Universal Joint

The universal joint is used to transmit rotation through shafts that are slightly misaligned. Due to these misalignments, a correction is needed or else the rotation becomes jerky and unreliable due to angular velocity that is not constant. [3]

The concept for a universal joint was invented by the Greeks around 300 B.C., and an Italian physicist named Geronimo Cardano invented the modern form of the joint to hold a compass horizontal in ships. Robert Hooke improved this design later, but it wasn’t until Henry Ford started using this mechanism in automobiles to get the name Universal Joint.

These joints are now used in many machines but are most notably found between the transmission and rear drive shafts of rear-wheel drive cars.