Achieving a "Soft" open mechanism

Question

How do those mechanisms such as the ones in cars work - when you open a tray or glove-box, and it opens slowly by "easing in".

I would like to build my own compartment with a sliding cover that would slowly open by with the push of a button.

Thanks

Answer 1

One method is they use a piston/ cylinder arrangement that has a small hole to allow the air in / out to slow down the rate of movement caused by the weight or a spring .

As for a name : damper or damping piston comes to mind.