Which component helps in absorbing the shock when starting a heavily loaded drive?

A centrifugal coupling is designed to engage and disengage components based on the speed of the driving element. When starting a heavily loaded drive, the centrifugal coupling helps to absorb shock by allowing the driven component to gradually engage as the speed increases. This gradual engagement reduces the initial torque spike that can occur when a heavy load is subjected to sudden movement, which is critical for protecting the equipment and extending the life of the drive system.

In contrast, while the other options serve different functions in machinery and motor control, they do not specifically focus on shock absorption during the start-up of heavily loaded drives. A centrifugal clutch may allow for slipping under excessive load but is not primarily designed for shock absorption in the same manner as a centrifugal coupling. Variable speed motors adjust speed but do not absorb the shock of initial load engagement. Torque limiters provide protection against excessive torque but do not offer a means to gradually engage the load during startup.