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).
Novel clutch actuation system and proposed future work on an epicyclic gearbox for the 'Spectre' project.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\1\ img124 | |
| Date | 24th October 1932 guessed | |
| (2) (4) CLUTCH ACTUATION. The 4th. item which is novel is the actuation of the main clutch in such a way as to be independent of any movement of the engine. At the same time the reaction of the movement of the engine does not affect the pedal. This appeared to be a very difficult problem which we have been able to solve in a very simple way, and part of the credit of the perfection must be given to IA. for noticing that we could fit the longitudinal link to a special position on the vertical link, and so equalise the difference between the pedal reaction and the pushing of the clutch rod. ----- To avoid the expense of chasing about to get many signatures, the first 3 items can be patented in my name, and the 4th. in Mr. Day's name combined with mine. ----- re. FUTURE WORK-(GEARBOX.) The work we propose trying over in the future is a system of epicyclic gear, the train of which I schemed at LeCanadel about a year ago, and we may use either the synchro mesh system of operation, or a brake system like the original Lanchester, Wilson, and others. We shall not know which of these to attempt until we have thoroughly analysed their various merits. The beauty of this type of gear over the present is that none of the tooth engagements need go on either at rest or on top gear, the loads are all balanced, and the train - as I have schemed it - is about as simple as it is possible to imagine for a 4 speed and reverse combination. We do not know in what state this train is as regards patents, but we handed to Mr. Claremont's people some of the original pictures of what we call our 3 unit, 4 speed train, and our 2 unit, 3 speed and reverse train. This gearbox problem should we think be included in our studies for the "SpectreCodename for Phantom III". R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||