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).
Side lever mechanism for the 20 HP chassis, focusing on brake lever flexibility and proposing design changes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\4\ scan0112 | |
| Date | 1st June 1928 | |
| 43528 DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. BY/TWD.{T. W. D???Aeith} BY2/G.1.6.28. 20 HP. CHASSIS - SIDE LEVER MECHANISM. --------------------------------- You will notice that the Experimental Department have issued two sheets in connection with the gearbox and side lever mechanism. The one dealing with the side levers has been started with the object of introducing the flat forged brake lever originally designed for use when a subframe was fitted; incidentally it is a much simpler proposal to produce. In considering this matter, however, upon receipt of the standardisation sheet with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} we notice that the brake lever is extremely flexible transversely, so much so that if you pull it over slightly towards the centre of the car and let it go it will oscillate very freely for a long time. We would like you to give this side lever question some consideration from your end before we go too far. If the brake lever could be shortened, and this appears to us to be not only possible but probably desirable, then a very slight increase on the transverse section would materially reduce the transverse flexibility referred to above. We are sending you herewith blueprints G.52555 and G.52558 illustrating the 'B' type and 'D' type levers respectively. The actual lengths of the various levers are as follows :- (a) Present standard - 20 HP. 'B' & 'D' types. Brake lever 24.125" Change Gear Lever 16.250" Original 'D' type was somewhat shorter than 'B'. Today they are the same length at Sales' request. The dimensions are correct to say one eighth of an inch. (b) 'B' Type subframe Levers. Brake Lever 23.750" Change Gear Lever 15.500" | ||