There are many types of flexible couplings available on the market. Each has its own features and benefits, but all are required to perform a few primary functions: connect two shafts, transmit rotary power and compensate for some shaft misalignment. Elastic couplings are integrally formed metal elastomers, usually cut from metal round rods. Commonly used materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and engineering plastics, which are suitable for various deviations and precise torque transmission.

The flexible plum blossom coupling is composed of two semi-couplings with convex claws and a plum-shaped flexible non-metallic element whose hardness can be adjusted. By embedding the plum-shaped flexible element into the two semi-couplings to realize the connection, it has the characteristics of compensating the relative displacement of the two axes, reducing vibration and buffering, simple structure and easy maintenance without lubrication.

The flexible plum blossom coupling is a material flexing coupling that transmits torque thru compression of an elastomeric spider insert placed between two intermeshing jaws.