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).
Design proposal for a new type of clutch detailing its six main advantages.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 129\4\ scan0129 | |
| Date | 18th January 1938 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FILE 1110 18.1.38. I submit herewith a design for a new type of clutch for which I claim the following advantages :- (1) The pressure plate is carried and located by a resilient steel driving plate so that it moves entirely without friction, no matter what the engine torque. This is an important factor towards insuring smooth engagement and elimination of judder. (2) All sliding surfaces between the flywheel and pressure plate are eliminated, and there is no feature liable to wear rattle or friction. (3) Cushioning is provided by resilient finger levers, which are rendered possible by the frictionless mounting of the pressure plate, consequently the simplest, cheapest, and lightest form of driven plate can be used, having minimum inertia. (4) Exceptional provision is made for the radpid dissipation of heat, whether the facings are of high conductivity bronze or of asbestos fabric, and when the former is used, heat is rapidly carried away from the driven plate, thus reducing the risk of distortion. (5) The thrust springs do not come into direct contact with the pressure plate, so that all risk of the springs being softened by heat is eliminated. (6) The design lends itself to reasonably low production costs, most of the parts being of cast iron or steel pressings, with a minimum of machining operation and no fine limit work. The drawing herewith shows a 10½" clutch intended for a torque of 200-220 lbs/ft. and suitable for Wraith or Bentley. Should you consider it worth while to persue this idea experimentally, the design submitted would be readily adaptable to Wraith or Bentley using the existing clutch casing pedal mechanism and trunion thrust. | ||