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).
Benefits and test results of Super-Suspension anti-friction plates.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\1\ scan0036 | |
| Date | 13th January 1931 guessed | |
| - 3 - Although these tests are preliminary in character, and insufficient to be generally representative or conclusive, I am satisfied from the information I have gained, that the Super-Suspension anti-friction invention fulfils its primary purpose in rendering possible and facilitating the adjustment of the vehicle springs, either by the use of the plates only, or by their suitable application in conjunction with shock absorbers or recoil limiting devices. I believe also that with the great majority of vehicles, substantial improvement will be gained, and that the ease with which they may be fitted without interference with the chassis will always justify trial and the moderate cost of supply and fitting. As there is smoother riding and lessened disturbance of the vehicle on the road, consequential benefits must be realised, because of better maintained adhesion. Adhesion depends primarily upon sustained contact pressure, for any given set of conditions, and it is therefore more correct to refer to maintained and improved adhesion rather than increased adhesion. Thus apart from the benefit of riding comfort, the lessened liability to skid assists safer travel and this is an important, and very valuable secondary result of the use of Super-Suspension anti-friction plates. With lessened road shocks and reduced pitching and swaying, the tyres experience substantial relief and this must be accompanied by reduced wear and tear, and extended service life. There is also good reason to expect further reduction in tyre wear, and some economy in power and therefore fuel consumption because of less frequent occurrence of wheel spin, but it is manifestly impossible to make any quantitative statement without long period trial, and observation, and evidence with regard to these benefits can only be accumulated gradually from the experience of numerous users. Some criticism may be made of the device, either because of exposure to weather effects or deterioration by wear, but such critics may be satisfied by the accumulated experience already available for this is by no means an untried invention. I have examined plates which have been in use for 12,000 miles and found them to be unmarked and unworn, nor was there any harmful grooving or wear of the surface of the spring leaves in contact with the steel balls. Just as the steel railroad track exposed to the weather and subjected to traffic remains bright and polished, so the actively working balls and the spring plate surface remain polished. There need, in fact, be no fear with regard to adequate durability. I hope that in the future development and application of your invention, you will meet with the encouragement and co-operation of vehicle manufacturers, and spring makers, and ensure its most effective utilisation. I am, Yours faithfully, E.G.E. BEAUMONT EGB/FB. | ||