US 12,237,804 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 Mar. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/698,319.
Application 17/698,319 is a continuation of application No. 15/933,717, filed on Mar. 23, 2018, granted, now 11,283,395.
Prior Publication US 2022/0209711 A1, Jun. 30, 2022
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)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A solar tracking system, comprising:
a support structure including a pair of parallel beams each extending along a longitudinal axis of the solar tracking system and a pair of transverse beams substantially perpendicular to and affixed to the pair of parallel beams, the support structure being configured to support a solar array;
a base disposed adjacent the pair of transverse beams and configured to rotatably support the support structure; and
an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base, the articulation system comprising:
a gearbox coupled to a portion of each transverse beam of the pair of transverse beams between the pair of transverse beams;
an actuator having a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion of the actuator is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion of the actuator is coupled to the gearbox; and
a drive shaft operably connected to the gearbox, the drive shaft intersecting the pair of transverse beams, wherein rotation of the drive shaft extends and retracts the actuator to cause the gearbox to rotate about the drive shaft and relative to the pair of transverse beams.