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 redesign of brake drums, including material changes and a new patented braking system to improve performance.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\October1930-February1931\ Scan113 | |
| Date | 28th November 1930 | |
| FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} BRAKE DRUMS. I have come to the conclusion that for satisfactory brakes it is necessary that we stiffen up our brake drums somewhat in the same way as our earlier practice, and the original ones designed for Phantom 2. The new design consists of a ring like a tyre forging, or from thick tubing, but it will be necessary for the materials to be suitable for a brake surface. We should have preferred a cast iron surface but as this cannot be in good contact with the carrier, and is too unreliable to use as a ring, we fear we shall be forced to use high carbon, or preferably a manganese, or manganese high carbon steel. We telephoned BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} today to get some rings for trial as per attached confirmation. We have also come to the conclusion that the present orthodox system of curved brake shoes which carry the liner is defective inasmuch as it is not self fitting and even in its pressure, and has certain other undesirable characteristics, so that we are scheming an entirely new system, which, although it appears somewhat complicated, has the virtues that it will require no fitting, and we hope will avoid or reduce some of the present difficulties, such as squeaks, jaggers, sponginess, and loss of braking efficiency, that is, it will be more silent and more consistent, and will not change in its behaviour during long periods. If it does this it will justify its complication which I believe will be found to be more apparent than real, and the cost, all things considered, such as fitting up and service, will be considerably less. Combined with the stiff drum it should better bear brutal treatment. As the scheme is quite novel it may be advisable to get a provisional patent for it. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||