMETER DRIVE. With reference to the broken bronze pinion which you handed to us for inspection, we consider that this breakage is due to the gear having been over-tightened on to the taper portion of the spindle. Since this gear is fitted with a Woodruff Key, it is not necessary for it to be driven home tight on the taper, and it would be quite sufficient if the nut screwing this in position was tightened up with finger pressure and then pinned. We shall be glad if the Works will arrange for this to be done in future to prevent any further breakages of this description. We are proposing to make the above gear in C.H.N.S. and to leave out the key depending on the taper for driving, but this will have to be tested out before adopting as standard, consequently the Works should see that the above instructions are carried out in the meantime. The cost of replacements due to this faulty should be charged as A.T.D. BY/C. | ||