Bit embarrassing but I’m sure I’m not the only person who has spent a criminally massive amount of hours riding around on detachable chairlifts without fully understanding how they work.
Easy to take this brilliant bit of engineering for granted when your fully engrossed with having fun in the mountains so take a minute while you can and appreciate why its called a grip and how it actually works:
Here’s another video from chairlift manufacturing leader LEITNER demonstrating grip detachment:
“For maximum safety, efficiency and comfort. When the vehicle enters the station, the grip detaches from the rope, so it can move through the station slowly for a comfortable entrance and exit. The detachable grip ensures a high level of safety thanks to geometric controls and sensors. To increase the ride comfort, each detachable grip has an integrated longitudinal damping system. With its simplified design and low-maintenance bearings, the maintenance time and cost can be reduced.”