A joint where two or more rotational shafts are connected together is known as a Universal Coupling. The coupling is made up of two joints with perpendicular and intersecting axes. Universal Joint is also referred to as terms including U-Joint, Hooke’s Joint, Gear Coupling, and Cardan joint. These joints are fitted at each end of the propeller shaft allowing it to move through an angle while maintaining free rotation.
When shafts are joined using a universal joint, each shaft terminates in a revolute joint with its axis perpendicular to the shaft’s rotating axis. This permits a rotary motion to be transmitted across the shafts while allowing misalignment in both remaining rotational degrees of freedom.
Working Process of Universal Coupling
Hooke’s joints allow shafts to move up and down with the suspension. When the shaft moves and isn’t in a straight line between the gearbox and drive wheels, power will be transmitted. Rear-wheel-drive cars feature universal joints (or U-joints) at both ends of the drive shaft. U-joints, link to yokes that also allow drive shafts to move fore and aft when vehicles go over bumps or dips in the road, which effectively shortens or lengthens the shaft.
A universal joint permit driving torque to be transmitted between two shafts that are at an angle to one another. A basic universal joint comprises two Y- Y-shaped yokes, one on the driving shaft and the other on the driven shaft. The driving shaft and yoke rotate the spider. The driven yoke is subsequently rotated by the spider’s other two trunnions. The needle bearings allow the yokes to swing around on the trunnions with each rotation when the two shafts are at an angle with each other.
When the shafts are working at an angle, a basic universal joint does not transmit motion equally. As a result, a vehicle employs two universal joints, one between the gearbox and the propeller shaft and the other between the propeller shaft and the differential pinion shaft.
Why are Universal Couplings Used?
U-Joints are just like the joints of our body whereas the machine’s structure differs from that of humans. U-Joints have many purposes and shapes. Therefore, these couplings employed on the machine are significantly more diversified than human joints. This establishes the existence of several sorts of couplings, such as tiny and precise universal couplings, bigger flexible and stiff couplings, and even larger universal transmission shafts.
In different machines, even if they use the same type of coupling, there will be differences in size, so when you need to choose a coupling, you must clearly understand the machine model, size, power, rolling speed, and how much force is needed to transfer. Only then do you have the chance to find the most suitable coupling?
Here are some important reasons why industries use these U-joints in various applications:
Transmission Efficiency
Since its transmission efficiency is high, it is utilized in high-temperature, low oil and corrosive media working settings.
High Corrosion Resistance
Due to their high corrosion resistance, Universal Joints are widely employed in the automobile sector. Universal joints are required between the engine, clutch, and transmission in rear-drive cars. Reduces vehicle vibration, component damage and noise, and component life.
Easy to Install
The universal joint structure is quite basic, and the pieces are not difficult. Most of the Universal Coupling Suppliers in India create these products by regular processing, enabling the included angle between the two shafts to change within a certain range according to the demands.
Highly Durable
Steel is the most often used material, either in stainless steel or alloyed with other metals to withstand higher torque and temperature. Plastics and thermoplastics are typically used in manufacturing universal joints since they give improved rust and corrosion resistance, as well as electrical and magnetic isolation in applications where this is necessary.
Structure of U-Joints
The universal joint is formed of a spider and four grease-filled roller bearings. It has little friction and can transmit a lot of torque. A spider with journal pegs and bearing casings as outer rings were hot forged, cold moulded, and machined.
Finally, pieces are ground to the required size while preserving stringent tolerance. The term “externalities” refers to the act of exposing one’s body to external elements such as dust or dirt. A range of grades and materials are used to adapt to difficult environments, such as excessively hot or cold temperatures.
Applications of Universal Joint
Universal couplings are mostly used in heavy machineries such as rolling machinery, lifting equipment, and transportation equipment. Such as autos, tractors, different tracked vehicles, diesel locomotives, machine tools, rolling mills, etc. Others such as construction, light industry, chemical, food, packaging machines, etc. Universal couplings are also frequently utilized in various industries such as construction, light industrial, chemical, food and packaging.
Universal Coupling Types
Universal joints differ depending on their material composition, hub type, and the purposes for which they are designed.
- Single joint: It has a single bending aspect and can operate at up to a 45-degree angle.
- Double Joint: This U-joint has two bending joints and may work at angles of up to 90 degrees. It can also allow parallel offset between two shafts with a centre section operating angle ranging from 0 to 45 degrees.
Advantages of U-Joint
- Hooke’s Joint is more flexible than knuckle joints.
- Allows torque transfer between shafts which have an angular misalignment.
- Cardan Joints are cost-effective, unlike Gear Coupling.
- These are simple to construct and disassemble.
- Their efficiency of torque transmission is good.
- The joint allows for angular displacements.
Disadvantages of U-Joint
- If the joint is not adequately lubricated, wear might result.
- Maintenance is frequently required to avoid wear.
- Universal joint creates varying motion
- Axial misalignment is not supported.
Final Words
Searching for Universal Coupling for your industrial applications? End your search here at Harjot International. We are one of the most trusted Universal Coupling Manufacturers In India that supply you with the highest quality universal coupling. We are widely renowned in the market for sturdiness and out lasting performance and exact measurements.