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HELI-CAL Flexured U-joints Provide Precise
Operating Characteristics
A universal joint is a mechanical connection between
rotating shafts which are generally not in parallel, but intersecting.
"U-joints" transmit torque.
U-joints are used in a variety of applications, wherever
handling significant angular misalignment is the main focus. Typical applications include:
articulating mechanisms, food processing equipment, replacement for expensive gearboxes,
and drives where motor position must be moved angularly off centerline of the driven unit.
The oldest and most common type of u-joint is called the
Cardan or Hooke type joint. It consists of two yokes, one on each shaft, connected by a
cross shaped intermediate member. These popular u-joints are frequently used in automotive
applications. Because the design incorporates several different piece parts, the moving
parts of this type of u-joint usually require lubrication; and as the joint wears, the
amount of backlash or free play within the joint itself grows. Even a lubricated Cardan
u-joint will require periodic maintenance, and may leak lubricant.
Performance wise, Cardan u-joints can transmit relatively
high torque with minimal radial loads. But, by design these u-joints are incapable of
compensating for parallel offset and axial misalignment. Cardan types also introduce
rotational inconsistencies into drive systems, a phenomenon known as "non-constant
velocity rotation."
The "HELI-CAL Flexure" is an advanced and unique
u-joint solution that generally exceeds the capabilities of common u-joint designs. A
Helical u-joint is really a flexure capable of over 5° of angular misalignment. It may
accommodate up to 90° of angular misalignment in certain circumstances. This type of
u-joint will also compensate for axial and parallel misalignment.
A frequent application of the Helical flexured u-joint is
the direct replacement for a 90° bevel gearbox. Gearboxes are expensive, and usually need
lubrication for their meshing gear surfaces and bearings. Replacement with a maintenance
free Helical flexured u-joint can save money, both on initial purchase price and on
maintenance costs. Flexured u-joints can be beneficial most anywhere—for example,
aerospace, appliances, electronics, control mechanisms and drives, medical and optical
devices, sewing machines, instrumentation, and textile machinery.
The performance capability of each HELI-CAL Flexure is
determined by six major characteristics: flexure outside diameter, inside diameter, coil
thickness, material, number of coils, and number of starts. By altering these
characteristics, torque capacity, angular and parallel misalignment capabilities,
torsional and lateral bending rates of flexured u-joints can be modified to suit specific
specifications and/or requirements.
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