Coupling for use with a solar tracker, kit, and method for attaching a coupling to a torque tube of a solar tracker

Description

15 Coupling for use with a solar tracker, kit, and method for attaching a coupling to a tube. TORQUE OF A SOLAR TRACKER RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims the benefit of the Patent Application. U.S. Provisional Order No. 63 / 457,294, filed April 5, 2023, the full contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[002] The present description refers to solar power generation systems and, more particularly, to couplings and coupling systems for attaching solar modules to a support structure. FUNDAMENTALS

[003] Solar cells and solar panels are most efficient in sunny conditions when oriented towards the sun at a certain angle. Many solar panel systems are designed in combination with solar trackers, which follow the sun's path across the sky from east to west in order to maximize the systems' power generation capacity. The relatively low energy produced by a single solar cell requires the use of thousands of solar cells, arranged in an array, to generate energy of sufficient magnitude to be usable, for example, as part of a power grid. As a result, quite large solar trackers have been developed, spanning hundreds of meters in length and including hundreds to thousands of individual solar modules that are mechanically coupled to support structures.

[004] Coupling the numerous solar modules to the support structure requires a significant number of clamps or other mechanisms, each requiring a significant number of fasteners, increasing the manufacturing cost of each mechanism. As can be recognized, the assembly of each of these mechanisms and the secure tightening of Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 10 / 34 / 15 each fastener requires a huge amount of time, contributing to increased cost and longer assembly time. The present invention seeks to address the shortcomings of previous tracker systems. SUMMARY

[005] According to one aspect of the present description, a coupling for use with a solar tracker includes an elongated body defining opposite upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protrusions arranged in a spaced relation along a length of the elongated body and defining a gap between them, each of the pair of protrusions including a tab disposed thereadjacent to the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protrusions abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protrusions includes a defined hole through it which is configured to receive a fastener for coupling the elongated body to a torque tube.

[006] In some respects, a through hole may be defined through the upper surface of the elongated body and extending through the inner surface of the gap, the through hole configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongated body to the torque tube.

[007] In certain aspects, a plurality of through holes can be defined through the upper surface of the elongated body and extending through the inner surface of the gap, each of the plurality of through holes configured to receive a fastener for coupling the elongated body to the torque tube.

[008] In other respects, the fastener may be a rivet.

[009] In some respects, the clearance can define a circular profile.

[0010] In certain aspects, the clearance can define a square profile. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 11 / 34 / 15

[0011] In other respects, the upper surface of the elongated body may define a cavity, the cavity conforming to a profile of the lower surface, the pair of protrusions and the inner surface of the gap.

[0012] In certain aspects, the elongated body may define a first flat portion adjacent to a first end portion and a second flat portion adjacent to a second opposite end portion.

[0013] In some aspects, the elongated body may define a recessed portion interposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present description, a kit includes a plurality of fasteners and a coupling for use with a solar tracker, the coupling including an elongated body defining opposite upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protrusions arranged in a spaced relation along a length of the elongated body and defining a gap between them, each of the pair of protrusions including a tab arranged thereadjacent to the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protrusions abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protrusions includes a defined hole through it which is configured to receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners for coupling the elongated body to a torque tube.

[0015] In some respects, each of the plurality of fasteners can be a rivet.

[0016] In other respects, each of the plurality of fasteners may be a self-tapping screw.

[0017] In some respects, a plurality of fasteners may include a plurality of rivets and a plurality of self-tapping screws.

[0018] In certain respects, the plurality of fixatives may include Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 12 / 34 / 15 a plurality of rivets, a plurality of self-tapping screws and a plurality of threaded pins.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present description, a method for attaching a coupling to a torque tube of a solar tracker includes identifying, at a mounting location of the solar tracker, a location on a torque tube to place a coupling, determining whether the torque tube includes a pre-formed hole that is configured to receive a fastener at the indicated location, and coupling the torque tube to the coupling by means of the fastener.

[0020] In some respects, coupling the torque tube to the coupling may include coupling the torque tube to the coupling using a rivet.

[0021] In other respects, the method may involve advancing a fastener into a defined hole in the coupling.

[0022] In some respects, if it is determined that the torque tube does not include a pre-formed hole, the coupling may be attached to the torque tube using self-tapping screws.

[0023] In certain respects, if it is determined that the torque tube does not include a pre-formed orifice, orifices may be formed in the torque tube using the coupling as a template.

[0024] In other respects, coupling the torque tube to the coupling may involve advancing a rivet through a hole formed in the coupling and into the hole formed in the torque tube.

