The name of Robert Hooke (1635-1703) pops up frequently in the late seventeenth century. This was a time when a small number of scientists led the whole world in new discoveries across various scientific fields, and of this distinguished group Hooke was one of the most accomplished.
The English polymath discovered the laws of physics that govern elasticity and now bear his name. He was the first person to use the word "cell" to describe the basic building blocks that made up living things. In addition, Hooke was also a top architect— even collaborating on projects with Sir Christopher Wren. But among all of his achievements it was his often overlooked invention of the universal joint that opened up whole new possibilities to the world of applied mechanics.
Like many inventions, the universal joint evolved as the solution to a problem that the inventor had encountered personally. Hooke was a serious astronomer and recognized that the best way to improve knowledge of the universe was by building better and more accurate equipment. But some of his projects, which involved turning small screws at angles to gears with teeth, were beyond the contemporary level of manufacturing.
In 1676, while working on a way to operate an adjusting arm for his helioscope, he created the first working model of a joint that allowed power to be transmitted from one rotating shaft to another. Critically, his joint allowed for the two shafts to be at angles to each other, and maintain the angle while rotating. This made it possible, for the first time, for a rotating shaft essentially to be able to go around corners, opening up a new world of possibilities for machine designs of all types.
