Automotive Oil Pump

Following a comprehensive design review, SPIROL Engineering recommended the use of a standard duty Coiled Spring Pin as the alignment pin in the new oil pump application. Coiled Pins are designed such that their pre-installed diameter is larger than the recommended hole. The diameter of the Coiled Pin is compressed during insertion which prevents deformation of the hole in the pump resulting in a good "press fit" between the pin and the hole. Once installed, the Coiled Pin 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. This low cost solution was within SPIROL’s standard line, therefore prototypes were supplied quickly for testing and evaluation in the assembly.

By replacing the rigid Solid Dowel with a Coiled Spring Pin the customer was able to eliminate the reaming operation, and consequently improve plant productivity. In addition, they reduced the overall weight of their product which was one of the requirements for the new design. Finally, the customer has realized an annual component cost savings of $40,000!

The Coiled Pin achieved all the customer's needs for this application. The primary goal to reduce cost was accomplished. However, additional savings were achieved through the reduction in hole preparation time, reduction in weight of the final assembly, lowering of installation forces and the decrease in total assembly time.

Our staff of engineers will review your application needs and work with your design team to recommend the best solution.