Automotive Accelerator Pedal

The most cost-effective solution was determined to be a standard duty Coiled Pin that was retained within the steel lead screw, and allowed to rotate within the plastic frame. The manufacturer was able to maintain the existing hole size in the steel lead screw, and only a simple core pin change was needed to provide the clearance hole in the plastic frame.

Coiled Pins are designed such that their pre-installed diameter is larger than the recommended hole. The diameter is compressed as the Coiled Spring Pin is inserted. Once installed, it retains itself by exerting constant radial force against the hole wall as it attempts to recover back to its pre-installed diameter. Retention values can be quite high depending on the hole size, host material and "duty" of the pin. Standard duty offered the optimum balance of strength and flexibility that exceeded all of the performance requirements for this particular application.

The Coiled Pin achieved the primary goal of reducing cost and simplifying assembly by eliminating the expensive machined Solid Pin and Push Nut combination. The recommended product was within SPIROL’s standard line, and therefore provided a low cost solution that could be supplied quickly for evaluation and testing.