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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints

The Lecture Contains:

Joining

Ball & Socket Joints

Universal Joints

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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints
Joining is fascinating paradigm, which is separate from attaching. Characteristic of Joining is to join
two bodies firmly together. Attaching does not indicate its intension of putting something together firmly.
Because attaching two members could be with the help of tape, glue, thread, etc which are temporary in
nature. One can attach a piece of paper on the wall with the help of glue-stick or tape, which are
temporary. Similarly a magnet can attach a piece of note-pad on refrigerator which is obviously
temporary. Therefore, joining paradigm indicates more permanency.

Join could express different aspects of material or social. Joining socially and professionally indicates
similar thinking and likeness whereas, material joining is to secure and give a sense of safety.

“1. To put or bring together so as to make continuous or form a unit: join two boards with nails; joined
hands in a circle.
2. To put or bring into close association or relationship: two families that were joined by marriage; join
forces.
3. To connect (points), as with a straight line.
4. To meet and merge with: where the creek joins the river.”
(Ref. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/joining ; Sept. 13, 2012)

Hence, from design point of view join indicates two separate parts are put together firmly so that they do
not fall apart. Permanent joining indicates safety. Following are some of the examples of joining
because of social cause or behavioural-

Plate 1A Join- 1B
1C Dahi-Handi 1D Arab Nations
hands (Social) Togetherness (Humanitarian)
(Janmashthami ) (Political)

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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints
(Source: http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=Joining&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.
&biw=1332&bih=581&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=GoF
RUMLDL4fnrAfq-4D4CA ; Sept. 13, 2012)

The above depicts the characteristics of temporary joining. Socially we are joined by symbolic gesture
of hands joining together (plate 1A). Social joining could be political (plate 1D), friendship, group, faith,
humanitarian reasons (plate 1B), philosophical or religious community activities (plate 1C), etc. These
joining are based on believes and similar sentimental attachment. The power of joining-together is the
catalyst and the backbone of community living.

Joining

2C Cutlery
Plate 2A Loops 2B Joining Two Runner 2D Knob Joining
Joining

(Source:http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=Furniture+Joining&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&
biw=1332&bih=581&um=1&ie=UTF8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=EepRUPeeLsvLrQ
fcr4HICA ; Sept. 13, 2012)

Joining of thread loops (plate 2A) physically puts together two sides to create one unit. Because of the
similarity in material (thread) it creates a unity. On the otherhand two plastic runners are joined together
(plate 2B) with the help of a metal hook for better permanency. Three cutlery pieces (plate 2C) are
joined together through a common vertex. The drawer knobs (plate 2D) are fixed on the surface with the
joint for permanency.

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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints

Plate 3A Power Jointing 3B Jointing Power Cable 3C Adhesive Tape 3D Plug & Sockets

(Source:http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=Electrical+Joining&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&
biw=1332&bih=581&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=eexRUKG7AsWIrA
eDzYH4Cg#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=exRUP3uD8KmrAfYkYD4DQ&ved=0CEYQvwUoAQ&
q=Electrical+Jointing&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=ece5091a59fe166d&biw=1332&bih=
581 ; Sept. 13, 2012)

Electrical Jointing (plate 3A) is common for the supply of electricity. Power cables are jointed (plate 3B)
for the protection on hostile weather conditions. All weather adhesive tapes (plate 3C) are used for
joining wires. Wall sockets (plate 3D) provide mechanism to jointing two leads.

Ball & Socket Joints

4C Snake’s
Plate 4A Ball & Socket 4B Hip Joint 4D Ant’s Head Movement
Vertebra

Ball and Socket (plate 4A) is a useful joint that is naturally built in animal anatomy. Hip Joint (plate 4B)
is an example of ball and socket joint that allows us to move in multiple directions. Shoulder joint is
based on ball and socket that allows us to move our hand in rotational directions. Snake’s vertebra
(plate 4C) is built with ball and socket joints that provide much flexible movements. Similarly ant’s head
(plate 4D) can turn in various directions because of ball and socket joints. Hence, ball and socket
jointing mechanism provides flexibility for movements. The same principle is applied to many product
designs where they require larger oscillation.

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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints

Plate 5A
Early 5B Rotating Stand 5C Rotating Lamp 5C Telescope 5D Easel
Camera

(Source:http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=Electrical+Joining&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&
biw=1332&bih=581&um=1&ie=UTF8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=eexRUKG7AsWIrA
eDzYH4Cg#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=Ball+%26+Socket+in+product+design&oq=Ball+
%26+Socket+in+product+design&gs_l=img.12...93.17337.6.19612.34.29.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0..
.1c.1.Jjoc44lGQJY&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=f2c1576dd1fa901f&biw=1332&bih=
581 ; Sept. 13, 2012)

Ball and Socket principle has inspired designers to create varieties of products that would have greater
movement while remains stationery at one point. The oscillation of a part provides greater comfort. The
early camera tripod (plate 5A) had difficulty in oscillation because of the rigid camera mounting on the
stand. Photographer had to relocate or change position along with the stand. Later period the tripod
design (plate 5B) changed drastically due to the ball and socket mechanism which gave freedom of
panning the camera. Wall-mounted lamps (plate 5C) with ball and socket joint helps to adjust the light
source according to the position of the sofa, chair or any seating place. Telescope (plate 5C) is
mounted on the base with the help of ball and socket linkage (joints) which would allow it to oscillate in
various degrees. Artists require the easel (plate 5D) mounted on a base that could be changed to other
positions as well. Therefore, the application of ball and socket joints helps to provide flexibility and
comfort for better output.

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Module 8 : Joining
Lecture 27 : Joining, Ball & Socket Joints, Universal Joints
Universal Joints

Ball and Socket joints provide great deal of flexibility, however when it requires to apply force to
transferring torque it cannot achieve maximum output. For example lifting/ turning of something a rigid
rod that allows the rod to 'bend' in any direction, and is commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary
motion. It requires a rigid member (rod) connecting to a shaft so that the force is converted to rotate.
Basically when one moves the other has to remain rigid so that the torque can translate the rotational
movement. It has wide range of applications.

6A Hooke’s Joint 6B Universal Joint link 6C Car Axel 6D Car Jack

(Source: http://www.google.co.in/search?um=1&hl=en&q=Universal+Joints&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.
r_qf.
&biw=1332&bih=581&ie=UTF8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=NsJSUOw6yKusB9ekgZgD#
um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=Universal+Joints+in+automobile&oq=Universal+Joints+in+automobile
&gs_l=img.12...97434.103191.0.105034.14.13.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1c.1.TfF7lV-YLuY&pbx=1&bav=on
.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=a6e072f013c9232b&biw=1332&bih=581 ; Sept. 14, 2012)
(Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_joint ; Sept. 14, 2012)

The Hooke’s joint (plate 6A) or coupling is connected to two members A&B. ‘A’ is a static rod that
rotates the ‘B’ rod. The rotation of the ‘A’ rod allows the rod to 'bend' in any direction and is commonly
used in shafts that transmit ‘rotary motion’. Therefore universal joint (plate 6B) has two parts one rigid
and the other one rotary. Automobile axel (plate 6C) applies universal joint to generate rotary motion
with the help of universal joints. Automobile jack (plate 6D) has similar application that requires vertical
movement for lifting the car above the ground.

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