Flexible sleeve liner for a convolute duct
An air induction system wherein the outlet air assembly includes a sleeve-lined convolute duct. A sleeve liner is disposed within a convolute duct which spans the convolutes, wherein an attached end of the sleeve liner is attached to a non-convolute portion of the convolute duct, wherein a free end is freely slidable in the convolute duct, and wherein the free end of the sleeve liner and the attached end of the sleeve liner each serve as a sealing cuff whereby air flow is laminar therethrough irrespective of the convolutes.
1. A sleeve lined convolute duct, comprising:
a convolute duct comprising a convolute portion and a pair of non-convolute portions, wherein one non-convulate portion of said pair of non-convolute portions is disposed at each side of said convolute portion, respectively;
a sleeve liner disposed within said convolute duct and spanning said convolute portion, said sleeve liner having an attached end and an opposite free end, said sleeve liner having a constant inner diameter and a smooth, continuously even inner surface, wherein said spanning is at least coterminal with said convolute portion such that said sleeve liner sealingly abuts said pair of non-convolute portions; and
an attachment of said sleeve liner at said attached end thereof to a non-convolute portion of said convolute duct;
wherein said free end of said sleeve liner is freely slidable in said convolute duct in response to movements of said convolute duct, wherein said free end always remains in a sealing cuff abutment with a non-convolute portion of said pair of non-convolute portions; and
wherein said free and attached ends of said sleeve liner each form a respective sealing cuff with respect to each said non-convolute portion of said convolute duct.
2. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 1 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
3. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 1 , wherein said sleeve liner has a smooth, continuously even inner surface between said attached and free ends thereof.
4. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 3 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
5. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 3 , wherein said attachment comprises bonding.
6. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 5 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
7. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 5 , wherein said bonding comprises a weld.
8. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 7 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
9. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 5 , wherein said bonding comprises over-molding.
10. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 9 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
11. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 3 , wherein said attachment comprises clamping.
12. The sleeve lined convolute duct of claim 11 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
13. An air induction system, comprising:
an air cleaner; and
an air cleaner outlet duct assembly connected to said air cleaner, said outlet duct assembly comprising:
a convolute duct comprising a convolute portion and a pair of non-convolute portions, wherein one non-convulate portion of said pair of non-convolute portions is disposed at each side of said convolute portion, respectively;
a sleeve liner disposed within said convolute duct and spanning said convolute portion, said sleeve liner having an attached end and an opposite free end, said sleeve liner having a constant inner diameter and a smooth, continuously even inner surface, wherein said spanning is at least coterminal with said convolute portion such that said sleeve liner sealingly abuts said pair of non-convolute portions; and
an attachment of said sleeve liner at said attached end thereof to a non-convolute portion of said convolute duct;
wherein said free end of said sleeve liner is freely slidable in said convolute duct in response to movements of said convolute duct, wherein said free end always remains in a sealing cuff abutment with a non-convolute portion of said pair of non-convolute portions; and
wherein said free and attached ends of said sleeve liner each form a respective sealing cuff with respect to each said non-convolute portion of said convolute duct.
14. The air induction system of claim 13 , wherein said sleeve liner has a smooth, continuously even inner surface between said attached and free ends thereof.
15. The air induction system of claim 14 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.
16. The air induction system of claim 14 , further comprising:
a first fitting of said air cleaner sealingly received by said attached end of said sleeve liner; and
a second fitting sealingly received by the non-convolute portion of said convolute duct whereat said free end of said sleeve liner forms a said sealing cuff respectively therewith.
17. The air induction system of claim 16 , wherein said convolute duct and said sleeve liner are flexible.