Heck, an improvement !
Instead of having to deal with a cross member per say...how's about a plate that
takes the cross member's forces, is the clamping platform, is the base of the ball, etc
It would look like a triangle
At the ball shank, there needs to be a vertical pivot that is good for the forces. This would also need to have an easy removal, as that
is one of the specifications...easy of unhooking & light.
Can also be a fabricated assembly instead of a plate, but think a plate less
cost. Maybe a bit more weight, but the Andersen design is already several hundred
pounds lighter
OBTW, public, so these ideas and improvements are public... :)