US Patent 10320326 Photovoltaic system bearing assembly

A photovoltaic (PV) system having a bearing assembly to support PV modules is described. In an example, the bearing assembly includes a pair of bearing supports having respective sub-rims. The sub-rims may have complementary arcuate seat surfaces, which when combined, define a curved seat rim to receive a bearing sleeve. Accordingly, the bearing supports may be mounted symmetrically about a pile such that the sub-rims combine to support the bearing sleeve, and a torque tube holding the PV modules may be mounted on the bearing sleeve. More particularly, the torque tube may be in sliding contact with the bearing sleeve, and a weight of the PV modules and torque tube may be evenly transmitted through the pair of bearing supports to a shear center of the pile.