Quiet Ball Mount Isolator Sleeve for Hitch Rattle Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Receiver hitch assemblies experience rattling noise due to the slight size difference between the draw bar shank and receiver tube, leading to vibration and noise transmission to the towing vehicle, with existing solutions being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-isolating member made of vibration-absorbing material, such as composite or rubberized material, is integrated into the draw bar shank to fit closely within the receiver tube, reducing noise by isolating the draw bar rod from the receiver tube's interior and using a sleeve or protrusions to restrict movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receiver tube is made slightly larger than the draw bar shank to allow easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but rattling noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration-isolating member made of vibration-absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary between the draw bar shank and the receiver tube. This mediator absorbs vibrations and prevents direct contact, eliminating rattling noise while maintaining the clearance needed for easy insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-isolating member changes the physical parameters of the interface between the draw bar shank and receiver tube by introducing a material with different vibration-absorbing properties, thereby reducing noise transmission while preserving the dimensional clearance for easy assembly.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If prior art apparatus are used to address the noise issue, then rattling noise is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-isolating member is integrated directly onto the draw bar shank, merging the noise reduction function with the existing ball mount structure. This eliminates the need for separate noise reduction components and simplifies the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-isolating member serves multiple functions: it reduces rattling noise, provides vibration isolation, and maintains the operational clearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces rattling noise and vibration, enhancing user experience by simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining effective functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration-isolating member comprises a vibration-absorbing material... the vibration-isolating member contacts the interior of the receiver tube and holds the draw bar rod in a spaced relationship
Data Source
AI summary
An improved hitch ball mount includes a draw bar shank having vibration-isolating member disposed over a portion of an outer surface of a draw bar rod. The vibration-isolating member comprises a vibration-absorbing material, and the draw bar shank is sized to fit closely within a receiver tube of a receiver hitch assembly so that the vibration-isolating member contacts the interior of the receiver tube when the draw bar is positioned within the receiver tube. The vibration-absorbing material can comprise a layer of composite or rubberized material. The vibration-isolating member can be a removable sleeve that can be slidingly positioned over the draw bar rod or it can be a layer of vibration-absorbing material molded over a portion of the draw bar rod. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions can be disposed on the outer surface of the draw bar rod.