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).
The function of rubber blocks in a suspension system and the potential cost of an experiment.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\6\ 06-page23 | |
| Date | 20th August 1923 guessed | |
| -2- of the blocks being rivetted to the spring plates. The shortening of the spring in bending is taken by distortion of the rear rubber blocks, in the case of front springs or Hotchkiss drive, or by distortion of both blocks equally in case of a controlled axle. Light endwise thrusts, when taken by the spring, are taken on the front blocks of a pair, which are held close in the boxes for this purpose. Severe endwise thrusts are taken on the pads provided either in the front or rear boxes. The lighter side thrusts are taken by lateral distortion of the blocks. Exceedingly severe side thrusts are taken on the pads provided on the side of the main blocks. Lateral clearance is provided in the boxes so that a considerable distortion of the blocks takes place before the side pads are pressed against the side of the box. On the heavier jobs having very large rubber blocks, such as the samples from the Mettlety buses, the side shocks can be safely taken by lateral distortion of the blocks only, no side pads being used. The Mack buses from which the Mettlety sample was taken have radius rods to the rear axle. The front axles are controlled by the springs only, these being normally flat or approximately so. With regard to Mr. Kay's question re experimental parts, the makers would undoubtedly agree to submit drawings for such parts free of charge on our supplying them with the necessary particulars. They will require us to pay them for making the actual parts. for our tests. We are unable to say what the experimental set would cost, but would estimate that with patterns, etc., the cost would run to five or six hundred dollars. If it is desired to carry out this experiment, may we have permission to submit the necessary drawings to the International Motors Corp. for an estimate, and, if desired to push forward this work with speed, an order to proceed up to a maximum expenditure of, say, $800 ? By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||