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).
Development of damper control for the 22-EX model to improve riding comfort by reducing front axle load.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\5\ Scan177 | |
| Date | 3rd January 1934 | |
| X7520 To SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.6/HP.3.1.34. c. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}: Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} HDY.{William Hardy} re P.2. Damper Control on 22-EX. Replying to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}20/E.2.1.34, we have had another discussion with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and we find that a further development has been carried out by the Experimental Department which is likely to bring about considerable improvement in the riding without prejudicing the effect of the damper control. They have been able, by using a bellows of different rating to reduce the ball pin load on the front axle from 400 to 200 lbs. and since 200 provides all the damping that is required this is a most desirable move, and at the same time they report a considerable improvement in comfort. This should materially improve the riding on the back seat, as this, as we know, is greatly affected by the front end springing and damping. I am going to try this car again at the end of the week so modified, and in the meantime HDY.{William Hardy} is looking into the question of what is the best way to provide the modified damper valve loading on the front, as we do not think the bellows of different rating represents the best way of carrying this out for production. If this new move does all that we hope it will probably mean that we shall not want to alter the governor because as Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} points out we do not want to unduly increase the damping at the cruising speed of the Phantom, which we consider is in the neighbourhood of 60 miles an hour. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||