Which coupling type is designed to handle misalignment between connected shafts?

The coupling type designed to handle misalignment between connected shafts is a flexible coupling. Flexible couplings are specifically engineered to accommodate angular, parallel, and axial misalignment of shafts, making them ideal for applications where such misalignments may occur due to thermal expansion, load shifting, or other operational conditions.

In contrast, rigid couplings do not allow any misalignment between connected shafts, as they provide a solid and fixed connection, which is suitable for perfectly aligned shafts but not for situations where misalignment might happen. Jaw couplings and disc couplings also have their specific functions and uses, but they have limitations regarding the degree of misalignment they can effectively handle compared to flexible couplings. For example, while jaw couplings can provide some flexibility, they are primarily designed to transmit rotational motion rather than to accommodate significant misalignments. Thus, the versatility of flexible couplings in managing various types of misalignments makes them the preferred choice in many applications.