A lightweight universal joint uses a thin steel flexure plate to transmit torque and a steel rod to transmit thrust. Both the plate and rod are independently mounted and can act individually

Bamford, R. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

NASA TECH BRIEF S
ED.D
End Plate 
Thrust Roc 
Steel Flex' 
End Plate 
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?5',ItJfr'L ,ILL 
January 1964
	 Brief 63-10236 
This NASA Technical Brief is issued by the Office of Technology Utilization to acquaint 
industry with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Lightweight Universal Joint Transmits Both Torque and Thrust 
The problem: A lightweight universal joint that 
will transmit both torque and thrust, or a combination 
of these two forces. Conventional universal joints are 
comparatively heavy and are generally not designed 
to transmit thrust. 
The solution: A universal joint of unusual design 
which utilizes a thin steel flexure plate to transmit 
torque and a steel rod to transmit thrust.
How it's done: To meet the needs of spacecraft, this 
single element, elastic universal joint has been de-
signed to reduce weight and size without sacrificing 
strength or reliability. 
Two end pieces of the joint are bolted to a thin steel 
plate having a large opening at its center. Each of the 
end pieces is bolted to two diagonally-located corners 
of the square steel plate. Since the plate is flexible, 
this construction will provide normal universal joint 
action.
(continued, on next page) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorshi p of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rig hts; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damag es resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000029 2020-03-11T16:46:16+00:00Z
A novel feature of this innovation is the flexure rod 
connecting the two end pieces. The rod has thrust 
flanges near both ends and terminates in a threaded 
portion. Thus, it is tightly fixed to the end pieces and 
will transmit thrust or a combination of thrust and 
torque. 
Both the flexure plate and the thrust transmitting 
rod are independently mounted and are free to act 
individually. Maximum characteristics of the two 
members are available at all times.
Note: 
This universal joint was developed for the-mounting 
of small control rockets so that they can be tilted to 
give attitude and guidance control to a space vehicle. 
Patent Status: NASA encourages commercial use 
of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated. 
Source: Robert M. Bamford 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-375)
S 
Brief 63-10236


Lightweight universal joint transmits both torque and thrust

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