A common joint, also called a U-joint or Cardan joint, is a mechanical element that enables the transmission of torque between two shafts that aren’t aligned. Common joints are generally utilized in automotive functions, similar to drive shafts and steering columns, in addition to in industrial equipment and robotics. There are a number of varieties of common joints, together with single U-joints, double U-joints, and fixed velocity (CV) joints. The kind of common joint utilized in a specific utility relies on the particular necessities of the appliance, such because the angle of misalignment, the torque load, and the velocity of rotation.
Common joints are necessary parts in lots of functions as a result of they permit shafts to transmit torque at angles that may not be doable with stable shafts. This makes them important for functions the place shafts must be aligned at angles, similar to in drive shafts and steering columns. Common joints additionally permit for some misalignment between shafts, which may be brought on by components similar to manufacturing tolerances, put on, and vibration.
