Couplings are used to connect two shafts together to transmit power. There are two main types: rigid couplings, which are used for aligned shafts requiring accurate torque transmission, and flexible couplings, which permit some misalignment between shafts. Rigid couplings include setscrew, flanged, and clamp couplings. Flexible couplings include universal joints, cardan joints, Oldham couplings, gear and spline couplings, and helical couplings. Universal joints are commonly used in car drive shafts and steering columns to allow shafts to be at an angle relative to each other.

1. Shaft Couplings

2. Coupling
• A coupling is a device used to connect two
shafts together at their ends for the purpose
of transmitting power.

3. Types of Couplings
Couplings
Rigid Flexible

4. Rigid Couplings
• Rigid coupling is used for aligned shafts, or
when accuracy of torque transmission is of
prime importance.
• Mostly used for low rotational speed shafts.
• Following are some types of rigid couplings;
1. Setscrew Couplings
2. Flanged
3. Clamp Couplings

5. Setscrew Couplings
• Set screw couplings use a hard set screw that
digs into the shaft to transmit both torque and
axial loads.

6. Flanged Coupling

7. Clamp Couplings
• It uses one or two piece split couplings that
clamp around both shafts and transmit power
through friction.

8. Flexible Couplings
• Flexible couplings permit some axial, radial or
angular misalignment
• Following are some types of rigid couplings;
1. Cardan Joint
2. Oldham couplings
3. Gear and Splines couplings
4. Helical and bellows couplings
5. Universal joints

9. Universal Joints
•Universal joints are a type of flexible
coupling that utilized a yoke and cross
to connect two shafts and allow shafts to
be at an angle relative to each other.
•Common application of Universal joints
include car drive shafts, steering
columns.

10. Cardan Joint
Cardan joints are a type of flexible
coupling that connects two shafts using
two pivots and a connecting rod.
Couplings are often used for steering
column and ratchet extensions

11. OLDHAM COUPLING
An Oldham coupling has three discs, one coupled to
the input, one coupled to the output, and a middle
disc that is joined to the first two by tongue and
groove.

12. Gear and Spline Couplings
• Can absorb small angular and parallel
misalignment
• High torque capacity

13. Helical Couplings