Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

This project focuses on the development and design of a mechanical device that successfully aids in lessening the force in the car door closure process. The goal was to enhance the users experience by obtaining a result in which the door closes softly and quietly. The process started with identifying the necessary components of a soft closing system. One of the crucial components was a pneumatic damper which was purchased online. The main goal was to create one of these systems but achieve a more cost-effective outcome. This is why we decided to make the device fully mechanical. The pneumatic damper's sole purpose was to limit the closure force of the door while still being able to maintain the car door's original functionality. To integrate the pneumatic damper into the door assembly a custom bracket was designed to securely fit and hold the damper in place. The bracket was made on SolidWorks to match the dimension specifications of not only the damper but also the placement within the car itself. A 3D printer was then used to fabricate the bracket from a durable PLA material allowing for rapid prototyping and adjustments. Once printed the bracket was tested for fitment and functionality ensuring the damper device was securely in place and could withstand numerous impacts from a closing door. The device was them mounted into the car using an adhesive at first rather screw hardware to test multiple times. The adhesive allows for the device to be tested without compromising the aesthetics of the original door plastic. Once the design is finalized, mounting screws will allow for much more reinforcement and durability. Extensive testing needed to be done onto the prototype to ensure functionality. Testing of speed reduction and sound would ensure lessened force. The striker also needed to have a blunter end so it wouldn’t puncture a hole in the door, a crash pad was created to soften the blow.

Comments

Team Name: Invent Something (Team 22)

Sponsor: Bahram Nassersharif

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-022-2025

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