DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present invention relates to a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[2] A support structure supports a solar array. Owing to specific requirements, number of panels to be installed in the solar array is predetermined. However, increase in number of panels in the solar array leads to increase in overall load of the support structure, which is undesirable.

[3] A user moves the solar array manually so that the solar panels are always facing the sun for maximum exposure to sunlight. The user is therefore required to rotate and tilt the solar array containing the solar panels, depending on position of the sun.

[4] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a support structure (100) for rotating and tilting a solar array110 of the prior art, which includes a solar array (110) having provisions (120) to which solar panels are fitted. The support structure (100) in the prior art performs two main functions, namely rotation and tilting of the solar array (110).

[5] Referring to Fig. 1 along with Fig. 2 showing an enlarged view of the rotation mechanism (115, 215) of the prior art, rotation of the solar array (110) is possible by the rotation mechanism (115, 215) which has four bracings (130, 230) connected to a mounting clip (140, 240). The mounting clip (140, 240) is of semi cylindrical shape which is mounted over a vertical post (150, 250) and which receives a bottom end of the bracings (130, 230) as seen in Fig. 2. Opposite ends of the bracings (130, 230) are connected to an underside of the solar array (110) as seen in Fig. 1. As seen in Fig. 2, bolts are used to tighten the bracings (230) into the holes (260). The user has to loosen the bolts fitted in the holes (260) for rotating the solar array (110) around the vertical post (150, 250). After loosening the bolts fitted in the holes (260), the user has to rotate the solar array (110) by hand so that maximum sunlight is received by the solar panels fitted on the solar array (110), and thereafter again tighten the bolts in the holes (260), which is a cumbersome task.

[6] Fig. 3 shows a front view of a solar tracking support structure (300) from the prior art, having a tilting mechanism (325) defined on the bracings (330). The bracings (330) are arranged in at least two parts (P1, P2) telescopically, and engaged with each other by a snap-bearing mechanism (370). The snap-bearing mechanism (370) is used to tilt the solar array (310) by the user from 0° to 25° on any side. The other components of the solar support structure (300) from the prior art, such as the rotation mechanism (315), the mounting clip (340), the vertical support (350), can be seen in Fig. 3, in relation to the tilting mechanism (325) of the prior art. However, the user has to use the snap-bearing mechanism for the purpose of tilting the solar array (310), which is again cumbersome task.

[7] Due to the efforts required for rotating and tilting the solar array in the prior art, the user may encounter fatigue. Due to the heavy weight of the solar array, many times more than one person is required to rotate and tilt the solar array. Also, technically qualified or skilled persons are required to handle the rotation and tilting of the solar array. Therefore, another possibility of faulty installation or reinstallation during an event where the user loosens and / or tightens the bolts by his own self, cannot be disregarded. Furthermore, there is also need for a support structure which can withstand dead load of solar modules and high wind pressure, especially when installation is at heights where the wind speed is above 150kmph.

[8] Hence, there is also a need for a solution wherein the support structure for rotation and tilting of solar array can overcome at least one of the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[9] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array is provided. The support structure comprises a vertical post for holding the solar array. A tilting mechanism is fixed to the vertical post. The tilting mechanism has one or more bracing connected with the solar array. The titling mechanism includes a bolting flange for adjusting the height of the solar array. The titling mechanism comprises a sliding groove disposed on bolting flange for connecting one end of the bracing with the bolting flange. The other end of the bracing is connected with the bottom side of the solar array. The support structure comprises a rotation mechanism having at least one intermediate flange sandwiched between a rotating flange and a fixed flange. The rotation mechanism allows rotation of the solar array. The vertical post is fixed above the rotating flange.

[10] In accordance with the present invention, the bolting flange of the titling mechanism comprises a plurality of bolt receiving points disposed vertically on the bolting flange. The bolt receiving points are in parallel position with the sliding groove. The bracing comprises two bolting points at its one end. The bracing is connected with the sliding groove via. a first bolting point.. The second bolting point connects the bracing with the bolting flange. The other end of the bracing is fixedly connected with the solar array at bottom side. The bolt receiving points of the titling mechanism allows fastening of the bracing via. a bolting points for titling the solar array at different positions.

[11] In accordance with the present invention, a first bed of roller bearings is adapted between the rotating flange and the intermediate flange to allow rotation of the solar array. A second bed of roller bearings is adapted between the intermediate flange and the fixed flange to allow a combined rotation of intermediate flange and the rotating flange.

