Universal joints, also known as U-joints, are mechanical components that transmit rotational motion between two shafts that are not aligned. Here are some common examples:
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Rear-Wheel Drive Cars: A primary example is in rear-wheel drive vehicles, connecting the transmission to the rear drive shaft. This allows power to be transferred to the wheels even as the axle moves up and down with the suspension.
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Old-Fashioned Tower Clocks: Universal joints are used in tower clocks to connect rotating shafts, particularly where changes in angle or alignment are needed.
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Steering Linkage: Universal joints can be found in steering systems to connect the steering wheel to the steering gear, especially in vehicles with complex steering geometries.
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Industrial Machinery: Various types of industrial equipment use universal joints to transmit power between shafts in machinery such as conveyors, rolling mills, and various types of driven equipment.
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Agricultural Equipment: Tractors and other farm equipment often utilize universal joints in their power take-off (PTO) shafts to connect implements to the tractor's engine.
These examples highlight the diverse applications of universal joints in transferring rotational motion across misaligned shafts.
