Removable Gooseneck Hitch Ball Shank for Round and Square Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable gooseneck hitch balls are limited in compatibility with different socket shapes, as they are designed specifically for either circular or square cross-sections, restricting their adaptability to various towing vehicle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A removable gooseneck hitch ball with a shank featuring a unique 'squircle' shape, combining arc and flat surfaces, allowing it to fit both cylindrical and prism-shaped sockets, and equipped with a compressible insert for adjustable positioning, enabling secure engagement with various socket types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shank is designed with a specific shape (circular or square) to match a particular socket type, then the engagement security with that socket type is improved, but the adaptability to different socket shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shank is designed with a hybrid geometry combining circular and square characteristics, allowing a single shank design to function with both circular sockets (like CURT) and square sockets (like B&W). The contact surfaces include both curved portions for circular sockets and flat portions for square sockets, making the hitch ball universally compatible with multiple socket types while maintaining secure engagement with each.
2Ease of operation
If the shank uses a compressible insert to allow relative movement between the hitch ball and base, then the adjustability and ease of installation are improved, but the structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible insert changes its physical parameters (compression level) to provide different functions: when uncompressed, it allows relative movement and adjustment between the hitch ball and base for ease of installation; when compressed by the hitch ball weight and towing loads, it provides sufficient structural rigidity to maintain engagement security. The insert material and geometry are selected to transition smoothly between these states.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable gooseneck hitch ball has a hitch ball extending over a neck and supported by a shank, possibly with the hitch ball on a pivoting head. The shank has a plurality of arc contact surfaces (such as four) collectively defining a cylinder centered on the shank's central axis. Flat contact surfaces extend parallel to the shank's central axis and inside the cylinder defined by the arc contact surfaces (such as four flat contact surfaces defining a square). The shank can be matingly received in a cylindrical socket of the towing vehicle with the arc surfaces in contact with the cylindrical socket or can be matingly received in a prism shaped (square in horizontal cross-section) socket with the flat surfaces in contact with the prism shaped socket.