Friday 17 April 2026
Prior solution
A major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) was using a machined pin with a separate E-clip in a flush-mounted exterior automotive door handle assembly. While the design functioned adequately, it introduced unnecessary cost and complexity in a high-volume production environment.
The system required two components to perform one function: the machined pin acted as the pivot element, while the E-clip provided retention after installation. This dual-component approach increased total assembly cost in several ways.
First, the machined pin was relatively expensive due to the cost of machining operations and the tight tolerances required. Second, the addition of a separate E-clip introduced extra material cost and a secondary installation step. Together, these factors increased part count, handling, and assembly time, while also elevating the risk of misinstallation.
The OEM sought a more cost-effective and efficient solution that could eliminate the secondary retainer, simplify installation, and maintain reliable performance.
SPIROL solution
SPIROL recommended replacing the two-component design with the LP500 Latch Pin for Plastics. Engineered to provide secure retention and consistent pivot performance in latch and handle applications, the LP500 Latch Pin enabled the customer to eliminate the separate E-clip entirely.
Unlike the previous machined pin, the LP500 Latch Pin is a standard off-the-shelf SPIROL product. This allowed the automotive OEM to implement the solution quickly—without the added cost, lead time, or complexity of a custom-engineered component.
By combining the pivot and retention functions into a single component, SPIROL helped the customer reduce part count, streamline assembly, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
Results
Converting from the machined pin with an E-clip to the SPIROL LP500 Latch Pin resulted in over 90% cost savings for the automotive OEM.
In addition to significant cost reduction, the customer achieved:
- Simplified assembly;
- Reduced handling and installation steps;
- Lower risk of misinstallation;
- Improved supply chain efficiency.
By adopting a standard SPIROL solution, the OEM was able to replace a costly, multi-component fastening method with a simpler, more reliable, and far more economical design.