[0025] Details of one or more examples are presented in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features, objects and advantages will become apparent in the description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Several aspects and features of the present description are described below with reference to the drawings, where: Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 13 / 34 / 15 Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a solar energy system provided in accordance with the present description; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a coupling provided according to the present description, illustrated as being coupled to a torque tube; Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the coupling shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the coupling shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the coupling of Figure 1 including a cross-sectional view of the torque tube; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupling of Figure 1 including a cross-sectional view of the torque tube; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a torque tube from the solar power system of Figure 1; and Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing a method for installing a solar tracker using the coupling of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present description relates to a coupling for supporting a solar module on a torque tube of a solar tracker. The coupling includes an elongated body generally having a saddle-type configuration. A lower surface of the coupling defines a pair of spaced-area protrusions, which defines a gap between them. When the coupling is placed on a torque tube of the solar tracker, the torque tube is received within the gap. The coupling includes one or more through holes defined through an upper surface and extending into the gap. The through holes of the coupling are configured to receive a fastener, such as a rivet, a threaded pin, a screw, etc., to couple the torque tube to the coupling. Each of the pairs of protrusions of the coupling includes a corresponding tab. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 14 / 34 / 15 defined there and arranged adjacent to the gap. In this way, when the coupling is placed on the torque tube, each of the tabs touches or comes into contact with a surface of the torque tube. The tabs include a defined hole through them that is configured to receive a fastener, such as a rivet, threaded pin, screw, etc., to couple the torque tube to the coupling. The torque tube may include pre-formed holes (e.g., formed at the factory), or the holes may be formed at the mounting location (e.g., in the field) of the solar tracker. In some embodiments, the holes may be formed using a punch, a drill, etc. The holes may be formed freehand, using a pre-formed template, using the coupling as a template, or combinations thereof.In configurations where the holes are not pre-formed in the torque tube, the coupling can be attached to the torque tube using self-tapping screws or similar.

[0028] One method for coupling a torque tube to a coupling includes determining a location on the torque tube for attaching a coupling. With the location determined, it is determined whether the torque tube includes pre-formed holes at the desired location. If the torque tube includes pre-formed holes at the desired location, the holes formed in the coupling will be aligned with the holes in the torque tube, and the torque tube will be coupled to the coupling using fasteners. If there are no pre-formed holes at the desired location, holes will be formed in the torque tube at the desired location, and the coupling will be coupled to the torque tube using fasteners. In some embodiments, the coupling may be coupled to the torque tube using self-tapping screws. These and other aspects of the present description will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] With reference now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a solar energy system or solar tracker provided in accordance with the present Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 15 / 34 / 15 description and generally identified by the reference numeral 10. The pillars 12 are traversed by a torque tube 14. A plurality of solar modules 16 is supported and can rotate with the torque tube 14. A distance between two pillars 12, where the plurality of solar modules 16 is supported by the torque tube 14, defines a compartment 18. In Figure 1, the solar modules 16 are arranged in a “two in landscape” arrangement, where the longer side of the solar module 16 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the torque tube 14. However, the solar modules 16 may be arranged in a “two in portrait” arrangement, where the shorter side of the solar module 16 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the torque tube 14, or even just “one in portrait”, without departing from the scope of the present description.In some embodiments, each solar tracker 10 will be formed by a plurality of compartments 18, with each compartment 18 being between 50 and 100 feet long. The torque tube 14 is connected to a motor or dipping device (not shown), which is mechanically connected to the torque tube 14 to rotate the torque tube 14 and, with it, the solar modules 16 in such a way that the solar modules 16 follow the path of the sun. Although not illustrated in Figure 1, a plurality of solar trackers 10 may be arranged in a parallel orientation to each other as part of a grid-connected solar power plant, generating electrical energy for use by customers of the power grid.

[0030] As can be observed, the solar modules 16 must be supported on the torque tube 14. In some embodiments, a support system (not shown) is coupled to the torque tube 14 that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the torque tube 14. The torque tube 14 rotates about its longitudinal geometric axis to adjust an angular orientation of the solar modules 16 relative to the sun, while supporting the solar modules 16 on the support system. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 16 / 34 / 15 The support system is expected to take many forms, including two hat-shaped steel pieces arranged to interleave the 16 solar modules and configured to connect a short rail or coupling that is screwed onto the torque tube, as will be described in more detail below.

