Multidimensional shaft alignment system - uses yokes connected to shaft ends with test connection between shafts made via universal joints

摘要

An apparatus is used for statically aligning a first shaft with a second shaft prior to their being connected. One shaft is a reference shaft to which the other shaft is aligned, the apparatus comprising two universal joints having a connection between them. One joint is removably mounted to one of the shafts. Each joint has a sensing device to provide a signal to an axial reference system indicating angular orientation of the two yokes that comprise each joint. The sensing device ascertains axial and/or radial misalignment of the two shafts. Adjusting the position of the second shaft varies the output of the sensing device on each joint. Alignment of the two shafts is indicated by the axial reference when the two yokes of each joint are shown to be properly oriented with respect to each other.