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).
Operational issues and potential improvements for a lighting switch.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168a\2\ img413 | |
| Date | 8th March 1939 | |
| 61391. To Hy{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}/RD. from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}14/JH.8.3.39. A.R Lighting Switch to IOF.DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}2000. As originally designed, the operation of this switch was unsatisfactory, and it was decided that an alteration should be made to the contacts. We have now received and examined the switch fitted with modified contact rivets to DE.2299. Generally, there is some improvement in the operating movement, but we are not satisfied that the switch, as it is, represents the best that can be obtained from this design. Our criticisms are as follows - (1) The arrow, engraved on the knob does not properly coincide with the name of the position it is intended to indicate. This is due to the range of rotational movement of the knob, being too short. On the other hand, if the range of movement is increased then the contact recesses, corresponding to the 'Off' and ' H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} ' & 'T' positions, will have to be moved round a little. (2) The operating movement of the switch is still rough and indecisive. This, we think, is due mutually to the shape of the contact rivets and recesses, and of the partitions between the recesses. We consider that before proceeding with lengthy routine tests, some effort should be made to improve the switch, and get it settled in respect of these points. It is recommended therefore, that some preliminary tests be carried out with this in view. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} RC.{R. Childs} | ||