[0031] With reference to Figures 2-6, a coupling for use with a solar module 16 is illustrated and generally identified by the reference numeral 20. The coupling 20 includes an elongated body 22 extending between first and second opposite end portions 24 and 26, respectively, defining a longitudinal geometric axis AA. The elongated body 22 is provided to include any suitable length (e.g., dimension extending along the longitudinal geometric axis AA between the first and second end portions 24, 26) without departing from the scope of the present description. The elongated body 22 includes opposite side surfaces 28 and 30 extending between each of the first and second end portions 24, 26 and an upper surface 32 extending between each of the first and second end portions 24, 26 and the opposite side surfaces 28, 30.The top surface 32 defines a first flat portion 34 adjacent to the first end portion 24 and extending toward the second end portion 26. The first flat portion 34 transitions into a first inclined portion 36 in a direction toward the second end portion 26. The first inclined portion 36 forms an angle with respect to the first flat portion 34 such that the first inclined portion 36 extends downward (i.e., in a direction opposite to the direction in which the top surface 32 is facing). The first inclined portion 36 transitions into a central flat portion 38 that extends toward the second end portion 26 which is generally parallel to the first flat portion 34, but offset in a downward direction relative to it, although it is. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 17 / 34 / 15 contemplated that the central flat portion 38 may define any suitable angle in relation to the first flat portion 34 or the first inclined portion 36 without departing from the scope of the present description.

[0032] The central flat portion 38 transitions into a second inclined portion 40 that extends towards the second end portion 26 along the longitudinal geometric axis AA. The second inclined portion 40 extends upwards (e.g., away from the central flat portion 38, in the same direction as the upper surface 32 faces) and defines an angle relative to the central flat portion 38 that is generally the same as the angle formed between the first inclined portion 36 and the central flat portion 38, although it is considered that the second inclined portion 40 may define any suitable angle relative to the central flat portion 38, depending on the design requirements of the coupling 20.The second inclined portion 40 transitions into a second flat portion 42 which is generally parallel and coplanar to the first flat portion 34, although it is provided that the second flat portion 42 may make any suitable angle relative to the first flat portion 34 and be disposed at any distance from the first flat portion 34 (e.g., higher or lower than the first flat portion 34). The second flat portion 42 extends toward and terminates at the second end portion 26. The elongated body 22 includes a pair of downward-facing flanges 44 and 46 disposed adjacent to each of the first and second end portions 24, 26, respectively. The pair of downward-facing flanges 44, 46 extend in a direction away from the upper surface 32 (e.g., toward the central flat portion 38).As can be observed, the first and second sloping portions 36, 40 and the central flat portion 38 define a sunken area 47 interposed between the first and second flat portions 34, 42.

[0033] The elongated body 22 defines a lower surface 48 Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 18 / 34 / 15 arranged in juxtaposed relation to the upper surface 32 and extending between each of the first and second end portions 24, 26 and the opposite side surfaces 28, 30. The lower surface 48 defines a shape that generally conforms to the shape of the upper surface 32, except that the lower surface 48 includes a pair of protrusions 50 and 52 arranged therein, spaced relative to each other, such that a gap 54 is defined between them. The pair of protrusions 50, 52 extends in a downward direction (for example, in the same direction as the lower surface 48 faces) and, in cooperation with the gap 54, forms a generally inverted saddle or bean configuration that is configured to selectively receive a portion of a torque tube 14 therein.In this way, the gap 54 includes an inner surface 56 that extends between the pair of protrusions 50, 52 which is configured to abut or contact a portion of the torque tube 14 received within the gap 54, as will be described in more detail below. As can be observed, the gap 54 is configured to receive a torque tube 14 having any suitable profile, such as circular, hexagonal, D-shaped, oval, square, among others. The upper surface 32 includes a cavity 58 defined therein which generally adapts to the profile of the lower surface 48 and the pair of protrusions 50, 52. It is foreseen that the coupling 20 can be formed from any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, a polymer, a composite, etc., and can be formed using any suitable process, such as machining, additive manufacturing, stamping, hydroforming, among others.

[0034] The inner surface 56 of the gap 54 includes one or more defined through holes 60 extending through it and extending through the upper surface 32 of the cavity 58. Although generally illustrated as having first and second pairs of through holes 60 arranged in a transversely spaced relationship and along (e.g., a rectangular pattern) the axis. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 19 / 34 / 15 geometric longitudinal AA, it is foreseen that any number of through holes 60 can be defined through the inner surface 56 and the upper surface 32 which can be arranged in any pattern (e.g., circular, hexagonal, square, among others) without departing from the scope of the present description. The through holes 60 are configured to receive corresponding fasteners 62 (e.g., rivets, screws, threaded pins, welding, adhesives, among others) to couple the coupling 20 to the torque tube 14. In this way, the fasteners 62 are configured to extend through the through holes 60 and into the corresponding holes or orifices 70 (FIG. 7) defined through the torque tube 14.

