Array Technologies has been granted a patent for a mounting assembly that facilitates the rotation of photovoltaic modules. The assembly includes an arced connecting member with multiple drive chains and an intermittent-motion drive system with a drive wheel and protrusions. A reinforcement member is also included to support the assembly at different stowing angles. GlobalData’s report on Array Technologies gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Array Technologies, Vehicle PV panel roofs was a key innovation area identified from patents. Array Technologies's grant share as of September 2023 was 42%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Mounting assembly for rotating photovoltaic module
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11711052B2) describes a mounting assembly designed to facilitate the rotation of a photovoltaic module. The assembly includes an arced connecting member with a first leg connected to one surface of a support structure and a second leg connected to the opposite surface. It also features three drive chains: a first drive chain along the bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain with a gap between them, and a third drive chain positioned in the gap between the first and second drive chains. The third drive chain includes notches along its length.
The mounting assembly also incorporates an intermittent-motion drive system, which includes a drive wheel with a nub extending from its lateral surface. The nub is designed to interface with the notches on the third drive chain. The drive wheel also has two protrusions, one on each base surface, which interface with the first and second drive chains. A reinforcement member is placed between the support structure and the intermittent-motion drive system, attaching to a reinforcement plate coupled to the arced connecting member. The length of the reinforcement plate corresponds to a range of stowing angles of the intermittent-motion drive system.
In addition, the patent mentions that the bottom surfaces of the first and second drive chains have a wave shape made up of concave arcs positioned adjacent to each other. The first and second protrusions on the drive wheel also have a curved shape that corresponds to this wave shape. The drive wheel can have two or more nubs protruding from its lateral surface.
Furthermore, the patent specifies that the first and second drive chains have a greater height than the third drive chain. The first drive chain consists of two layers, with the first layer extending the full length of the chain and the second layer extending less than the full length.
Overall, this patent describes a mounting assembly that enables the rotation of a photovoltaic module. The assembly incorporates an arced connecting member, drive chains, an intermittent-motion drive system, and a reinforcement member. The design allows for efficient and controlled movement of the photovoltaic module, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
