Patents by Inventor Poi K. Tran

Poi K. Tran has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Helical actuator system for solar tracker
    Patent number: 11387771
    Abstract: A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a plurality of support beams configured to support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the plurality of support beams, a base configured to rotatably support the torque tube, and an articulation system configured to rotate the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes a first helical tube coupled to the torque tube, a first helical tube support disposed on the base and configured to slidably support the first helical tube, and a gearbox in mechanical communication with the first helical tube. Actuation of the gearbox causes the first helical tube to translate within the first helical tube support and the first helical tube support is configured to rotate the first helical tube as the first helical tube is translated therein to cause a corresponding rotation of the solar array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NEXTracker LLC
    Inventors: Alexander W. Au, Andrew T. Smith, Poi K. Tran
  • HELICAL ACTUATOR SYSTEM FOR SOLAR TRACKER
    Publication number: 20190379323
    Abstract: A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a plurality of support beams configured to support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the plurality of support beams, a base configured to rotatably support the torque tube, and an articulation system configured to rotate the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes a first helical tube coupled to the torque tube, a first helical tube support disposed on the base and configured to slidably support the first helical tube, and a gearbox in mechanical communication with the first helical tube. Actuation of the gearbox causes the first helical tube to translate within the first helical tube support and the first helical tube support is configured to rotate the first helical tube as the first helical tube is translated therein to cause a corresponding rotation of the solar array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Applicant: NEXTracker Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Au, Andrew T. Smith, Poi K. Tran