US 11411529

US patent 11411529, titled "Self-powered solar tracker apparatus," was filed on June 9, 2021, and issued on August 9, 2022. The original assignee was Nextracker LLC, and the current assignee is Nextpower LLC, as of January 12, 2026. The inventors are Yang Liu and Alexander W. Au. The patent status is active, and there is associated litigation, as indicated by a link to a global patent litigation dataset.

Abstract:
The patent describes a solar tracker apparatus featuring an adjustable hanger assembly with a clam shell hanger assembly designed to hold a torque tube composed of multiple sections. A key aspect is the alignment of the apparatus's center of mass with the torque tube's center of rotation, which serves to reduce the load on the drive mechanism. Solar modules are attached to these torque tubes. The tracker incorporates a self-sufficient energy system that includes a solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller, enabling the tracker to operate without the need for external power lines.

Plain-language overview of inferred independent claims:
(Note: The following independent claims are inferred from the descriptive language in the patent's summary and detailed description sections, as the explicit "Claims" section was not provided. Each description represents a distinct embodiment or apparatus presented as a primary inventive concept.)

1. Self-Powered Tracker Apparatus with Center of Mass Alignment: This claim describes a solar tracker that is self-powered. It includes an adjustable hanger assembly with a clam shell clamp to hold a continuous torque tube (made of multiple sections). The design ensures the apparatus's center of mass aligns with the torque tube's rotation center, reducing the load on its motor. Solar modules are attached to these torque tubes, and the motor is controlled by a drive. A crucial element is an integrated energy system, featuring a solar panel (under 300 Watts), a DC-to-DC converter, a battery, a boost converter, and a capacitor to stabilize motor voltage. A micro-controller manages power and monitors various system parameters. This energy system enables the tracker to operate on less than 15 Watt-hours per day, eliminating the need for external power lines.

2. Pier-Supported Tracker Apparatus with Offset Drive and Notched Torque Tube: This claim focuses on a solar tracker apparatus for solar modules supported by multiple piers. It includes a first pier with a hanger assembly and a second pier with a drive assembly. The drive assembly's mount can compensate for construction inaccuracies in three dimensions and connects to a drive device. This drive device incorporates an offset clamp linked to a cylindrical bearing and a clamp housing member. A cylindrical torque tube is positioned across the piers, featuring multiple notches along its length. Clamps are fitted around the torque tube, mating with the notches to prevent movement, and these clamps also provide support for the solar modules.

3. Alternative Tracker Apparatus with Offset Crank and Continuous Torque Tube: This alternative solar tracker apparatus includes a drive device and a crank connected to it in an offset manner. This crank is further connected to a frame assembly that holds a plurality of solar modules. The system utilizes a continuous torque tube. Specifically, the crank consists of a first crank on one side of the drive device and a second crank on the other. A first torque tube is connected to the first crank, and a second torque tube is connected to the second crank, both using swage fittings. The apparatus also includes a second pier connected to the drive device, with a drive mount on the second pier.

4. Solar Tracker Apparatus with Upright Spherical Bearing Hanger: This claim describes a solar tracker apparatus featuring a clamp housing member oriented vertically (upright). This housing has a lower section connected to a pier and an upper section containing a spherical bearing device. A clam shell clamp housing member is attached to this spherical bearing. A torque tube is also coupled to the spherical bearing, effectively suspending it from the upper part of the clamp housing. The torque tube is positioned such that its center is offset from the rotation center. The apparatus is designed for assembly without welding, using swage devices for torque tube connections, which are described as low-cost and strong. It includes an elastomeric damper to prevent harmonic vibrations in the solar panels and a locking damper to secure panels during high winds. A protected, underground inserter box houses the controller, and a drive device linearly actuates the torque tube via an electrical connection. The spherical bearing is highlighted for its ability to accommodate construction tolerances, facilitate tracker movement, and serve as an electrical grounding path.

5. Tracker Apparatus with Multiple Weld-Free Torque Tubes: This claim describes a tracker apparatus that utilizes a continuous torque tube system constructed from a plurality of individual cylindrical torque tubes (three or more). A key feature is that each pair of these torque tubes is connected without any welds, instead being swage-fitted together. Each individual torque tube is greater than 80 meters in length and includes multiple notches along its body. The apparatus also incorporates U-bolt devices, each coupled to a respective notch. All torque tubes are made of steel.

6. Tracker Apparatus with Multi-Directional Clamp Holding Member: This claim details a tracker apparatus that includes a pier member with a lower and an upper region. A clamp holding member is attached to the upper region of the pier. This clamp holding member is designed to be highly adjustable, capable of moving in at least six distinct directions: forward, backward, left, right, up, and down, and their respective opposite directions.

7. Solar Tracker Apparatus with Suspended Clam Shell and Twist-Free Drive: This claim describes a solar tracker apparatus with an upright clamp housing member that has a lower region connected to a pier and an upper region with a spherical bearing device. A clam shell clamp housing member is coupled to and suspended from this spherical bearing (which could also be cylindrical or fixed). A torque tube has its first end coupled to the spherical bearing, thereby supporting it from the upper region of the clamp housing member. The torque tube is positioned in an offset manner from its center of rotation. A drive device is connected to the second end of the torque tube, and this drive device, along with the torque tube, is configured to resist twisting when under various loads, such as rotation or wind.