What Is Universal Joint? – Function, Types, Working, Diagram
What Is Universal Joint? – A universal joint is a joint or coupling connecting a rigid shaft whose axes are inclined towards each other. It is commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary motion. It consists of a pair of hinges connected by a cross shaft, oriented at 90° close to each other.
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What Is Universal Joint?
A Universal Joint, also known as a U-joint, is a mechanical device that allows for the transfer of power between two shafts that are not in a straight line or are at an angle to each other. The joint consists of a cross-shaped component, known as a spider, that is connected to the input and output shafts by yokes. The spider has bearings at each end, which allow for changes in angle and position between the shafts while maintaining a constant speed ratio.
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Function Of Universal Joint
The function of a Universal Joint is to allow for the transfer of power between two shafts that are not in a straight line or are at an angle to each other. The joint accommodates changes in angle and position between the input and output shafts, while maintaining a constant speed ratio. This allows the power to be transferred efficiently and smoothly, even when the shafts are not aligned.
Universal Joints are commonly used in vehicles, machinery, and equipment, and play a critical role in transmitting power from the engine or motor to the wheels or other driven components. They help to reduce vibration, noise, and wear on the driveline components while ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of power.
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Working Of Universal Joint
In the case of an automobile, the gearbox is rigidly mounted. Due to the action of the road springs, the position of the rear axle is constantly varied and the allowance is provided if the gearbox is mounted to the rear axle by a propeller shaft.
A universal joint consists of two yokes. These yokes are attached to each end of the shaft. The two yokes are joined by a central or connecting cross piece. The connecting cross piece will turn the bearings of the yoke with the change in angularity between shafts. They do not transmit motion uniformly if the shafts are operating at an angle.
Therefore, the driven shaft increases to the maximum and then it decreases to the minimum. The rise and fall of the driven shaft occur twice as the pivot pin rotates through different planes in each revolution.
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Types Of Universal Joint
Variable Velocity Joints
A Variable Velocity Joint, also known as a CV joint, is a type of Universal Joint used in vehicles to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. The joint allows for the smooth transfer of power while accommodating changes in angle and position between the transmission and wheels, such as during turns or uneven terrain.
It consists of an inner joint and an outer joint, which may be designed as a Rzeppa joint or a tripod joint. The CV joint is an essential component of modern vehicles and is used in front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and some rear-wheel drive vehicles.
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Variable Velocity Joints following These Types :
1. Cross or Spider Type
The Cross or Spider Type is a type of Variable Velocity Joint used in Universal Joints. It consists of a cross-shaped element with bearings at each end, which connect the input and output shafts. The joint allows for changes in angle and position between the shafts, while maintaining a constant speed ratio.
This type of joint is commonly found in modern vehicles and is used in rear-wheel drive and some four-wheel drive vehicles. It is often used in conjunction with Constant Velocity (CV) joints to provide a smooth and efficient transfer of power to the wheels.
2. Ring Type
The Ring Type is a type of Variable Velocity Joint used in Universal Joints. It consists of a spherical inner ring and an outer ring, with bearings in between. The outer ring has a spherical shape, allowing for changes in angle and position between the input and output shafts.
This type of joint is commonly found in industrial applications where high torque loads are required. It is less common in automotive applications but is sometimes used in heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles. The Ring Type joint provides smooth power transfer while accommodating changes in angle and position between the shafts.
3. Ball and Trunnion Type
The Ball and Trunnion Type is a type of Variable Velocity Joint used in Universal Joints. It consists of a trunnion, or stationary yoke, and a ball, or rotating yoke, with bearings in between. The ball rotates in the trunnion, allowing for changes in angle and position between the shafts.
This type of joint is commonly found in older rear-wheel drive vehicles but has largely been replaced by more modern Constant Velocity (CV) joints. However, it is still used in some industrial applications where high torque loads are required.
Constant Velocity Joints
Constant Velocity Joints, or CV joints, are a type of Universal Joint used in vehicles to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. The joint allows for the smooth transfer of power while accommodating changes in angle and position between the transmission and wheels, such as during turns or uneven terrain.
Unlike other Universal Joints, CV joints maintain a constant velocity ratio between the input and output shafts, which eliminates the speed fluctuations that can occur with other types of joints. CV joints are commonly used in front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and some rear-wheel drive vehicles, and are usually designed as either Rzeppa joints or tripod joints.
Constant Velocity Joints following These Types :
1. Rzeppa
It consists of spherical internal and external ball races in which the grooves are cut parallel to the shaft. The Steel balls are placed in grooves on the spherical races. The torque transmission is done from one race to another ball. The circular pattern of balls causes shafts to turn at the same velocity.
2. Bendix Weiss
The principle of driving through balls placed in a circle around a sphere is used in this type of joint. Four numbers of driving balls are placed into machined races in close-fitting yokes. A fifth or centre ball is held between two yokes as an inner race. The driving balls are arranged in a circle in the same manner as the Rzeppa joint. The aligning action of the balls gives a constant velocity joint.
3. Tracta
This joint differs from the above two joints. Four yokes are used in this joint in which two yokes are fastened to shafts and the other two are floating at the center of the joint. The mating parts of the yokes are made into segments of a circle. Both circular segments and floating action of the two yokes provide a constant velocity joint.
Advantages Of Universal Joint
- Universal coupling is more flexible than knuckle joint.
- It facilitates torque transmission between shafts which have angular misalignment.
- It is cheap and cost-effective.
- It is simple to be assembled and dismantled.
- Torque transmission efficiency is high.
- The joint permits angular displacements.
Disadvantages Of Universal Joint
- Wear may occur if the joint is not properly lubricated.
- Maintenance is often necessary to avoid wear.
- Universal joint produces fluctuating motion
- It does not support axial misalignment.
Application Of Universal Joint
- Universal joints vary based on their material composition, hub type and the applications for which they are designed, it is a positive mechanical joint that is used for connecting shafts.
- Universal Joint is most commonly found in the propeller shaft of rear wheel drive cars.
- Specific applications of universal joints include aircraft, appliances, control systems, electronics, Instrumentation, textile machinery, medical and optical equipment, radios, weapons, sewing machines and tool drives.
What Is Slip Joint?
A Slip Joint is a type of Universal Joint that is designed to allow for changes in the length of a driveline, while maintaining the transfer of power between the input and output shafts. It consists of a splined shaft that slides into a hollow shaft, with a yoke at each end.
The yokes are connected by bearings, which allow for changes in angle and position between the input and output shafts. The Slip Joint is commonly used in rear-wheel drive vehicles, where it allows for changes in the length of the driveline due to suspension movement or changes in load. It is also used in some four-wheel drive vehicles and industrial applications.
Function Of Slip Joint
The function of a Slip Joint is to accommodate changes in the length of a driveline while maintaining the transfer of power between the input and output shafts. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the Slip Joint allows for changes in the length of the driveline due to suspension movement or changes in load, without affecting the transfer of power.
This helps to reduce vibration and noise, and to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of power. The Slip Joint is also used in some four-wheel drive vehicles and industrial applications, where it provides flexibility and durability in harsh operating conditions. By allowing for changes in length, the Slip Joint helps to prolong the life of the driveline components and improve the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle or equipment.
FAQ‘s
2. Driven yoke
3. Spider
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