Project Prompt: Identify, study, and model “something” that sparks your brain to want to learn more.

Project Proposal: Ski lift grip’s immediately sparked curiosity after a trip snow skiing. The individual mechanisms are fairly simple on their own, but combined, they grown more impressive. Two springs are all that hold the mechanism onto a steel cable whilst passengers feet dangle 10’s of feet above the ground. An entirely separate system compresses the springs upon entry to the load/unload platform allowing the chairs to move independently from the steel cable. The engineering, timing, and coordination all provide a fascinating base to look at other typical systems in a new and exploratory way.

The modern day train coupler design has been in use since the late 1800’s and for great reason. Leveraging the simplicity of an interlocking set of hands and a large steel pin that ensures the connection will support the load of multiple train cars and their contents. Connection is made with little human interference. All that is needed is a conductor to back the locomotive until the two couplers contact each other and lock into place.

Software: Fusion 360