US 12,218,626 B2
Multiple actuator system for solar tracker
David E. Kresse, Walnut Creek, CA (US); and Samuel Heller, San Carlos, CA (US)
Assigned to NEXTRACKER LLC, Fremont, CA (US)
Filed by Nextracker LLC, Fremont, CA (US)
Filed on May 11, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/196,301.
Application 18/196,301 is a continuation of application No. 17/510,047, filed on Oct. 25, 2021, granted, now 11,711,051.
Application 17/510,047 is a continuation of application No. 16/124,773, filed on Sep. 7, 2018, granted, now 11,159,120, issued on Oct. 26, 2021.
Application 16/124,773 is a continuation of application No. 15/933,717, filed on Mar. 23, 2018, granted, now 11,283,395, issued on Mar. 22, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0283226 A1, Sep. 7, 2023
Int. Cl. H02S 20/32 (2014.01); F16H 37/04 (2006.01); F16H 48/08 (2006.01); F16H 57/038 (2012.01); H02S 20/10 (2014.01)
CPC H02S 20/32 (2014.12) [F16H 37/04 (2013.01); F16H 48/08 (2013.01); F16H 57/038 (2013.01); H02S 20/10 (2014.12); F16H 2037/049 (2013.01); F16H 2048/082 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of articulating a solar tracking system, comprising:
identifying a position of the sun relative to a solar array disposed on a support structure, the support structure rotatably supported by a plurality of bases; and
changing a length of a plurality of actuators associated with the plurality of bases to rotate the solar array relative to the plurality of bases, wherein rotation of the solar array corrects the orientation of the solar array relative to the sun,
wherein changing the length of the plurality of actuators includes causing a plurality of motors coupled to a respective plurality of gearboxes associated with the plurality of actuators to rotate, wherein rotation of the plurality of motors causes each respective gearbox to change the length of each respective actuator of the plurality of actuators,
wherein accommodating thermal expansion of the plurality of driveshafts comprises permitting a yoke associated with the gearbox to rotate in a direction along an axis defined by the plurality of driveshafts, and
wherein accommodating thermal expansion of the plurality of drive shafts includes the gearbox including an input shaft and an idler shaft, an outer surface of the idler shaft defining a transverse bore configured to receive a portion of the input shaft therethrough such that the yoke and idler shaft may rotate relative to the input shaft in the direction along the axis defined by the plurality of driveshafts.