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).
Proposed modifications for a lightened and simplified clutch and flywheel design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66\4\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 17th March 1927 | |
| X8300 TO R.H. FROM AJS. ORIGINAL AJS1/M17.3.27. C. to H.S. No.5. EAC. LIGHTENED AND SIMPLIFIED CLUTCH. X8300 SWEDEN We send herewith print of LeC. 2394. shewing the modifications to No.4. clutch required for the purpose of - (1) Decreasing the moment of inertia and lightening the flywheel. (2) Simplifying and lightening the centre of clutch and incorporating the slack serration type of universal in place of the more elaborate and perfect scheme previously employed. In connection with (1) on the drawing we have indicated by red outline the existing flywheel, and we have also indicated by some cross hatched areas the difference between the proposed lightening for No.5., and what exists for No.4. flywheel. In this connection we would point out that at the time of writing No.4. flywheel, which is somewhat lighter than anything previously, has not yet been tested, and you might think it worth while to incorporate the further lightening indicated on this drawing with the No.4. clutch which we believe Derby have practically completed, as No.4. clutch has many advantages, and the additional lightening only requires machining off the cross hatched areas indicated. We believe that in the scheme proposed by OY. for the serrated universal joint, the engine coupling shaft was held in position by the 18 lb. spring used for clutch brake purposes, (this at least was the way shewn on the print we have here from OY). We did not care for this method, and have used a separate and more powerful spring so as to make the locating of the shaft relative to the clutch plate more positive. We have shewn the above scheme to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} who is in agreement with it. The remainder of the design committee I believe are with you at the moment. AJS. | ||