Force coupling or torque coupling assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include assemblies that each include superhard contact elements. At least some of the superhard contact elements may be configured to remain in contact with each other when a force is applied between the assemblies.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

A rotation induction device for a vehicle includes: an upper case having a piston rod disposed therethrough; a lower case disposed adjacent to the upper case and having the piston rod disposed therethrough; a center plate between the upper case and the lower case such that the piston rod passes through the center plate, and to induce rotation of one or both of the upper case and the lower case; and a lubricant retention part disposed on the lower case, and to store a lubricant therein.

A rotation induction device for a vehicle includes: an upper case having a piston rod disposed therethrough; a lower case disposed adjacent to the upper case and having the piston rod disposed therethrough; a center plate between the upper case and the lower case such that the piston rod passes through the center plate, and to induce rotation of one or both of the upper case and the lower case; and a lubricant retention part disposed on the lower case, and to store a lubricant therein.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Provided are: a slide bearing configured so that degradation in sliding performance caused by the entry of dust, muddy water, etc. can be prevented at low cost; and a strut-type suspension using the slide bearing. A slide bearing (1) is provided with: an upper case (2); a lower case (3) joined to the upper case (2) in a pivotal manner and forming an annular space (5) between the upper case (2) and the lower case (3); and an annular center plate (4) disposed in the annular space (5). An annular lip (43) is formed integrally at the outer peripheral edge (423) of the flange (42) of the center plate (4). The lip (43) is in contact, while deflecting, with an annular protrusion (252) formed in an annular groove (24) in the upper case (2) and covers a thrust bearing surface (422) and a thrust supporting surface (251).

Provided are: a slide bearing configured so that degradation in sliding performance caused by the entry of dust, muddy water, etc. can be prevented at low cost; and a strut-type suspension using the slide bearing. A slide bearing (1) is provided with: an upper case (2); a lower case (3) joined to the upper case (2) in a pivotal manner and forming an annular space (5) between the upper case (2) and the lower case (3); and an annular center plate (4) disposed in the annular space (5). An annular lip (43) is formed integrally at the outer peripheral edge (423) of the flange (42) of the center plate (4). The lip (43) is in contact, while deflecting, with an annular protrusion (252) formed in an annular groove (24) in the upper case (2) and covers a thrust bearing surface (422) and a thrust supporting surface (251).

A flexible thrust washer member comprises a body including an annular skirt portion that defines an outer diameter and a central aperture having an inner diameter, wherein the body has a conical configuration that defines a conical axis and a radial direction and the outer diameter of the annular skirt portion is spaced away from the central aperture along the conical axis and along the radial direction, defining an axial dimension and a radial dimension and the body defines at least two slits that separate the annular skirt portion into a plurality of fingers.