cardan-joint

A mechanic installs a cardan-joint in a vehicle's drive shaft.

Definition

1. Noun (technical):
   • A cardan-joint (also spelled cardan joint) is a mechanical device that allows the transmission of rotary motion between two shafts whose axes are not aligned, typically at an angle. It consists of a cross-shaped piece (the "spider") that connects two yokes, enabling flexibility in drive systems.

Usage Examples

• (A flexible coupling for power transfer at varying angles.)
• (A component that accommodates misalignment in rotating shafts.)

Advanced Usage

• "cardan-joint angle": the maximum angle at which the joint can operate efficiently without excessive wear.

  • The cardan-joint angle must not exceed 45 degrees to avoid binding. (The permissible tilt between shafts.)

• "double cardan-joint": a combination of two cardan joints used to eliminate speed fluctuations in a single joint.

  • A double cardan-joint is often used in front-wheel-drive vehicles for smoother operation. (A compound joint for constant velocity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cardan shaft (n): a shaft that incorporates one or more cardan joints.

  • The cardan shaft transmits power from the engine to the differential. (A rotating shaft with flexible couplings.)

• Universal joint (n): a common synonym for cardan-joint, used interchangeably in engineering.

  • Mechanics often call a cardan-joint a universal joint. (Another term for the same device.)

Synonyms

• Universal joint: a mechanical coupling that allows rotation at an angle.
• Hooke's joint: a historical name for the cardan-joint, after Robert Hooke.
• U-joint: a shortened form of universal joint.

Related Idioms