Provided herein are systems and methods for solar panel array actuation control. The system can comprise at least one network controller and one or more solar panel array motion controllers, each solar panel array motion controller being provided to a respective one of one or more solar panel arrays and is in wireless communication with the network controller. Each one of the one or more solar panel arrays can be configured to rotate by an actuation of an actuator under a control of the solar panel array motion controller, based at least on an instruction received by the solar panel array motion controller from the network controller.
Systems and methods for positioning a pay load are provided including at least one slew drive configured to rotatably secure to a. payload, the at least one slew drive including a first worm gear, a second worm gear, and a worm wheel engaged with the first and second worm gears, a first gearmotor configured to rotate the first worm gear, a second gearmotor configured to rotate the second worm gear, and a controller configured to bias at least one of the first gearmotor and the second gearmotor relative to the worm wheel
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
Disclosed herein are novel slew drive components and systems. In some cases, a slew drive system can comprise a sensor configured to measure deformation in a deformation element of a sensor carrier component, which can result from axial displacement of a worm gear of the slew drive system. In some cases, measured deformation of a deformation element can be used to determine torque applied to a worm gear by a slew drive worm wheel, as described herein.
Disclosed herein are novel slew drive components and systems. In some cases, a slew drive system can comprise a sensor configured to measure deformation in a deformation element of a sensor carrier component, which can result from axial displacement of a worm gear of the slew drive system. In some cases, measured deformation of a deformation element can be used to determine torque applied to a worm gear by a slew drive worm wheel, as described herein.
F16H 57/01 - Monitoring wear or stress of gearing elements, e.g. for triggering maintenance
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluidsMeasuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 5/00 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
5.
INTEGRATED SLEW DRIVES FOR ACTUATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND OTHERS
Slew drive systems for rotational and axial load bearing, e.g., in applications including satellite-based telecommunications systems, are disclosed herein. In some cases, slew drive systems disclosed herein can improve efficiency, accuracy, and/or reliability of telecommunication systems while reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture. For example, a slew drive system can comprise a threaded plug and a retaining ring in addition to a worm gear, a plurality of tapered roller bearings, and a worm wheel, allowing a significant reduction in material and labor costs of slew drive manufacture, which can be critical in the manufacture of expensive telecommunications system actuator assemblies.
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 19/08 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and oscillating motion
A rack and pinion damper provides controllable rotary motion of a pinion by actuating a rack inside a fluid disposed within a housing. The rack includes one or two cylindrical heads which further include flow-control mechanisms. Two plugs maybe threaded into the ends of the rack sections of the housing to limit a maximum clockwise rotation and a maximum counterclockwise rotation of the pinion. The pinion maybe coupled with an external unit, such as a torque tube, to control its rotational motion.
F16F 15/16 - Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system using a fluid
F16H 19/04 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising a rack
A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F16D 63/00 - Brakes not otherwise provided forBrakes combining more than one of the types of groups
F16D 55/22 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads
F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
A sensor is used in measuring the torque applied to a slew drive. The slew drive includes a worm gear and a worm wheel and the sensor is coupled with a securing device that is used to secure the worm gear to the slew drive housing. The sensor generates a signal which is indicative of the torque on the worm wheel. The worm gear is secured to the slew drive housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. Two end plates and eight bolts are also used to further secure the worm gear and the bearings to the slew drive housing. By tightening the bolts, a compressive force is applied on the worm gear through the bearings. The applied torque on the worm wheel causes an axial force on the worm gear. The axial force is transmitted through the worm gear, the bearings, the end plates, and the bolts. One or more sensors can be embedded in one or more of the end plates or the bolts to measure the strain, in the end plates or the bolts, due to the axial force. A control device receives the signal from the sensor and stores, analyses, and/or communicates the signal.
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
A sensor is used in measuring the torque applied to a slew drive. The slew drive includes a worm gear and a worm wheel and the sensor is coupled with a securing device that is used to secure the worm gear to the slew drive housing. The sensor generates a signal which is indicative of the torque on the worm wheel. The worm gear is secured to the slew drive housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. Two end plates and eight bolts are also used to further secure the worm gear and the bearings to the slew drive housing. By tightening the bolts, a compressive force is applied on the worm gear through the bearings. The applied torque on the worm wheel causes an axial force on the worm gear. The axial force is transmitted through the worm gear, the bearings, the end plates, and the bolts. One or more sensors can be embedded in one or more of the end plates or the bolts to measure the strain, in the end plates or the bolts, due to the axial force. A control device receives the signal from the sensor and stores, analyses, and/or communicates the signal.
