A coupling permanently connects driving and driven shafts, while a clutch can connect or disconnect them. A brake brings one rotating member to a stop while keeping the other member stationary. A clutch uses friction to connect a driving member like an engine flywheel to a driven member like a transmission input shaft, allowing transfer of power when engaged but allowing members to rotate independently when disengaged. A multi-plate clutch can transmit more torque than a single-plate clutch by using multiple alternating friction plates.