IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,230,725
Granted Patent B2
US 12,230,725 · App. 17/840,336 · Granted Feb 18, 2025

Horizontal balanced solar tracker

Inventor: Alexander W. Au (Oakland, CA)
Assignee: NEXTRACKER LLC
H01L31/052F24S25/10F24S25/70F24S30/425H02S20/32F24S2030/15Y02E10/47
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,230,725
App. No.
17/840,336
Granted
Feb 18, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

Claims (12)

1. A solar tracker apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a torque tube,

a slew gear drive device including a central region having a center of rotation,

a crank having a first end coupled to the central region of the slew gear drive device and a second end, opposite the first end, coupled to a first end of the torque tube, wherein a central axis of the torque tube is offset from the center of rotation of the slew gear drive device, and

a frame assembly coupled to the torque tube, the frame assembly coupled to a plurality of solar modules.

2. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the crank comprises a first flange, the first flange coupled to the central region of the slew gear drive device.

3. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the crank comprises a first member, the first member configured to receive the first end of the torque tube therein.

4. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 3 , wherein one or more bolts are inserted through one or more bolt openings defined in the first member to secure the first member to the first end of the torque tube.

5. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a first swage fitting couples the first member to the first end of the torque tube.

6. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a pier coupled to the slew gear drive device, the pier comprising a plurality of support structures coupled to a drive device support, and the drive device support having a first member coupled to the plurality of support structures.

7. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a drive mount coupled to a first pier.

8. The solar tracker apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising a second pier including a first pivot device coupled to a second end of the torque tube.

Assignments (4)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 12, 2026
From: NEXTRACKER LLC
To: NEXTPOWER LLC
Reel/Frame 074318/0708 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 15, 2022
From: AU, ALEXANDER W.
To: SOLARIA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 060521/0899 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 15, 2022
From: SOLARIA CORPORATION
To: NEXTRACKER INC.
Reel/Frame 060521/0980 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jul 15, 2022
From: NEXTRACKER INC.
To: NEXTRACKER LLC
Reel/Frame 060678/0016 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 17347393 · Jun 14, 2021
Continuation 15640322 · Jun 30, 2017
Continuation 14101273 · Dec 9, 2013
Provisional Application 61735537 · Dec 10, 2012
Related Publication 20220310859A1 · Sep 29, 2022
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