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).
Design, testing, and production of hydraulic shock absorbers for Phantom II and 20 HP models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\4\ Scan280 | |
| Date | 14th April 1931 | |
| X7 520. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/MJ.14.4.31. HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBERS. X.235. X.7520. We note that in a recent memo. re. Quarterly Complaints you asked the position of shock absorbers. The position is that we have this week received complete instructions from the D.O. to W.W. designs, of the modifications required to produce a Phantom II rear shock absorber that will be free (as far as we know), from the existing complaints. This shock absorber will also fit on the front of the 20 HP car with the alteration of one lever. It can be fitted on to the rear of the 20 HP. with the alteration of one lever and the addition of three lugs to the casing, which will mean a separate casting. In a week's time we shall have run a preliminary endurance test on this shock absorber and if, on stripping, it shews no defects and also works efficiently, we should recommend that we start producing improved shock absorbers while we continue endurance running. We admit that we shall be taking a certain amount of risk in doing so, but it must be remembered that we have already tested out other similar parts on the bumping rig, and are satisfied with their behaviour. With regard to tools for these shock absorbers, the majority of pieces are similar to the existing Phantom II damper and therefore this may not be a very large item. As regards scraping. If, when the time arrives to change over, there are any 20 HP. shock absorbers in existence which it is decided to scrap these will have to be written off almost completely as only a few minor parts can be utilised. You will observe that the Phantom II front shock absorber is not included in the above. W.W. have indicated that they are getting out a design that will enable us to bring this into line with the other three dampers and also put it on to the outside of the frame. For the time being we are doing all the modifications we know of to the existing shock absorber and as a result of this we do not anticipate much trouble. We shall be glad, however, when we can get rid of the links in this shock absorber also, as they have been the source of so much trouble in the past. Also it is a costly matter to remove this shock absorber from the frame. The double damper is now on test and we shall shortly be issuing a preliminary report on it. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||