[0035] The lower surface 48 of the elongated body 22 includes a pair of tabs 64 arranged on a respective protrusion of the pair of protrusions 50, 52 and extending in a downward direction (e.g., in the same direction as the lower surface 48 faces). The pair of tabs 64 is arranged on each of the pair of protrusions 50, 52 such that each of the pair of tabs 64 extends or elongates in some way the inner surface 56 of the gap 54 and follows the contour (e.g., curvature) of the inner surface 56 to contact or otherwise abut a portion of the torque tube 14 received within the gap 54. Each of the pair of tabs 64 includes a respective hole 67 defined through them which is configured to receive a respective fastener 62 for coupling the coupling 20 to the torque tube 14.It is foreseen that the holes 67 of the pair of tabs 64 can receive any suitable type of fastener (e.g., rivets, screws, threaded pins, welding, adhesives, among others) and may be the same as or different from the fasteners 62 received within the through holes 60. In a non-limiting embodiment, the coupling 20 can be coupled to the torque tube 14 using self-tapping screws or other similar fasteners. It is contemplated that the pair of tabs 64 can be integral (e.g., machined, etc.). Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 20 / 34 / 15 punched, stamped, etc.) with the elongated body 22 or may be separate components that are joined or otherwise coupled to the elongated body 22 using any suitable means, such as fasteners, welding, adhesives, among others. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pair of tabs 64 is formed by a punching procedure, forming a corresponding pair of holes 68 defined through the upper and inner surfaces 32, 56.

[0036] It is foreseen that the 70 holes defined in the torque tube 14 may be pre-formed (e.g., during manufacturing or at the factory) before being received at the solar tracker site or may be formed on-site during the assembly of the solar tracker 10. It is foreseen that any number of sets of 70 holes may be defined in the torque tube 14, and may be defined at regular intervals, defined at specific locations, etc., without departing from the scope of the present description. In embodiments where the 70 holes are formed in the field, it is foreseen that the 70 holes may be formed using any suitable means, such as drilling, punching, among others, and the coupling 20 may be used as a template to locate the position of each of the 70 holes formed through the torque tube 14 in the field.As can be seen, even in cases where holes 70 are pre-formed, additional holes 70 can be formed in the torque tube 14 at any desired location during the assembly of the solar tracker 10.

[0037] The first flat portion 34 of the elongated body 22 includes a first pair of holes or slots 66 defined through it and extending through the upper and lower surfaces 32, 48 adjacent to the first end portion 24 and each of the opposite side surfaces 28, 30 (for example, in relation to spaced transversely to the longitudinal geometric axis AA). Each of the holes in the first pair of holes 66 includes a generally oval or raceway profile that extends Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 21 / 34 / 15 transversely to the longitudinal geometric axis AA (for example, extending longitudinally towards each of the opposite lateral surfaces 28, 30), although it is contemplated that the first pair of holes 66 may include any suitable profile, such as elliptical, circular, square, rectangular, among others, and may extend in any direction without departing from the scope of the present description. In a non-limiting embodiment, one hole of the first pair of holes 66 may include a different profile from the other hole of the first pair of holes 66. The first pair of holes 66 is configured to selectively receive respective retaining screws (not shown) or other suitable coupling means to selectively couple a solar module 16 to the coupling 20.

[0038] The second flat portion 42 of the elongated body 22 includes a second pair of holes or slots 68 defined through it and extending through the upper and lower surfaces 32, 48 adjacent to the second end portion 26 and each of the opposite side surfaces 28, 30 (e.g., spaced transversely to the longitudinal geometric axis AA). Each of the holes in the second pair of holes 68 includes a generally oval or race track profile extending transversely to the longitudinal geometric axis AA (e.g., extending longitudinally towards each of the opposite side surfaces 28, 30), although it is contemplated that the second pair of holes 68 may include any suitable profile and may be the same as or different from the first pair of holes 66.The second pair of holes 68 is configured to selectively receive respective retaining screws (not shown) or other suitable coupling means to, in cooperation with or excluding the first pair of holes 66, selectively couple a solar module 16 to the coupling 20.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present description, a kit may be provided including the coupling 20, one or more fasteners 62 for Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 22 / 34 / 15 to couple coupling 20 to a torque tube 14, one or more fasteners (not shown) to couple coupling 20 to a solar module 16, or combinations thereof. As can be recognized, the kit may include any number of couplings 20, fasteners 62, etc. without departing from the scope of the present description.

