Automotive door closing energy: An analysis on the impact of physical parameters

To bridge the gap between subjective customer assessment and objective engineering parameters, this study proposes a systematic approach for evaluating and predicting the perceived quality of vehicle door systems. Utilizing a customer-oriented methodology, the research focuses on the energy dynamics of front door opening and closing, which are critical functional components of a vehicle’s perceived quality. Initial evaluations involved subjective testing of four different vehicles by a consumer group using the SAE-based subjective satisfaction scale. Subsequently, key physical parameters influencing door closing energy—including static seal loads, check strap spring forces, door opening angles, door weights, and inward bending geometries—were empirically measured. Pearson correlation analysis was performed within the MATLAB environment, to determine the statistical significance and individual impact of each physical parameter on the total door-closing energy. A mathematical model was developed, employing a statistical regression approach to quantify the relationship between these physical variables and closing energy requirements. The model successfully correlates SAE-scale customer satisfaction scores with objective vehicle data, providing a predictive tool for perceived quality performance. The findings demonstrate that the developed model can accurately estimate the energy required for optimal closure, enabling engineering teams to optimize door system parameters during the early stages of vehicle design to ensure high perceived quality standards.