Rotational coupling with overload protection

A rotational coupling assembly for transmitting torque between an engine flywheel and a clutch, comprising:

• a torsionally compliant component including first and second rotary torque transmitting members rotatable relative to one another throughout a first angular distance and a compliant member that provides a resilient driving connection between the first and second rotary torque transmitting members within the first angular distance, the first rotary torque transmitting member including a first disc plate secured to the engine flywheel, the second rotary torque transmitting member including a clutch input shaft connected hub having at least one second disc plate, and the compliant member including one of a resilient polymeric coupler and a plurality of springs;
• and
• a torque overload protection component including a rotary torque transmitting plate secured for rotation with the engine flywheel and rotatable relative to the second rotary torque transmitting member throughout a second angular distance that is less than or substantially equal to the first angular distance, the overload protection component including a rotation limiting connector adapted to selectively establish a driving connection between the overload protection component and the second rotary torque transmitting member to limit the amount of torque transmitted through the torsionally compliant component.