Torque limiting mechanism for solar tracking systems
US11988260B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2023 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02S20/32
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Torque limiters prevent the transmission of excessive torque between moving components of one or more gears in a tracker drive assembly. When an amount of torque between these moving components exceeds a threshold, the torque limiter may slip, thus allowing the components to move relative to each other. Embodiments disclosed herein may include a drive motor configured to rotate a drive shaft, at least one gear configured to translate rotation of the drive shaft into rotation of a PV module mounting structure, and a torque limiter interposed between an interior surface of a first component of the at least one gear and an exterior surface of a second component of the at least one gear to allow the first component to slip relative to the second component when an amount of torque between the first and second components exceeds a threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.