Machine Design And Shop Practice (MDSP) Inhouse Practice Exam

Which mechanism is typically used to connect two shafts with misalignment, known as Oldham's coupling?

Oldham's coupling Whitworth quick return mechanism Elliptic trammel Pantograph mechanism

Correct Answer:

Oldham's coupling

Explanation:

Oldham coupling is built to take up misalignment between two shafts while still transmitting torque. It does this with three parts: two outer hubs fixed to each shaft and a middle sliding plate that fits between them. Pins on the outer hubs engage slots in the middle plate, so as the shafts aren’t perfectly aligned, the middle plate can slide laterally to keep the pins engaged. This pin–slot arrangement allows the shafts to run true without bending, accommodating parallel offset and small angular misalignment while a rigid torque transfer is maintained. The other mechanisms listed are not used to join misaligned shafts; they serve different purposes in motion generation, drawing, or copying tasks.

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