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).
Clutch operation, suspension systems, and developments in gearbox technology.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\3\ img128 | |
| Date | 31th March 1932 | |
| -6- HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ra.1/MA.31.3.32.cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} CLUTCH. Clutch operation by means of a cylinder connected to the induction pipe, or "Wizard Control" as it is sometimes called, has literally become a standard fitment in a few months. The general scheme is that every time the foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal the clutch is automatically pushed out by the vacuum in the induction pipe and takes up again as soon as the accelerator pedal is depressed. As at present fitted it is an obvious accessory and looks a very bad piece of engineering. It doubtless would not have been perpetrated if there had not been such a wild scramble to sell automobiles. It is dangerous if the engine stalls at speed. There is an impression in one or two factories that the fluid flywheel may be the ultimate solution. Suspension. This feature has probably made the least progress of any portion of the car. The ride control fitting is universal but is not used very intelligently by the public. It has the virtue that the car can be driven at high speeds without being dangerous even with soft springs fitted. Most firms are taking a keen interest in the rear engine car as a means of taking a big step forward in the passengers comfort. Several of them are building a model experimentally. We saw lay-outs before we left Cadillac's but do not know which one they finally decided to build. Easy Change Gearbox & Silent Thirds. Synchro-mesh is being very widely adopted. It really has no serious competitor in the United States. It is sometimes used on third and second gear, as well as on top and third. The Helical gear is gradually displacing the Spool gear because it is much cheaper to produce, it has not yet however attained the standard of silencer of the spool gear. Chryslers are of the opinion that the Spool gear will carry a much higher tooth load than the Helical. The free wheel behind the gearbox is used on the Studebaker and Chrysler. When this is in operation it is perfectly easy to make changes with the ordinary spur gears, and would in fact convert either of our new gearboxes into an all easy change gear box. We have a sample of one of these free wheels, it is singularly compact and light. In order to obtain coarse pitch gears 8 or 9 pitch, that are quiet, the helix angle has been increased to 45° and the gear wheels mounted on double Timken roller bearings as illustrated in the attached sketch. | ||