F16H 9/02 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion
F16H 35/00 - Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
A worm comprises enveloping worm teeth having relieved ends. The worm is machined in three steps comprising machining a threaded section, machining a first end section, and machining a second end section. The threaded section is machined utilizing a rack-form tool having a rack-form thickness. The first end section and the second end section are machined utilizing a larger rack-form thickness, thereby, providing relieved ends. The teeth of the worm having such relieved ends mesh with the teeth of a mating gear at full depth throughout preventing partial teeth engagement.
A worm comprises enveloping worm teeth having relieved ends. The worm is machined in three steps comprising machining a threaded section, machining a first end section, and machining a second end section. The threaded section is machined utilizing a rack-form tool having a rack-form thickness. The first end section and the second end section are machined utilizing a larger rack-form thickness, thereby, providing relieved ends. The teeth of the worm having such relieved ends mesh with the teeth of a mating gear at full depth throughout preventing partial teeth engagement.
A slew drive comprises a slew drive housing which includes a first distal housing section and a second distal housing section. The first distal housing section includes a threaded section, operative to receive a threaded plug and the second distal housing section includes a groove operative to receive a retaining ring. A worm gear is secured to the slew drive housing by a first tapered roller bearing and a second tapered roller bearing. The worm gear comprises a central threaded section, a first distal shaft section having a first shoulder, and a second distal shaft section having a second shoulder. The central threaded section engages the teeth of a worm wheel, the first tapered roller bearing is seated on the first distal shaft section, abutting the first shoulder and the plug, and the second tapered roller bearing is seated on the second distal shaft section, abutting the second shoulder and the retaining ring.
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
A slew drive comprises a worm gear which is integrated with a reducer assembly. One end of the worm gear operates as a carrier which engages a plurality of planetary gears which are part of the reducer assembly. The carrier may be a separate component that is coupled with the worm gear. Alternatively, one end of the worm gear can be machined to operate as the carrier. The carrier engages a plurality of planetary gears via a plurality of holes.
F16H 57/01 - Monitoring wear or stress of gearing elements, e.g. for triggering maintenance
F16H 19/02 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
F16H 55/22 - Toothed membersWorms for transmissions with crossing shafts, especially worms, worm-gears
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
A slew drive comprises a worm gear which is integrated with a reducer assembly. One end of the worm gear operates as a carrier which engages a plurality of planetary gears which are part of the reducer assembly. The carrier may be a separate component that is coupled with the worm gear. Alternatively, one end of the worm gear can be machined to operate as the carrier. The carrier engages a plurality of planetary gears via a plurality of holes.
F16H 57/03 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein characterised by means for reinforcing gearboxes, e.g. ribs
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16C 19/16 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for both radial and axial load with a single row of balls
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 19/02 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
F16H 19/04 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising a rack
16.
Slew drive with dust cover and torque transduction
A single axis driving system includes a housing with a central portion defining a cavity and a pair of parallel spaced apart flanges formed as an integral part. Coaxial openings are formed through the flanges to define a mounting structure for an axle rotatably mounted in the coaxial openings. An opening is formed between the flanges in the surface of the central portion extending into the cavity. A gear plate is affixed to the axle and positioned to extend through the opening into the cavity for limited rotation with the axle. The gear plate has an arcuate set of gear teeth positioned along a periphery thereof. A driving gear is rotatably mounted in the housing so as to mesh with the arcuate set of gear teeth and a drive motor is mounted on the housing and attached to the driving gear for rotation of the driving gear.
A single axis driving system includes a housing with a central portion defining a cavity and a pair of parallel spaced apart flanges formed as an integral part. Coaxial openings are formed through the flanges to define a mounting structure for an axel rotatably mounted in the coaxial openings. An opening is formed between the flanges in the surface of the central portion extending into the cavity. A gear plate is affixed to the axle and positioned to extend through the opening into the cavity for limited rotation with the axle. The gear plate has an arcuate set of gear teeth positioned along a periphery thereof. A driving gear is rotatably mounted in the housing so as to mesh with the arcuate set of gear teeth and a drive motor is mounted on the housing and attached to the driving gear for rotation of the driving gear.
