Automotive Oil Pump Pick-Up Pipe

The manufacturer of a pick-up pipe for an automotive oil pump required a Compression Limiter to reinforce their plastic component.

Due to molding concerns total hole tolerance could not be reduced to accommodate traditional press-in solutions and molding in was not an option. The customer required a cost effective Compression Limiter for post-mold installation in a large tolerance hole. The installation would be automated so nesting and interlocking of the Compression Limiter was not permissible.

Total hole tolerance presented a number of problems for the customer. First, a turned or machined solution is static and cannot compensate for changes in hole tolerance. In the minimum material condition such a solution would be difficult or impossible to install without damaging the component. In the maximum material condition there would be little or no retention. Though a roll formed tubular part could compensate for a large hole tolerance they are typically manufactured with straight gaps and are therefore prone to nesting and interlocking. Due to the short length to diameter ratio the solution would also need a broken or rounded edge to ease insertion and keep the Compression Limiter straight during installation.

SPIROL Engineering designed a symmetrical ‘Z’ seam Compression Limiter for use in the customer’s application. This design allowed the use of a roll formed Compression Limiter with a large enough gap to ensure interference in the maximum hole while preventing butting in the minimum hole. The ‘Z’ seam prevented nesting and interlocking in the customer’s automated equipment, which ensured efficient installation with minimal downtime. This item was also designed with a round edge to ease installation and prevent skiving. 

SPIROL’s roll formed ‘Z’ seam Compression Limiter provided a cost effective solution that could compensate for the customers large hole tolerance and facilitate installation with their existing automation equipment. This solution also provided greater hole integrity as it was designed to prevent skiving and improve alignment during installation.

Complimentary Applications Engineering Support: SPIROL Engineers will review your application needs and work with your design team to recommend the best solution.