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Innovation is key in the world of mechanics. Without it, progress would be stagnant, and we would still be using oxen to pull carts. One such innovation, which has been around for centuries, is the universal joint.
Though its exact origins are unknown, the universal joint has been used in everything from windmills to automobiles. Its versatility and reliability have made it an essential component in machinery throughout the ages.
So, what exactly is a universal joint? And what is its history? Let's take a closer look.
A universal joint is a coupling that connects two shafts at their ends, allowing them to rotate independently. It consists of 3 main parts: two yokes and a cross.
The yokes are attached to the shafts and have trunnions (cylindrical pins) that protrude from them. These trunnions fit into sockets in the cross, a U-shaped member sitting between the yokes.
The cross has four grooves machined into its inner surfaces. These grooves mesh with the trunnions and allow the cross to rotate relative to the yokes.
The universal joint is a simple yet effective design that allows for a wide range of motion. It can accommodate shafts that are misaligned, as well as axial and radial movements.
China was the first place to utilize the universal joint over 2,000 years ago. The Chinese had created what we now refer to as "gimbals"- a series of interlocking rings inside of a device that cancels placed in the center and could remain upright no matter the position of said device. Nowadays, gimbals are utilized to keep ships' compasses level and act as components in gyroscopes.
In , an Italian mathematician named Girolamo Cardano theorized that the idea of gimbals could be used to produce rotational movement with a slanted connection. This was then further developed into the Cardan Shaft, which provided a smoother ride that was also more efficient and required less maintenance as it always remained at a 90-degree angle in relation to the axle. The first carriage to use this new design principle was seen in on the vehicle of Holy Roman Emperor Charles 5th.
In , Robert Hooke made an update to Cardano's idea, which would create a safer way of studying the sun. This new instrument utilized a joint that allowed motion in one shaft to affect another - regardless of orientation. However, it wasn't until 240 years later that Clarence W. Spicer applied this same thinking to industrial and automotive purposes. After obtaining a patent for the universal joint in , Spicer demonstrated his invention by designing and driving the car that didn't have chain-related issues. In , he started mass-producing the product, and by , it was being used in over 60% of American cars.
The concept of the universal joint has remained relatively unchanged. The materials and processes used to create them have come a long way.
The early universal joints were made of bronze and steel with a lubricant such as a grease to keep them moving freely.These worked well but had the potential to break down and wear out quickly.
Nowadays, universal joints are made of solid and durable materials such as chrome steel and needle bearings. These new materials and processes have allowed for much higher precision and longer-lasting joints.
If you don't lubricate the pin and block universal joints properly, they can generate too much heat and cause overheating at higher speeds. This friction can also increase abrasive wear between the moving parts over time.
The most common universal joint used today is the Cardan joint, also known as the Spicer joint or the U-joint. This type of joint consists of a cross-shaped shaft with four arms, with each arm connected to a rotating shaft. The joint allows for the transfer of power between the two shafts, while also allowing for some flexibility in their alignment.
Cardan joints are commonly used in automotive drivetrains, as well as in industrial machinery, such as pumps and compressors. They are known for their durability and ability to handle high torque loads, making them a popular choice for heavy-duty applications.
Why is a universal joint called universal?
The simplest and most common type of universal joint is called the Cardan joint or Hooke joint, a positive, mechanical connection between two shafts that intersect but are not usually parallel. This device is used to transmit motion or power (or both) between two disconnected shafts and is called a "universal" joint because it can rotate in any plane.
Where is a universal joint used in real life?
A universal joint is a mechanical coupling that connects two shafts that are not collinear. It consists of a pair of hinges, oriented at 90° to each other and connected by a cross shaft. Universal joints are used in a wide variety of applications, including automotive drivetrains, robotics, and industrial machinery.
Why was the universal joint invented?
Edmund Morewood's patent for a metal coating machine was the first to feature a universal joint. This fixed small alignment issues between the engine and rolling mill shafts, which previously hindered productivity.
How are universal joints made?
The most basic form of a universal joint consists of two shaft yokes perpendicular to each other, with a four-pointed cross-connecting yoke. The bearing cap assemblies, which contain the cross inside them, are then inserted into the eyes of the yoke. Industrial applications that use universal joints need to be able to operate constantly and under high torque loads.
What is the maximum angle for a universal joint?
The operating angles of the universal joints on each end of a driveshaft should never differ by more than one degree. Such angle differences should not exceed three degrees for optimal performance without vibrations.
How long does a universal joint last?
Under ideal conditions, a properly maintained universal joint should last the vehicle's lifetime. However, universal joints are subject to wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced. Roughly speaking, a universal joint will last about 100k miles before it needs to be replaced.
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What happens when U-joint fails?
If you're hearing a clunking noise or your car is lurching while driving, it could be due to a bad u-joint. You may also feel vibrations coming from the center or rear of the vehicle at certain speeds.
