Integrated torque coupling and mount
US9395104B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/47
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The ends of the shafts can be connected with coupling devices in the form of an integrated coupling flange and mounting devices. The coupling flange can include a mounting surface that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Additionally, the coupling flange can include a coupling face that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to provide a mating face for an adjacent coupling flange to transmit torque from one shaft to another. The mounting flanges can be used to support devices such as solar energy collection devices including photovoltaic modules or other devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.