Side Door Closing Velocity Reduction Parameters in a SUV

Side Door closing velocity is one of the key customer touch points which depicts the build quality of the vehicle. Side door closing velocity results from the interaction of different parts like door and body seals, door check arm, door hinge, latch, and alignment of door hinge axis. In this paper, a high door closing velocity issue in a sports utility vehicle is discussed. Physical studies are carried out to understand each parameter in door closing velocity and its contribution is defined in terms of velocity. Many physical trials are conducted to conclude the contribution of each parameter. Studies revealed that the body and door seal are contributing around 70% of door closing velocity. Check arm and hinge axis deviation are contributing around 10% of the door closing velocity. Physical trials are conducted by reducing the compression distance of the body seal. Around 13.5 to 20 % reduction in door closing velocity is observed with a 3mm reduction in compression distance of the seal. Side door flushness adjustment on the positive side by 0.5mm reduced the door closing velocity by around 1.5 to 6%. These changes are implemented on the vehicle without affecting the vehicle development cycle time.