Corner joints are used to connect two pieces of material at a right angle, with fixed joints being immovable and adjustable joints allowing for movement. Fixed joints provide strength and stability, while adjustable joints, such as universal and constant velocity joints, require more complexity and maintenance.
A corner joint is an umbrella term for a broad classification of connection methods in which one piece enters the joint in one specific direction and another piece exits in a different direction. There are two classifications of corner joints, fixed and adjustable. A fixed joint does not move from its initial position, while an adjustable angle joint has some degree of movement. Fixed joints are common in non-moving locations such as the inside of a wall or picture frame, while adjustable joints are often found in machinery such as engines or industrial tools.
Corner joints are pretty much everywhere there are people. Whether it’s two sticks tied together to make a tent or the inside of a remote control car, people use corner joints in many things. In a fixed structure, the joint is typically used to change the direction of the pressure applied to the object. When used in a machine, the joint typically allows energy to move in a non-linear path.
Fixed joints allow two elements to connect to each other without sacrificing strength. This allows the position of the joint to alter the forces exerted on it by changing its direction or creating lateral stability. For example, the corners of a house are made with fixed joints. These joints absorb the force exerted on the walls by the upper floors and direct it downward into the ground. If the walls were simply made up of free-standing, unjoined walls, the building would collapse under its own weight.
Adjustable joints are generally much more complicated than fixed joints. Since a fixed angle joint simply doesn’t have to break, they are usually quite simple. On the other hand, an adjustable angle joint must flex, rotate, and transfer energy without sacrificing strength. As a result, most adjustable joints are made entirely of metal. The two most common forms of adjustable angle joint are universal joints (U-joints) and constant velocity joints (CV).
The AU joint is made with two hinges that allow the joint to move freely at any angle greater than 90 degrees. Each shaft connected to the joint has a Y-shaped fork at the end. One fork is rotated 90 degrees relative to the other so that they form a closer shape with the ends of the fork. Between these forks is a simple connector that loosely attaches to the tip of each end, creating two swing hinges. The two-hinged design allows both shafts to rotate simultaneously, but at an angle independent of each other.
A CV angle joint is a modified ball joint and is typically used when the joint needs to transfer energy at an angle that never changes. The ball end on one shaft fits into the socket on the end of the other. The grooves on the ball and the inside of the socket contain a set of ball bearings which allow the ball to rotate and transfer energy. These couplings have a very high energy transfer potential, but require more maintenance than other adjustable couplings.
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