Solar tracker bushing assembly

Abstract

An improved bushing assembly for a solar tracker is provided. The bushing assembly includes a bushing that is seated within a ring-shaped bracket. The bushing includes an annular ridge that is disposed within an annular channel in the bracket. Alternatively, the bracket includes an annular ridge that is disposed within an annular channel in the bushing. In each configuration, the bushing is retained in position during installation of the bracket. The bushing defines an internal passage for a solar tracker crossbar and provides complete rotational freedom for the crossbar about its lengthwise axis and limited rotational freedom for the crossbar about the remaining orthogonal axes. Additional features including side skirts for minimizing the entry of debris between the bushing and the bracket, a resilient latch for securing bracket sections together, and vertical openings in the bracket sections to allow debris to escape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.