WHY ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUPLINGS NEEDED?

Couplings are devices that are used to connect two shafts together at the same time enabling transmission of power from first shaft to the other. The sole objective of coupling is to transmit torque between two shafts that may either be connected in the same line or slightly misaligned. Usually couplings are designed not to allow any disconnection of shaft while in use, yet in the modern world we have few torque limiting couplings available which can disconnect if the set torque limit is surpassed. Couplings are widely utilized in automobiles, where the drive shaft typically connects the engine along with the rear axle. There are various types of couplings available depending on the area of application; the broad categories can be identified as below:

• Rigid Couplings
• Flexible Couplings

Rigid couplings are used where accurate alignment is required along with the firm hold between the two shafts. Also, it aids in reducing the wear and shock at the joining point of the shafts. Sleeve coupling and Flange coupling are two widely used examples of rigid couplings.

Flexible couplings are majorly used where alignment between the two shafts is not assured and probability of occurring shocks during transmission is high. They help you to protect both the shafts from damaging due to certain degree of misalignment within them. These are specifically constructed with an elastic member in between the two elements which helps to sustain some degree of misalignment. There is a lot of range available for flexible couplings and below are few examples:

• Flange type bush pin coupling
• Beam coupling
• Constant velocity (CV) couplings
• Hooke's coupling
• Universal joint