[12] In accordance with the present invention, the fixed flange is disposed at an upper end of a base which is fixed to a ground or roof. The rotating flange is rotated on the first bed of roller bearings. The upper surface of the intermediate flange comprises circular grooves for holding first bed of roller bearings. An upper surface of the fixed flange comprises circular grooves for holding the second bed of roller bearings. Further, the lower surface of the rotating flange comprises grooves for holding the first bed of roller bearings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[13] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention which may be illustrated in the accompanying figure(s). These figure(s) are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[14] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array in accordance with the prior art.

[15] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of the rotation mechanism in accordance with the prior art.

[16] Fig. 3 shows a front view of a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array in accordance with the prior art.

[17] Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[18] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[19] Fig. 6 shows a front view of a rotation mechanism of a support structure, in relation to a tilting mechanism, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[20] Fig. 7 shows a front view of a rotation mechanism of a support structure, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[21] The subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that such matter can be practiced with these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures as shown in diagram form in order to facilitate describing the invention.

[22] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[23] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[24] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array is provided. The support structure comprises a vertical post for holding the solar array. A tilting mechanism is fixed to the vertical post. The tilting mechanism has one or more bracing connected with the solar array. The bracing is connected with the sliding groove via. a bolting point (B1). The titling mechanism includes a bolting flange for adjusting the height of the solar array. The titling mechanism comprises a sliding groove disposed on bolting flange for connecting one end of the bracing with the bolting flange. The other end of the bracing is connected with the bottom side of the solar array. The support structure comprises a rotation mechanism having at least one intermediate flange sandwiched between a rotating flange and a fixed flange. The rotation mechanism allows rotation of the solar array. The bolt receiving points disposed on the flange allow fastening of the bracing via. a bolting point for titling the solar array (410, 510) at different positions.

[25] According to another aspect of the present invention, a support structure for rotating and tilting a solar array is provided. The support structure comprising: a vertical post holding the solar array at one side of the vertical post; a rotation mechanism comprising an intermediate flange sandwiched between a rotating flange on an opposite side of the vertical post and a fixed flange, the intermediate flange rotates over a first bed or a second bed of roller bearings disposed between the intermediate flange and the rotating flange or the fixed flange; and a tilting mechanism fixed to the vertical post, the tilting mechanism having a groove that slideably accommodates one end of a bracing and an opposite end of the bracing fixed with the solar array slides the one end of the bracing inside the groove for tilting the solar array.

[26] Referring to Fig. 4, it shows an isometric view of a support structure (400) for rotating and tilting a solar array (410) in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The support structure (400) is holding the solar array (410) from its bottom side. The support structure comprises a titling mechanism (425) placed above the rotation mechanism (415).

[27] Referring to Fig. 5, a side view of a support structure (500) for rotating and tilting a solar array (510) is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The support structure (500) comprises a vertical post for holding the solar array. A tilting mechanism (525) is fixed to the vertical post. The tilting mechanism has a bracing connected with the solar array (510) at its bottom side. The titling mechanism includes a bolting flange for adjusting the height of the solar array. The titling mechanism comprises a sliding groove disposed on bolting flange for connecting one end of the bracing with the bolting flange. The support structure (500) further comprises a rotation mechanism (515) disposed below the titling mechanism (525) to rotate the solar array in the desired direction.

[28] Referring to Fig. 6, a front view of a rotation mechanism (615) of a support structure, in relation to a tilting mechanism (625) is illustrated, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The rotation mechanism (615) is placed or positioned below the tilting mechanism (625). The tilting mechanism (625) is welded on the vertical post (V). As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the solar array is fixed on the vertical post (V) on an opposite side of the rotation mechanism (615) and the tilting mechanism (625). The tilting mechanism (625) has the groove (G) that slideably accommodates one end of the bracing (630). The other end of the bracing is connected with a solar array at its bottom side. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the one end of the bracing (630) is bolted at a first bolting point (B1). A second bolting point (B2) is provided on the one end of the bracing (630), close to the first bolting point (B1). The second bolting point (B2) is bolted to correspond over a receiving point (R) which can be selected from a group of receiving points (R1, R2, Rn) which are defined vertically on a bolting flange (F). That way, the user can tighten or loosen the bolting point (B2) to slide the bolting point (B1) or the bolt fitted therein, up or down inside the groove (G). Effectively, the bracing (630) on its one side can slide inside the groove (G) so that tilting of the solar array is achieved, since the opposite end of the bracing (630) is fixed on underside of the solar array (410, 510). The position of the tilt can be further adjusted or enhanced by bolting the second bolting point (B2) in any one of the receiving points (R1, R2, Rn), as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[29] Referring to Fig. 7 a front view of a rotation mechanism (715) of a support structure is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The vertical post (V) holds the solar array its top side. The rotation mechanism (715) comprises the intermediate flange (780) which is sandwiched between the rotating flange (775) which is disposed on bottom side of the vertical post (V), and the fixed flange (790). The intermediate flange (780) rotates over a first bed (785) or a second bed (795) of roller bearings disposed between the intermediate flange (780) and the rotating flange (775) or the fixed flange (790). An upper surface of the fixed flange (790) has a circular groove (not shown) defined thereupon, for holding the second bed of roller bearings (795). Corresponding grooves are defined on a lower surface of the intermediate flange (780) which is placed on the second bed (795) of the roller bearings. Further, similar grooves are defined on an upper surface of the intermediate flange (780) which holds the first bed (785) of roller bearings, whereas a lower surface of the rotating flange (775) has corresponding grooves which are adapted over the first bed (785) of roller bearings. Effectively, the rotating flange (775) of the vertical post (V) along with the solar array (410, 510) which the vertical post (V) holds is rotated on the first bed (785) of roller bearings, in an embodiment of the present invention. Also, ease of rotation of the solar array (410, 510) is enhanced when the intermediate flange (780) rotates with the help of the first bed (785) and the second bed (795) of roller bearings, in an embodiment of the present invention.

