A universal joint, also known as a U-joint or cardan joint, allows a split shaft to flex in any direction, enabling an inclined drive output from a horizontally oriented drive source. It consists of two U-shaped yokes joined by a cross-shaped hub, allowing the primary and secondary shafts to hinge and rotate smoothly. It offers excellent performance and versatility and is used in industrial, marine, automotive, and socket tool applications.
A universal joint is a specialized rotary joint used to allow a rotating split shaft to flex along its axis in any direction. In other words, the universal coupler would allow a boat’s drive shaft exiting a fixed-position gearbox to drive a propeller oriented 22° from horizontal. This flexibility is achieved by constructing the joint with two U-shaped yokes joined by a cross-shaped hub. A yoke is attached to the end of each portion of the split shaft joined to the cross hub, with the U-sections oriented at 90° to each other. This arrangement allows the horizontal primary shaft to drive the inclined shaft without excessive friction or loss of speed or drive output potential.
Many mechanical applications require an inclined drive output from a horizontally oriented drive source. This poses a problem when using rigid drive shafts, a problem most commonly solved by using a universal joint. Also known as a universal joint, cardan joint, or U-joint, this joint allows a two-piece driveshaft, solid or hollow, to “bend” in any direction and over a wide range of deflection values without losing drive potential original.
The universal coupler is actually relatively simple. Each joint consists of two U-shaped yokes, one each for the ends of the two shaft halves. To join the two halves of the shaft, the two yokes are brought together, oriented at 90° to each other and joined by a cross hub. The transverse hub typically takes the form of a disc or ball with two round shafts crossing it at right angles forming a cross shape. The flat “ears” of each U-yoke have holes through which the transverse hub shafts are placed. This allows the primary and secondary shafts to hinge on the transverse hub and rotate smoothly even when oriented at different angles.
These couplers offer excellent performance as well as the versatility of drive orientation they allow. The universal coupler has no adverse effect on actuation speed, generates no significant friction and is robust and capable of transferring large torque loads. The universal coupler is used extensively in industrial, marine and automotive applications and can also be found in socket tool sets. Used with the socket ratchet handle, they allow tools to be used in confined spaces where offset torque inputs are required.
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