Abstract: An induction system is designed for an engine that includes a manifold having a plenum in fluid communication with primary runners. A plenum valve is arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum that are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners. The plenum valve is configured to move between open and closed positions to regulate flow between the first and second chambers. A secondary runner is arranged upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum. The secondary runner includes first and second runner portions with the second runner portion being shorter than the first runner portion. A runner valve is arranged in the secondary runner between the first and second runner portions and is configured to selectively direct flow through the first and second runner portions to the plenum to obtain a desired effective tuning length.

Abstract: An example induction system for an engine includes a plenum in fluid communication with multiple primary runners. A plenum valve is arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum, which are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners. The plenum valve is configured to move between open and closed positions and regulate flow between the first and second chambers. A second runner is arranged upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum. A runner valve is arranged in the secondary runner and configured to vary the amount of flow through the secondary runner. A common actuator is interconnected to both the plenum and runner valves and is configured to move both of the plenum and runner valves between desired positions to achieve desired valve configurations that tune the engine.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly (100) includes an inner shell (12) that is inserted into an outer shell (14), and a cover (25) that seals the open end (38) of the outer shell (14). The inner shell (12) includes dividers (16) that form air passages (18). A laser device (40) is traversed along the outer surface of the outer shell (14) along a path (44) corresponds with the inner shell (12) to form a laser weld joint (45). The intake manifold assembly (10) of this invention includes features and methods of assembly that improve the laser weld joints utilized to assemble the plastic intake manifold assembly (10). Both design details and clamping detail are described, every known configuration of U type manifolds can be made by this technique. The technique provides high value and low cost. High reliability is a well known feature of laser welding.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly (100 includes an inner shell (12) that is inserted into an outer shell (14), and a cover (25) that seals the open end (38) of the outer shell (14). The inner shell (12) includes dividers (16) that form air passages (18). A laser device (40) is traversed along the outer surface of the outer shell (14) along a predetermined path (44) that corresponds with the position of the inner shell (12) such that a desired laser weld joint (45) is formed The intake manifold assembly (10) of this invention includes features and methods of assembly that improve the laser weld joints utilized to assemble the plastic intake manifold assembly (10). Both design details and clamping detail are described, every known configuration of U type manifolds can be made by this technique. The technique provides high value and low cost. High reliability is a well known feature of laser welding.