The universal joint is a simple yet essential piece of machinery. Its invention has allowed for the development of many complex devices and systems that we now take for granted. Without the universal joint, our world would be a very different place. If you're having trouble with your car's U-joint, take it to a qualified mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair. Universal joints are not something you should try to fix alone.
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Universal joint, also called Cardan Joint is a mechanism for variable angle power transmission, used to change the direction of the driveline, which is an automotive drive system &#;Joint&#; parts. The universal joint combined with drive shaft is called universal joint drive. On vehicles with front-engine rear-wheel drive, a universal joint drive is installed between the transmission output shaft and the final Transaxle input shaft; on vehicles with front-engine front-wheel drive, the propeller shaft. is omitted and the universal joint is installed between the front CV Axle and the wheels, both driving and steering.
The universal joint is subjected to a variety of forces (torsional, centrifugal, etc.) during high-speed movement. It is also in a hard-acting area and is subject to harsh working conditions. It is easily worn out and is a fragile part. In use, grease should be injected into the grease nipple after every kilometers of driving to maintain good lubrication. Under normal conditions, the universal joint has a service life of 100,000 to 120,000 km, but due to the short service life of the four needle roller bearings on the cross shaft, the bearings are normally not replaced separately, but with the complete cross universal joint. When it is sold and supplied, it is supplied as an assembly, not as a cross shaft or bearing, so the useful life of the universal joint assembly is only 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
The most commonly used material for manufacturing Universal joints are 20MnVB and 20 0CrMnTi alloy steel. Both materials have excellent physical properties, such as wear resistance, high strength, good flexibility, and corrosion resistance. They are also cost-effective and widely available on the market. Furthermore, these materials can be machined easily with precision to achieve the tight tolerances required for universal joints in various applications.
The universal joint is the main component of the universal joint drive axles and is used to connect the angled two shafts (the output shaft of the transmission and the input shaft of the transaxle). While rotating, the driven shaft is allowed to swing at an angle that still normally transfers torque to suit the vehicle&#;s needs in bumps and vibrations.
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universal joint transfers power between the driving shafts, even if the rotating shafts are not inline. Universal joints that without obvious elasticity in the torsion direction could be divided into
Variable Velocity universal joint
constant velocity(CV) universal joints.
and quasi-constant velocity universal joints
The cross universal joint is the commonly seen type of variable/non-constant velocity universal joint, it consists of a universal joint yoke, a cross shaft, a needle bearing, an oil seal, a sleeve, a bearing cap, etc.
Cross Universal JointThe needle rollers in the needle roller bearing rotate during the cross universal joint rotation to reduce friction. The shaft connected to the input power is called the input shaft and the shaft that delivers power through the universal joint is called the output shaft.
The Constant Velocity Universal Joint (CVUJ) allows two shafts to rotate at a constant speed, regardless of their angle or relative position. This makes them ideal for power transmission systems where the two shafts are subject to frequent changes in orientation and distance. CVUJs are most commonly found in automotive applications, such as in the drive train of a car or truck. They can also be used for industrial machines and other heavy-duty applications.
CVUJs are typically composed of two yokes connected by a central cross-shaped piece and four needle bearings for smooth operation. The yokes are connected to shafts, allowing them to rotate independently while still maintaining the desired velocity.
The Rzeppa CV Joint consists of six circular grooves cut into the inner portion of a casing and a set of steel balls that provide constant transmission speed. This makes it an excellent choice for manufacturers wishing to create powertrains with complex mobility requirements, as its design allows for smooth pivoting between shafts without any decrease in power output.
It is also particularly suited for harsh driving conditions, given that its components are highly resistant to stress and deformations such as twists or torque.
Fixed and Plunge Joints are a specialized form of Constant-Velocity (CV) Joints commonly used in Front-wheel drive vehicles. The plunge joint is mounted on the inside end of the drive axle enabling angular movement between the wheels and providing a smooth driving experience.
The fixed joint is located at the opposite end outside the axle. It is designed to take power from the transmission and deliver it to the wheel hub assembly, allowing for solid acceleration.
Tripod joints typically feature three trunnions on their base and an internal cage to contain the rolling elements; its refined shape is perfect for dynamic vehicle movement while providing strength and stability.
Ball-type joint stands out due to their simplicity and inexpensive costs; it relies on a single steel ball shaped as a spherical triangle to transmit power in tightly curved scenarios.
Found predominantly on front-wheel drive vehicles, these joints have a unique design that sets them apart from other CV joint styles. A trunnion is mounted onto the outer housing of the joint, and three steel arms, or &#;legs,&#; are connected in an arrangement reminiscent of a tripod which gives this type of joint its name. Due to their durable construction, fixed tripod joints often boast exceptional longevity compared to other CV joints making them the ideal choice for heavier-duty applications.
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