Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters
US10042030B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/47
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.