Kantelkoppel

Kantelkoppel is a term used in mechanical engineering to describe a type of coupling that allows a limited tilt or angular deviation between two connected components while transmitting a primary force or motion. The design sits between rigid couplings and fully flexible joints, providing controlled angular compliance to accommodate misalignment, angular error, or dynamic movement in a system.

The concept combines a primary connection with a tilting element, which can be realized through various mechanisms such as hinges with bearings, ball-and-socket joints, or flexure-based joints. Some designs are passive, relying on preloaded or gravity-assisted alignment, while others incorporate actuators to adjust the tilt angle in operation. Typical tilt ranges are modest, but can be extended in specialized applications depending on bearing surfaces, materials, and load requirements. Lubrication, preload, and sealing are common considerations in maintaining performance and longevity.

Applications for kantelkoppel include robotic and automation systems where misalignment between shafts or modules would otherwise cause excessive bending moments, camera and instrument mounts that require tilt adjustment, and piping or hose assemblies that must accommodate thermal expansion or structural movement without compromising connection integrity. In practice, kantelkoppels are chosen as a compromise between rigidity and flexibility, balancing load capacity, stiffness, and the desired range of angular motion.

Compared with universal joints or rigid couplings, kantelkoppels offer localized angular compliance with potentially simpler maintenance, but may introduce backlash and increased complexity in design and control. They are not universally standardized, and specifications vary by manufacturer and application.