In the automotive industry, couplings and clutches are important components used to achieve power transmission between two or more components, but they have significant differences in their working principles and usage scenarios.

The main function of a coupling is to connect two or more shafts and rotate synchronously to transmit torque and motion. It is usually used to transfer the motion of power equipment such as electric motors and internal combustion engines to the working machine or other equipment to ensure the normal operation of the entire system. The coupling has high coaxiality and low friction resistance, ensuring the smoothness and efficiency of power transmission. Common types of couplings include rigid couplings (such as clamp type couplings) and elastic couplings (such as diaphragm couplings, bellows couplings, etc.).

On the contrary, the main function of a clutch is to achieve power disconnection between two or more components when needed, in order to avoid overload, protect mechanical equipment, or switch working modes under different working conditions. Clutches are commonly used in transmission systems to facilitate the engagement and disengagement of power transmission when needed. The main characteristic of a clutch is its adjustable friction torque, which can adjust the magnitude of power transmission according to actual needs. Common types of clutches include wet multi plate clutches, magnetic particle clutches, etc.

In general, the main difference between couplings and clutches is that couplings are mainly used to achieve synchronous rotation and torque transmission between two or more components, while clutches are mainly used to disconnect and adjust power when needed. In practical applications, it is very important to choose the appropriate coupling or clutch according to specific needs and scenarios.