Removable Ball Link End Assembly for Three-Point Hitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball end designs for three-point hitch links often require replacement of the entire link end when ball wear occurs, as the ball is either permanently captured or the material must be deformed, leading to costly and stress-prone two-piece assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A ball/socket link end design featuring a removable truncated ball member with spherical perimeter, paired with entry slots and a clamp mechanism that allows easy insertion and removal of the ball, enabling service without requiring expensive materials or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ball is permanently captured by swaging or crimping the end material over it, then the ball end structure is simple and robust, but the ball cannot be replaced and the entire link end must be replaced when wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ball retention system into two separate components: the link end structure and the ball, connected by a distinct retainer component. This segmentation allows the ball to be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire link end, while still maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer component acts as an intermediary element between the link end and the ball. It provides the capturing function that secures the ball in place during operation, while also enabling easy removal when the ball needs replacement, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of secure retention and easy repair.
2Ease of repair
If a two-piece ball and sleeve assembly is used to enable ball removal, then the ball can be replaced, but both parts must be machined and hardened at additional cost and are prone to high stresses and reduced life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the retention function from the ball itself and places it in a separate retainer component. This allows the ball to be a simple, robust, one-piece design that can be easily manufactured and heat-treated, while the retainer handles the complexity of retention and release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer component is designed as a simpler, potentially replaceable element that enables ball replacement without requiring expensive machining and hardening of the ball itself. The focus shifts to making the retention mechanism economical rather than making the load-bearing ball complex.
3Ease of operation
If the ball and sleeve are made thin in cross-section to enable removal through the slot, then the assembly can be disassembled, but they become prone to high stresses and may crack and/or break before wearing out
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functional responsibilities: the ball is a thick, strong, load-bearing component while the retainer is a separate component that handles the removal function. This allows the ball to maintain optimal thickness for strength without compromising removability, as the retainer facilitates extraction through the slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary that enables ball removal without requiring the ball itself to be thin or weak. It provides the mechanical advantage or release mechanism needed to extract the ball through the slot while the ball maintains its full thickness and strength for withstanding operational stresses.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball/socket link end assembly includes a link opening formed in the link end. A portion of the opening forms a spherical inner surface. A pair of ball entry slots are formed in the link end. The slots are spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the opening, and extend only part way into the link end from one side thereof. The assembly also includes a removable truncated ball member with a spherical perimeter which matches the spherical inner surface. A clamp member is attachable to the link end. The clamp member is engagable with the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the link end when the ball is aligned with the entry slots. The clamp member is received in a recess formed in the link end adjacent to the opening.