Drive couplings and clutches are mechanical devices used to transmit power from one rotating shaft to another or to control the engagement and disengagement of power transmission between rotating components. They are commonly found in various machinery and equipment where there is a need for efficient power transfer and control.
Drive couplings are used to connect two shafts together, allowing them to rotate in unison while transmitting torque. They are designed to accommodate misalignment, reduce vibration, and provide flexibility to compensate for minor shaft misalignments. Drive couplings come in different types, such as gear couplings, flexible couplings, jaw couplings, and universal joints, each suited for specific applications and torque requirements.
On the other hand, clutches are mechanisms used to control the engagement and disengagement of power transmission between the driving and driven components. They enable the operator or automated system to start, stop, or modulate the rotational motion of machinery. Clutches typically consist of a friction plate or disc that can be pressed against or separated from another rotating component, such as a flywheel or transmission input shaft, to transmit or interrupt power flow.
