Gooseneck Hitch Ball with Dual Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitch ball systems are difficult to remove and store efficiently, often requiring access to the vehicle's frame or wheel well, and lack sufficient clearance for compact storable profiles, leading to inconvenient and messy storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained hitch ball assembly with a locking mechanism and release mechanism accessible from both the ball member and body, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement from the socket, enabling upright and inverted positions, and a compact storable profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the hitch ball is mounted in the bed of the truck with the attachment located below the bed, then the weight distribution is improved, but the removal and storage becomes difficult and messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distributionVSAvoidremoval and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch ball assembly is designed to nest within a receiver tube that is mounted in the truck bed. The ball member fits inside the receiver tube, and the entire assembly can be stored within the same receiver structure, eliminating the need for separate storage locations and making removal straightforward from the top of the bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch ball assembly is extracted from the traditional below-bed mounting configuration and repositioned to allow removal from the top of the truck bed. The release mechanism is positioned to be accessible from above, enabling users to remove the ball without reaching under the bed or into the wheel well.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a separate handle or mechanism is used to remove the hitch ball, then the engagement security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility and potential loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement securityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is merged with the ball member itself, forming an integrated assembly. The release mechanism is positioned on the ball member so that it is always accessible when the ball is mounted or being removed, eliminating the need for separate handles that can be lost or are difficult to locate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball member is designed to be self-contained with its own release mechanism, allowing the user to operate the release directly from the ball without needing to locate or attach a separate tool or handle. The system serves itself by having the release functionality built into the component being manipulated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hitch ball is stored in the glove compartment or under seats, then the availability for use is improved, but the vehicle interior storage space is reduced and the ball may be contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability for useVSAvoidinterior storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch ball assembly nests within the receiver tube structure that is already mounted in the truck bed. When not in use, the ball can be stored within the receiver tube itself or in a dedicated storage compartment integrated into the receiver assembly, eliminating the need for interior vehicle storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage solution moves from the interior three-dimensional space of the vehicle (glove compartment, under seats) to the exterior vertical dimension of the truck bed area. The receiver tube structure provides a vertical storage dimension that does not encroach on the vehicle's interior cargo or passenger space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Volume of moving object

If a compact storable profile is implemented, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the clearance for various towing vehicles may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage profileVSAvoidclearance for towing vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch ball assembly is designed with a compact profile when stored within the receiver tube, but can be easily extended or deployed when needed. The ball member fits snugly within the receiver tube during storage, minimizing the profile, but can be quickly removed and positioned for various coupler types, adapting to different towing vehicle requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9802451B2Gooseneck hitch ball

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC

AI summary

A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second direction positions the locking member in the disengaged position.