[30] Referring to Figs. 4–7, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertical post (V) has the rotating flange (775) disposed at its lower end, whereas the solar array (410, 510) is disposed or fixed at an upper end of the vertical post (V). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the fixed flange (790) is disposed at an upper end of a base (B) which is fixed to the ground, thereby providing a firm foundation to the support structure (400, 500). The base (B) may be made of concrete as per an aspect of the present invention. However, the support structure (400, 500) as per an embodiment of the present invention may not require the base (B) at all, as the support structure (400, 500) can be directly planted or installed on a hard or rocky ground.

[31] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the support structure is able to withstand the heavy load of the solar array (410, 510) with help of supporting members, beams and structures on an underside of the solar array (410, 510), as seen in the accompanying drawing Figs. 4 and 5.

[32] ADVANTAGES:
• According to the present invention, the rotation and tilting of the solar array is possible by minimum manual efforts.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that only one person is required to perform both tasks of rotating and tilting the solar array.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that the user does not encounter fatigue while rotating or tilting the solar array manually.
• According to the present invention, the support structure can withstand wind speeds of more than 150 kmph.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that the device (Support Structure) is easy to assemble and install.
The embodiments of the invention shown and discussed herein are merely illustrative of modes of application of the present invention. Reference to details in this discussion is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to these details, or to the figures used to illustrate the invention.

,CLAIMS:
1. A support structure (400, 500) for rotating and tilting a solar array (410, 510), comprising:
a vertical post (V) for holding the solar array (510);
a tilting mechanism (425, 525, 625) fixed to the vertical post (V), the tilting mechanism (425, 525, 625) is having at least one bracing (630) connected with the solar array (410, 510); a bolting flange (F) for adjusting the height of the solar array (410, 510); a sliding groove (G) disposed on bolting flange (F) for connecting one end of the bracing (630) with the bolting flange (F);
a rotation mechanism (515, 615, 715) disposed below the titling mechanism (425, 525, 625), the rotation mechanism (515, 615, 715) is having at least one intermediate flange (780) sandwiched between a rotating flange (775) and a fixed flange (790), the rotation mechanism (515, 615, 715) allows rotation of the solar array(410, 510).

2. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first bed of roller bearings (775) is adapted between the rotating flange (775) and the intermediate flange (780) to allow rotation of the solar array (410, 510).

3. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second bed of roller bearings (795) is adapted between the intermediate flange (780) and the fixed flange (790) to allow a combined rotation of intermediate flange (780) and the rotating flange (790).

4. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical post (V) is fixed above the rotating flange (775).

5. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolting flange (F) comprises a plurality of bolt receiving points (R1, R2, R3…Rn) disposed vertically on the bolting flange (F).

6. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bolt receiving points (R1, R2, R3…Rn) are in parallel position with the sliding groove (G).

7. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracing (630) is connected with the sliding groove (G) via. a first bolting point (B1).

8. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed flange (790) is disposed at an upper end of a base (B) which is fixed to a ground or roof.

9. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating flange (775) is rotated on the first bed of roller bearings (785).

10. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upper surface of the intermediate flange (780) comprises circular grooves for holding first bed of roller bearings (785).

11. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the fixed flange (790) comprises circular grooves for holding the second bed of roller bearings (795).

12. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the rotating flange (775) comprises grooves for holding the first bed of roller bearings (785).

13. The support structure (400, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bolt receiving points (R1, R2, R3....Rn) allow fastening of the bracing (630) via. a second bolting point (B2) for titling the solar array (410, 510) at different positions.