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 and setup for 20HP & 40/50HP steering buffer springs and ball joints.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2October1926-December1926\ Scan056 | |
| Date | 11th November 1926 | |
| TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL STEERING 20HP. & 40/50. BUFFER SPRINGS ETC. Regarding the longitudinal tube ball end we now have involved the following objects - In order of (1) Safety - ample clearance & moderate rating. importance (2) Shocks - low rating. rather too many, (3) Direction - set up. and contradic- (4) Damping - high ball pressure. tory. It will be realised also that we are soon up against the limit of weight of spring and pressure on the poorly lubricated balls for damping. I have shewn that two joints such as we sent you some months ago (N. sch.2258.,) will do all that is possible with slight modifications, if we forego (4) slightly (as for other reasons will be wise.) The pendulum lever ball which only goes through a small angle (therefore nearly no damping efficiency) can only have 50 lbs ball pressure - i.e. these springs are only set up 50 lbs or less, but the joint in the axle can have 200 lbs. as these springs would be set up this amount, therefore diagram would be - [DIAGRAM] Due to opposed springs, balls are clamped to give pressure and allow for wear. Diagram labels: 200 LBS, 50 LBS This is the best we can do owing to the limits before mentioned. Regarding the cross tube these balls move through a large angle, and can have good pressure with springs of little weight, because rating can be high (i.e. only sufficient to avoid being over sensitive of adjustment and wear.) But I feel that nearly all this weight on balls should be avoided by the hydraulic or mechanical steering damper to be fitted on the axle. I think this summary will make the situation clear, and get it settled quickly. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||