Title: A new approach to the kinematical analysis of universal joints

Authors: Gultekin Karadere, Osman Kopmaz, Emin Gullu

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey. ' Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey. ' Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey

Abstract: In this paper, universal joint is treated from the viewpoint of the theory of mechanisms, and firstly, its degree of freedom as a spherical mechanism is calculated and discussed. Then, two different systems which are used to transmit rotational motions, are kinematically analysed. The first of these systems consists of two shafts connected via a universal joint, while the other comprises of three shafts and two universal joints connecting them. For both systems, the relationships between rotation angles of shafts are derivated by applying the rigidity condition on the cross arms.

Keywords: universal joints; kinematic analysis; degrees of freedom; shaft rotation angles; rigidity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2010.035806

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2010 Vol.39 No.3/4, pp.317-329

Published online: 05 Oct 2010 *

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