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 Gearbox Problem', comparing existing designs and proposing a new arrangement.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\4\ 04-page235 | |
| Date | 10th March 1930 | |
| X8310. DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) R2/10.3.30. X.7310. X.5310. X.523. C. to SO. MR. RT. C. to C. CK.{Mr Clark} Mr. LARSONT. THE GEARBOX PROBLEM. I have the impression that some definite pro- gress will be made this year, and considering the work we have done during the last 30 yrs we ought to be able to do something for ourselves, instead of following and paying someone else, possibly about our own ideas. At present the attempts consist of :- (1) Lancaster - with Wilson's improvement. (2) Constant mesh with (a) synchro mesh change (b) jaw clutch with clearances. (3) Freewheel devices (a) Our original hideshift. (b) The one Col. Briggs has. (c) Salerni. Up to the present I consider that none of these are good enough to replace the standard scheme, being either a long way from perfect, or too much of them in weight and complications. It will be realised that most experts (driving nearly every day) prefer the present standard scheme, but amateurs and novices require something needing less art. Particularly there are 3 requirements. (1) A silent third speed. (2) An easy change to any forward gear. (3) Quite as silent when on top gear or idling. It must be proof against ignorance and careless- ness ( i.e. incapable of damaging itself, or any part of the chassis or tyres, or annoying the passengers.) The arrangement which I have in mind which I think is hopeful and which I want to secure for our Company is based upon one of our older ideas, thus, (a) The clutch is as usual. (b) Behind the clutch a multiple epicyclic unit (instead of the simple one previously suggested and patented.) This is like the sketch enclosed. (c) Jaw clutch change to direct drive which may or may not have Salerni rings. | ||