Final answer:
Safety couplings, also known as torque limiters, prevent overload by disengaging at a preset torque level to protect the machine's integrity and ensure safe operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Torque limiters or safety couplings are used as a safety device in machinery to prevent overload conditions. These devices are designed to slip or disengage at a preset torque level, thus protecting the system from potential damage due to excessive force. The mechanism of a torque limiter could involve a spring-loaded ball detent system, a magnetic mechanism, or a hydraulic or pneumatic system that disengages the coupling, interrupting torque transmission when the set safety torque value is exceeded. This helps to avoid accelerated rotation and maintain a state of equilibrium within the machine.
Torque limiters are critical components that ensure the safety and integrity of machinery used in manufacturing, automation, and heavy-duty applications. By acting as a mechanical 'fuse', they minimize the risk of catastrophic failure and expensive repairs.