Continuously variable intake manifold with an adjustable plenum

Abstract

An intake manifold includes a plenum volume 14 mounted for movement within a housing 20 in response to a drive system 22 to define an effective runner length. A multiple of deformable runner passages 18 include a flexible section 26 such that as the plenum 14 extends and retracts within the housing 20, the flexible section 26 accommodates the difference in length while the housing 20 provides structural support therefor. An intake conduit 12 likewise includes a flexible section 26 to accommodate movement of the plenum 14. In operation at low engine speeds, the plenum 14 is driven to extend the deformable runner passages 18 to increase the length between the plenum 14 and the engine cylinders 16. As the engine speed increases, the plenum 14 is driven to shorten the deformable runner 18 for maximum speed operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.