The universal joint has been fundamentally the same for the last century, until now. The new approach from CCTY Bearing uses a square ball and seven other components; a stark contrast to the more than 100 parts found in traditional U-joints.<p></p><p>The assembly is simplified by replacing many central components with one - a Square Ball. The Square Ball transmits torque from one yoke to another through its square features, while simultaneously providing the ability for both yokes to accommodate an angle utilising the round features. It's held in a central location of the cylindrically shaped yoke mouth with retaining pins.</p><p>A common misconception about the design is that rotational force is placed on the retaining pins. However, the retaining pins simply keep the Square Ball in place, they don't transfer torque.</p><p>The Square Ball Universal JointTM (SBUJ) comprises one Square Ball, two yokes, two retaining pins, two seal clamps, and one seal.</p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Design and advantages</span><br />'This innovative universal joint started its life as a solution for a long-time customer, a forklift company, which was experiencing repeated failures in steering linkages,' says Akshay Gautam, Application Engineer for CCTY. 'The space envelope was relatively limited to go up the size,' he adds.</p><p>Committed to increase customer value and continuously strive to exceed customer's expectations, CCTY's design and development team were at this challenge. The result is Square Ball Universal Joint with just eight parts in comparison with more than 100 parts that are typically found in universal joints. The design functions much like a spherical plain bearing; the advantage being spherical plain bearings have a large load zone and the contact area is spread out over a large surface.</p><p>This design element allows force per sq m (torque) to remain low on the component in comparison with the needle bearings that are typically found in a universal joint. The load zone is basically the line contact in case of prevalent needle bearing based universal joint. The Square Ball U-joint spreads that out and can handle the loads quite efficiently.</p><p>With larger load zone, boot-sealed design and low starting and operational torque resistance, CCTY's patented Square Ball Universal Joint stopped the failures of customer's steering systems.</p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Application</span><br />Current testing has been conducted for steering assemblies. Testing for other applications is under review.</p><p>Initial test results for SBUJ 263840 had a maximum rotational torque capacity of 340 N-m. The recommended maximum intermittent operating torque is 150 N-m. The maximum tension load at 0o equals 6,000 N.</p><p>SBUJ 263840:<br />26 mm = Square Ball OD<br />38 mm = Yoke OD<br />40o = Maximum operating angle (beak angle)<br /> To see the Square Ball U-Joint in motion, visit CCTYBearing.com/SBUJ. <br />For further information contact:<br />CCTY Bearing India Pvt. Ltd. <br />Vadodara, Gujarat 390023<br />Mob: +91 98230 17144 / 99906 48899<br />Email: info.in@cctybearing.com</p>