F16H 19/08 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and oscillating motion
A single axis slew driving system with integrated sensors and transducers including a housing defining a cavity, a rotor assembly rotatably mounted within the cavity supporting an axle with a gear plate affixed thereto and gear teeth positioned along a periphery thereof, a driving gear rotatably mounted in the housing meshing with the gear teeth, and a drive motor attached to the driving gear for rotation of the driving gear and one of: a thermocouple embedded in the housing to provide an indication of the temperature adjacent the driving gear; an absolute position sensing system including a movement tracking device mounted in the housing and extending into the cavity of the housing; limit switches mounted on the outer periphery of the housing; an integrated accelerometer and communication assembly; and an integrated torque routing solenoid mounted on an outer periphery of the housing.
F24S 30/40 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
F16H 1/00 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion
F16H 1/12 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 55/00 - Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motionWorms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
A single axis tracker system including at least one photovoltaic panel, a mounting structure, and a tracker control system. The tracker control system being attached to the at least one photovoltaic panel and to the mounting structure so as to apply torque to the at least one photovoltaic panel to rotate the at least one photovoltaic panel into an allowable orientation. A wind tracking device is coupled to the single axis tracker system and connected to the tracker control system. The wind tracking device determines current wind speed and direction information and couples the wind speed and direction information to an algorithm in the tracker control system. The algorithm uses the wind speed and direction information to calculate an allowable photovoltaic panel orientation for the current conditions.
A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F16D 63/00 - Brakes not otherwise provided forBrakes combining more than one of the types of groups
F16D 55/22 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads
F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.
A gear assembly diagnostic system includes an electric motor attached to a gear assembly to be diagnosed, a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to control electric current applied to the electric motor, a test controller coupled to the motor controller to provide commands to the motor controller, and electrical current determining apparatus coupled to provide a measurement of current flow through the electric motor. A programmable data acquisition device is coupled to the electrical current determining apparatus and is programmable to determine current flow through the electrical motor at a predetermined frequency. Data storage is coupled to the data acquisition device for receiving and storing current flow determinations from the data acquisition device and a computer is coupled to, and may include, the data storage. The computer includes software designed to calculate one or more characteristics of the gear assembly to be diagnosed from the current flow determinations.
F16H 61/12 - Detecting malfunction or potential malfunction, e.g. fail safe
H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 19/02 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
A slew drive includes a housing, a worm shaft having a worm thread carried within the housing for rotational movement and a torque tube having an outer surface. The torque tube is carried by the housing for rotational movement perpendicularly to the worm shaft and worm thread. A ring gear section having teeth is carried by the torque tube with the teeth engaging the worm threads. An inner raceway is fabricated as an integral part of the torque tube. An outer raceway is fabricated as an integral part of the housing, the outer raceway radially overlying the inner raceway, and bearing elements captured between the inner raceway and the outer raceway.
F16H 55/22 - Toothed membersWorms for transmissions with crossing shafts, especially worms, worm-gears
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16C 19/16 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for both radial and axial load with a single row of balls
A slew drive includes a housing, a worm shaft having a worm thread carried within the housing for rotational movement and a torque tube having an outer surface. The torque tube is carried by the housing for rotational movement perpendicularly to the worm shaft and worm thread. A ring gear section having teeth is carried by the torque tube with the teeth engaging the worm threads. An inner raceway is fabricated as an integral part of the torque tube. An outer raceway is fabricated as an integral part of the housing, the outer raceway radially overlying the inner raceway, and bearing elements captured between the inner raceway and the outer raceway.
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16H 55/22 - Toothed membersWorms for transmissions with crossing shafts, especially worms, worm-gears
F16C 19/16 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for both radial and axial load with a single row of balls
A slew drive with clamp including a slew drive having a housing, a worm shaft having a worm thread carried within the housing for rotational movement, a torque tube having an outer diameter and a central socket extending therethrough, the torque tube carried by the housing for rotational movement perpendicularly to the worm shaft and worm thread, and coupling means for rotatably engaging the torque tube with the worm threads. A transverse support member is received in the socket and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A clamp is carried within the socket movable between a clamped and an unclamped position for clamping the transverse member fixedly within the socket.
F16H 19/08 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and oscillating motion
F16H 57/039 - Gearboxes for accommodating worm gears
F16B 2/14 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using wedges
F24J 2/46 - Component parts, details or accessories of solar heat collectors
