Bearing and coupler-journal devices for panels
AssigneeSun and Steel Solar LLC
InventorRobert B. Dally
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.
Claims7
A journal-coupler system comprising:
- a first portion including a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion;
- a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion;
- an upper bearing portion;
- and
- a lower bearing portion removably coupled to the upper bearing portion;
- wherein the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine to form a bearing enclosure for the first portion and the second portion;
- wherein the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine as a bearing enclosure for the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion couple over a first torque tube and a second torque tube, and the journal-coupler system sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion;
- wherein the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion;
- wherein the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion are each made of a conductive material;
- wherein the first portion includes a first semi-circular exterior portion, the second portion includes a second semi-circular exterior portion, and the first semi-circular exterior portion and the second semi-circular exterior portion combine for enclosure by the bearing enclosure;
- and
- wherein the lower bearing portion comprises a pier insert portion including fastening slots, a first prong including a first latching portion, and a second prong including a second latching portion.
A system for solar panel tracking, the system comprising:
- a journal-coupler including:
- a first portion including a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion;
- a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion;
- a bearing enclosure including:
- an upper bearing portion;
- and
- a lower bearing portion removably coupled to the upper bearing portion;
- and
- a first torque tube and a second torque tube each configured for coupling with one or more solar panels;
- wherein the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine as a bearing enclosure for the journal-coupler and couple over the first torque tube and the second torque tube, and the journal-coupler and the bearing enclosure sustain a continuous electrical ground path between the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion;
- wherein the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion that receives a portion of the first torque tube and portion of the second torque tube;
- wherein the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion are each made of a conductive material;
- wherein the first portion includes a first semi-circular exterior portion, the second portion includes a second semi-circular exterior portion, and the first semi-circular exterior portion and the second semi-circular exterior portion combine for enclosure by the bearing enclosure;
- and
- wherein the lower bearing portion comprises a pier insert portion including fastening slots, a first prong including a first latching portion, and a second prong including a second latching portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.