US 12,305,714 B2
Torque tube coupler
Nathan Schuknecht, Golden, CO (US); Robert Jinks, Derby (GB); and Graeme Hoste, Albuquerque, NM (US)
Assigned to ARRAY TECH, INC., Alburquerque, NM (US)
Filed by ARRAY TECH, INC., Albuquerque, NM (US)
Filed on Aug. 12, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/801,094.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/519,397, filed on Aug. 14, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2025/0060008 A1, Feb. 20, 2025
Int. Cl. F16D 1/08 (2006.01); H02S 20/30 (2014.01); F24S 30/00 (2018.01)
CPC F16D 1/0847 (2013.01) [H02S 20/30 (2014.12); F24S 2030/15 (2018.05)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A torque tube coupler coupling assembly comprising:
a first torque tube segment that includes a first external surface, a first internal surface, and a first countersunk opening that extends through the first external and internal surfaces, wherein the first countersunk opening is formed such that at least a portion of the first internal surface that surrounds the first countersunk opening extends into a first interior space that is defined by the first internal surface;
a second torque tube segment that includes a second external surface, a second internal surface, and a second countersunk opening that extends through the second external and internal surfaces, wherein the second countersunk opening is formed such that at least a portion of the second internal surface that surrounds the second countersunk opening extends into a second interior space that is defined by the second internal surface;
a sleeve comprising:
an outer surface configured to physically engage with portions of the first and second internal surfaces of the first and second torque tube segments;
a first opening configured to be positioned proximate the first countersunk opening of the first torque tube segment; and
a second opening configured to be positioned proximate the second countersunk opening of the second torque tube segment, the first opening and the second opening being configured to receive fasteners via the first countersunk opening and the second countersunk opening to couple the first torque tube segment and the second torque tube segment to the sleeve.