# US 5,704,325 A · Stacked snail-type manifold > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,704,325 A - Document ID: US5704325A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/773,700 - Filed: 1996-12-27 - Granted: 1998-01-06 - Earliest claimed: 1996-06-28 - Assignees: BASF SE - Inventors: Eric R. Sattler; Joel S. Myers - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5704325A ## CPC - F02M 35/10321: {Plastics; Composites; Rubbers} - F02B 27/006: {of intake runners} - F02B 75/22: with cylinders in V, fan, or star arrangement - F02M 35/10039: {Intake ducts situated partly within or on the plenum chamber housing} - F02M 35/10072: {Intake runners} - F02M 35/10124: {Ducts with special cross-sections, e.g. non-circular cross-section} - F02M 35/10347: {Moulding, casting or the like} - F02M 35/10327: {Metals; Alloys (catalysts F02M27/02)} - F02M 35/112: for engines with cylinders all in one line - F02M 35/116: for engines with cylinders in V-arrangement or arranged oppositely relative to the main shaft - F05C 2225/08: Thermoplastics - Y02T 10/12: Improving ICE efficiencies - F02M: SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF - F02B: INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL (gas-turbine plants F02C; hot-gas or combustion-product positive-displacement engine plants F02G) - F05C: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MATERIALS, MATERIAL PROPERTIES OR MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR MACHINES, ENGINES OR PUMPS OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES - Y02T: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION ## Abstract A stacked snail-type manifold design is provided including a plurality of plastic manifold sections which are engageable with one another. The stacked design provides a simple process for manufacturing a snail-type manifold. The use of plastic manifold sections reduces the weight of the manifold. Furthermore, the plastic manifold sections can be fabricated by an inexpensive and relatively simple molding process. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A manifold comprising: a plurality of independent manifold sections including a base portion having a wall structure extending therefrom; wherein said manifold sections are attached to one another in a stacked relationship such that said wall structure of said manifold sections mate, in a stacked relationship, with a base portion of an adjacent manifold section to define a plurality of manifold runners. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said base portion of said manifold sections include a generally flat plate having an opening through a central potion thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The manifold according to claim 2, wherein said wall structure of said manifold sections include a first wall portion which extends along a substantial portion of said opening, said first wall portions defining a plenum which is connected to each of said runners. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said base portion of said manifold sections include a generally flat plate having grooves formed on a back side thereof for mating with said wall structure of an adjacent manifold section. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said wall structure includes an outlet port for mating with an intake valve port of an engine. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The manifold according to claim 5, wherein said outlet port is adapted to be partially inserted into the intake valve port of an engine. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The manifold according to claim 6, wherein said outlet port includes an annular seal around an outer surface thereof. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, further comprising an end manifold section including a throttle body mounting flange. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) The manifold according to claim 3, further comprising an end manifold section including a generally flat plate for enclosing an end of said plenum. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said manifold sections include a plurality of bosses extending therefrom, said bosses being aligned with one another when said manifold sections are stacked together for receiving a fastening member therethrough. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said runners are spiral-shaped. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said manifold segments are made of plastic. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said wall structure is integrally formed as a unitary member with said base portion. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The manifold according to claim 12, wherein said manifold sections are made of glass reinforced nylon. ### Claim 15 A manifold section for use in a stacked manifold assembly, comprising: a base portion including a generally flat plate having a opening through a central portion thereof; a wall structure extending from a first side of said generally flat plate; and a set of grooves on a second side of said generally flat plate for mating with a wall structure of another manifold section. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The manifold section according to claim 15, wherein said wall structure includes a pair of walls which define a spiral-shaped runner. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The manifold section according to claim 15, wherein said wall structure includes an outlet port for mating with an intake valve port of an engine. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The manifold section according to claim 15, wherein said manifold segment is made of plastic. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The manifold section according to claim 15, wherein said manifold segment is made of glass reinforced nylon. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The manifold section according to claim 18, wherein said wall structure is integrally formed as a unitary member with said base portion. ### Claim 21 A method of making a manifold, comprising the steps of: molding a plurality of manifold sections from a plastic material, said manifold sections including a base portion including a plate having an opening through a central portion thereof, a wall structure extending from a first side of said plate, and a set of grooves on a second side of said plate for mating with a wall structure of another manifold section; stacking said manifold sections such that said wall structure of a plurality of said manifold sections engage said grooves of adjacent manifold sections.