[0040] With reference to Figure 8, a method for attaching a coupling 20 to a torque tube 14 is described and generally identified by the reference numeral 200. Initially, in step 202, a desired position of a coupling 20 in a torque tube 14 is determined. If the torque tube 14 includes pre-formed holes 70, in step 204, it will be determined whether the pre-formed holes 70 are arranged in a desired location. In step 206, if the pre-formed holes 70 are arranged in the desired location, the through holes 60 and the holes 66 of the coupling 20 will be aligned with the pre-formed holes of the torque tube 14. If the pre-formed holes 70 are not arranged in the desired location, in step 208, the holes 70 will be formed through the torque tube 14 in the desired location that aligns with the through holes 60 and holes 66 of the coupling 20.In step 210, with the through holes 60 and the holes 66 of the coupling 20 aligned with the holes 70 of the torque tube 14, the coupling 20 is coupled to the torque tube 14 using the fasteners 62. Alternatively, in step 212, the coupling 20 is placed in the desired location on the torque tube 14 and secured to the torque tube 14 using self-tapping screws. As can be seen, method 200 can be repeated as many times as necessary to facilitate the assembly of the solar tracker.

[0041] Although several modalities of description have been shown in the drawings, the description is not intended to be limited to them, as it is intended that the description have as broad a scope as the technique allows and that the descriptive report be read in the same way. Therefore, the Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 23 / 34 / 15 The description above should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as examples of specific modalities.

[0042] Several examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 24 / 34

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Coupling for use with a solar tracker, characterized in that it comprises: an elongated body defining opposite upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protrusions arranged in a spaced relation along a length of the elongated body and defining a gap between them, each of the pair of protrusions including a tab disposed thereadjacent to the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protrusions abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protrusions includes a defined hole through it which is configured to receive a fastener for coupling the elongated body to a torque tube.

2. Coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that a through hole is defined through the upper surface of the elongated body and extends through the inner surface of the gap, the through hole configured to receive a fastener for coupling the elongated body to the torque tube.

3. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of through holes is defined through the upper surface of the elongated body and extends through the inner surface of the gap, each of the plurality of through holes configured to receive a fastener for coupling the elongated body to the torque tube.

4. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastener is a rivet.

5. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clearance defines a circular profile.

6. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap defines a square profile.

7. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper surface of the elongated body defines a cavity, the cavity conforming to a profile of the lower surface, the pair of protrusions and the inner surface of the gap.

8. Coupling according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated body defines a first flat portion adjacent to a first end portion and a second flat portion adjacent to a second opposite end portion.

9. Coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that the elongated body defines a recessed portion interposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

10. Kit, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of fasteners; and a coupling for use with a solar tracker, the coupling including: an elongated body defining opposite upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface defining a pair of protrusions arranged in a spaced relation along a length of the elongated body and defining a gap between them, each of the pair of protrusions including a tab arranged thereadjacent to the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protrusions abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protrusions includes a hole defined through it which is configured to receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners for coupling the elongated body to a torque tube.

11. Kit according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the plurality of fasteners is a rivet.

12. Kit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that each of the plurality of fasteners is a self-tapping screw.

13. Kit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the plurality of fasteners includes a plurality of rivets and a plurality of self-tapping screws.

14. Kit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the plurality of fasteners includes a plurality of rivets, a plurality of self-tapping screws and a plurality of threaded pins.

15. Method for attaching a coupling to a torque tube of a solar tracker, the method characterized in that it comprises: identifying, at a mounting location of the solar tracker, a location on a torque tube to place a coupling; determining whether the torque tube includes a pre-formed hole that is configured to receive a fastener at the indicated location; and coupling the torque tube to the coupling by means of the fastener.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that coupling the torque tube to the coupling includes coupling the torque tube to the coupling using a rivet.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it further comprises advancing a fastener within a defined hole in the coupling. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 27 / 34 4 / 4 18. Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises: if it is determined that the torque tube does not include a pre-formed hole, coupling the torque tube to the coupling using self-tapping screws.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises: if it is determined that the torque tube does not include a pre-formed hole, forming holes in the torque tube using the coupling as a template.

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the coupling of the torque tube to the coupling includes advancing a rivet through a hole formed in the coupling and into the hole formed in the torque tube. Petition 870250087645, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 28 / 34

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