A common joint, often known as a U-joint or Cardan joint, is a mechanical part that permits the transmission of torque between two shafts that aren’t aligned. Common joints are generally utilized in automotive purposes, similar to drive shafts and steering columns, in addition to in industrial equipment and robotics. There are a number of sorts 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 will depend on the particular necessities of the applying, such because the angle of misalignment, the torque load, and the pace of rotation.
Common joints are necessary elements in lots of purposes as a result of they permit shafts to transmit torque at angles that might not be attainable with strong shafts. This makes them important for purposes the place shafts have to be aligned at angles, similar to in drive shafts and steering columns. Common joints additionally enable for some misalignment between shafts, which will be attributable to elements similar to manufacturing tolerances, put on, and vibration.