Articulation joints for terrain following solar tracker

A coupling system for use with a solar tracker, comprising:

• an articulation joint, the articulation joint including a constant velocity joint and a stub axle operably coupled to a portion of the constant velocity joint;
• and
• a pair of cradles, each cradle of the pair of cradles operably coupled to a portion of a respective one of the constant velocity joint and the stub axle of the articulation joint, a first cradle of the pair of cradles is rotatable relative to a second cradle of the pair of cradles about a transverse axis, the transverse axis offset from a center portion defined between the pair of cradles in a longitudinal direction,
• wherein each of the pair of cradles is configured to receive a portion of a respective torque tube therein.

A solar tracker, comprising:

• at least one pier;
• a pair of torque tubes, wherein the at least one pier is interposed between the pair of torque tubes;
• and
• a coupling system, the coupling system including:
• a support flange;
• a swivel flange rotatably supported on the support flange at a location that is offset from a center portion of the support flange;
• an articulation joint, the articulation joint interposed between each of the support flange and the swivel flange and rotatably supported by each of the support flange and the swivel flange, wherein opposed first and second end portions of the articulation joint are configured to be operably coupled to a respective first and second torque tube;
• and
• at least one locking fastener, the at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to a portion of the support flange and a portion of the swivel flange, the at least one locking fastener configured to selectively inhibit rotation of the swivel flange relative to the support flange.