Solar module couplings for solar tracker
A coupling for use with a solar tracker includes an elongate body defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface defining a pair of protuberances disposed in spaced relation along a length of the elongate body and defining a gap therebetween, each of the pair of protuberances including a tab disposed thereon adjacent the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protuberances abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protuberances includes a bore defined therethrough that is configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to a torque tube.
1 . A coupling for use with a solar tracker, comprising:
an elongate body defining
opposed upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protuberances disposed in spaced relation along a length of the elongate body and defining a gap therebetween, each of the pair of protuberances including a tab disposed thereon adjacent the gap,
wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protuberances abut a portion of the torque tube,
wherein each tab of the pair of protuberances includes a bore defined therethrough that is configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to a torque tube,
wherein a through-hole is defined through the upper surface of the elongate body and extends through the inner surface of the gap, the through-hole configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to the torque tube.
2 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of through-holes is defined through the upper surface of the elongate body and extending through the inner surface of the gap, each of the plurality of through-holes configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to the torque tube.
3 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
4 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein the gap defines a circular profile.
5 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein the gap defines a square profile.
6 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the elongate body defines a cavity, the cavity conforming to a profile of the lower surface, the pair of protuberances, and the inner surface of the gap.
7 . The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate body defines a first planar portion adjacent a first end portion and a second planar portion adjacent a second, opposite end portion.
8 . The coupling according to claim 7 , wherein the elongate body defines a recessed portion interposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion.
9 . A kit, comprising:
a plurality of fasteners; and
a coupling for use with a solar tracker, the coupling including:
an elongate body defining opposed upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protuberances disposed in spaced relation along a length of the elongate body and defining a gap therebetween, each of the pair of protuberances including a tab disposed thereon adjacent the gap,
wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protuberances abut a portion of the torque tube,
wherein each tab of the pair of protuberances includes a bore defined therethrough that is configured to receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners to couple the elongate body to a torque tube,
wherein a through-hole is defined through the upper surface of the elongate body and extends through the inner surface of the gap, the through-hole configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to the torque tube.
10 . The kit according to claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of fasteners is a rivet.
11 . The kit according to claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of fasteners is a self-tapping screw.
12 . The kit according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of fasteners includes a plurality of rivets and a plurality of self-tapping screws.
13 . The kit according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of fasteners includes a plurality of rivets, a plurality of self-tapping screws, and a plurality of bolts.