Vehicle Design Highlights

ARCHIVES

Title: American tendencies in motor-car engineering

Author(s): Howard E. Coffin

Source: ARCHIVE; Proceedings of the Institution of Automobile Engineers

Volume: 6 Page: 23-72. 1911

DOI: 10.1243/PIAE_PROC_1911_006_009_02

Publisher: Professional Engineering Publishing

Abstract: Paper given at an ordinary general meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers on the occasion of the first visit to the UK by the American Society of Automobile Engineers. Highlights differences in design features of American vehicles owing to challenging operating conditions, such as the demands of difficult terrain and poor road quality leading to improvements in chassis design, as well as a trend to larger wheels and greater axle and fly-wheel ground clearance. Comments on common US practice - considering examples such as double brakes on rear wheels rather than the cardan shaft service brake preferred in Europe; self-starting motors; lighting and gas-lamp improvements; motor valves and the adoption of the Knight motor. Discusses the design features of the multiple disk clutch using cork for the friction surface. Highlights the role of motor car racing and endurance events in the US in promoting and testing enhancements in design and development - with regulation of motor sport by the US Manufacturers' Contest Association. Discusses the issue of an anticipated American invasion of the UK market by low-priced cars.

Title: Some problems peculiar to the design of the automobile

Author(s): Frederick W Lanchester

Source: ARCHIVE; Proceedings of the Institution of Automobile Engineers

Volume: 2 Page: 185-257. 1907

DOI: 10.1243/PIAE_PROC_1907_002_010_02

Publisher: Professional Engineering Publishing

Abstract: Suspension is reviewed, including side location, suspension period, and suspension oscillation and damping. The forces met by an unsuspended vehicle are discussed. The role of tyres is outlined. The design of suspension mechanisms is dealt with. The dynamical effect in the control mechanism are presented relating to steering and clutch and brakes. Work driving and screw propulsion are studied. Gyroscopic effects are given, including the principles of the gyroscope and torque due to the motor flywheel. The introduction of shock absorbers is reviewed. The design of the laminated spring is outlined. Bath-chair steering is commented on. Pull-on and push-on brakes are evaluated. Accelerometers are introduced. The action of the springs of a motor car is discussed. The role of screws is reviewed and the damping effect of springs is reviewed. The effect of varying the height of the centre of gravity is investigated. Tiller steering is mentioned.