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).
Suggestions and experimental trials for improving a vehicle's steering system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\1\ Scan279 | |
| Date | 10th February 1927 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DALBY. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to SJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} RG.{Mr Rowledge} +457 R3/M10.2.27. STEERING. X. 8430 X. 235 X. 5430 X. 457 I have read with interest Mr. Robotham/Hives memo. on the above. We must mind and keep the whole a very practical scheme that will give consistent results. With this view I think we should try to get it satisfactory. (1) Slightly slower steering still - my old and constant suggestion for possible immediate improvements. (2) Slightly less efficient steering by still larger dia. worm. (3) Maintaining the oil film by (2) or a longer nut and screw, probably an easy and quick improvement. (4) The hydraulic damper on the axle, but not with by-pass closed at centre few degrees only, because I fear this would get out of central position etc. i.e. not practical for us to part with for years. Also should wobbles get bad it would not have full effect to keep them from becoming dangerous. (5) Or, instead of (4) the friction on the cross tube balls. (6) There still seem reasons for good from damped pendulum lever, probably with set up spring - i.e. the spring of this demands the same care as longitudinal tube, which it has not had. This feature has practical merits. As an experimental trial with little thought of adoption, but to find how perfect such a scheme might be, we try (1) Completely irreversible worm gear, but just reversible to keep maximum efficiency. (2) No friction in either half of system up to max: permissible for straight steering. (3) Since we can feel no shocks by (1) we have set up springs in longitudinal tube for dangerous stresses only - i.e. sample for ordinary steering without movement, but with plenty of clearance and low rating to prevent shocks damaging steering box. (4) Pendulum lever friction, damper set up springs. (5) Return by spring on steering wheel shaft. (Several RR. patents involved.) R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||