What is the main purpose of a universal joint?

Universal Joints in our Clock

In our model, the universal joint is 3.5 inches across the four point cross' arms (see Figures 4 and 5). One universal joint sits at the top of the clock for each face to align the shafts that control the clock hands. At this point in time, we are uncertain as to whether or not there will be another universal joint by the minute and hour hand drives at the clock faces. We hypothesize that there might be another pair to further help correct alignment, but we can not be sure because we are missing some parts, most notably the long shafts that transmit rotation from the clock frame to the clock faces.

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A universal joint (also called a universal coupling or U-joint) is a joint or coupling connecting rigid shafts whose axes are inclined to each other. It is commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary motion. It consists of a pair of hinges located close together, oriented at 90° to each other, connected by a cross shaft. The universal joint is not a constant-velocity joint.

U-joints are also sometimes called by various eponymous names, such as Cardan joint, Hooke joint, Spicer joint, and Hardy Spicer joint.

The primary purpose of a universal joint is to allow the transmission of torque and rotational motion between two shafts that are not in a straight line. It compensates for the misalignment between the driving and driven shafts, enabling smooth and efficient rotary motion despite angular displacement.

Key Applications

• Automotive Industry: In vehicles, universal joints are extensively used in the drivetrain, especially in the propeller shafts of rear-wheel-drive cars to transmit torque from the transmission to the differential.
• Industrial Machinery: Universal joints are used in various types of industrial machinery to accommodate misalignments and enable the smooth transmission of power.
• Agricultural Equipment: Flexible use in tractors and other farming equipment to manage varying angles during operation.

Advantages of Universal Joints

Universal joints offer several benefits, including:

• Flexibility: Can accommodate a wide range of motion angles.
• Durability: Withstands significant operational stress.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally simpler and cost-effective compared to complex constant-velocity joints.

For more information on the Differences between single, double and telescopic joints, feel free to contact us.

The main concept of the universal joint is based on the design of gimbals, which have been in use since antiquity. In Europe, the universal joint is often called the Cardano joint, after the 16th-century Italian mathematician Gerolamo Cardano, who was an early writer on gimbals.

In the 20th century, Clarence W. Spicer and the Spicer Manufacturing Company, as well as the Hardy Spicer successor brand, helped further popularize universal joints in the automotive, farm equipment, heavy equipment, and industrial machinery industries.

Universal joints play a critical role in various applications requiring the transmission of rotary motion between misaligned shafts. They are indispensable in automotive, industrial, and agricultural settings, providing flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

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