What device is made of rubber or rubber reinforced with fabric to allow for a change in angle between two shafts?

The correct response is that a flexible coupling is specifically designed to accommodate changes in angle between two shafts. These devices, made from rubber or rubber reinforced with fabric, feature a construction that enables them to absorb misalignment and reduce stress on connected components. This is crucial in applications where shafts may not be perfectly aligned due to variations in mounting or operational conditions.

By allowing a range of movement, flexible couplings help protect the drivetrain from potential damage caused by rigid connections that could lead to increased wear or failure. Their material composition also provides vibration dampening, which contributes to a smoother operation and extends the lifespan of the connected shafts.

In contrast, other options like an inflator module and spiral cable serve different functions, such as deploying airbags or connecting steering wheel controls respectively. A universal joint, while it also accommodates angular misalignment, primarily involves rotating shafts and is constructed differently, typically using a more rigid design that can tolerate a high level of torque but does not flex in the same way as a flexible coupling. Thus, the unique properties and applications of flexible couplings make them the appropriate choice for the described function.