A multi-mode muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine provides a rotary plate that modulates exhaust gas flow between a first and second flow path. Each flow path may provide different sound dampening characteristics, thereby providing different sound profiles with the same muffler. In a disclosed embodiment, the rotary plate is driven by a shaft coupled to an external actuator. Also, a third possible position of the rotary plate may allow flow through both the first and second flow paths, thereby providing a third possible noise profile. One of the sound profiles may be louder than the other thereby allowing the muffler to switch between “loud” and “quiet” modes of operation.

The muffler for a motorized vehicle includes a housing with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, an exhaust inlet, and an exhaust outlet. The muffler includes a first channel with a first noise dampening amount that is within the housing interior, to fluidly connect the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The muffler includes second channel with a second noise dampening amount that is within the housing interior between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The first noise dampening amount is greater than the second noise dampening amount. A valve selectively fluidly connects the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber thorough the second channel, and is configured to variably obstruct the flow of exhaust gas through the second channel. In various embodiments, the muffler has more than one inlet chamber and more than one exhaust outlet.

A valve comprises a valve body delimiting a passage for exhaust gases, a flap arranged in the valve body, and a drive shaft configured to drive the flap, and which is integrally secured to the flap. At least one guide bearing is configured to guide the drive shaft of the flap in rotation in relation to the valve body, and is connected to the valve body. The valve also includes an actuator and a transmission comprising an adapter rigidly attached directly to the drive shaft of the flap. The transmission is arranged in order to transmit a motor torque between the actuator and the adapter. The adapter has a contact surface that is in sealed contact with a complementary surface provided on the guide bearing.

A vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe defining an exhaust gas flow path, a heat recovery device connected to the exhaust pipe, and a diverter valve that controls exhaust gas flow between the exhaust pipe and heat recovery device. The diverter valve is moveable between at least a heat recovery mode where the diverter valve blocks flow through the exhaust pipe and directs flow into the heat recovery device, a full bypass acoustic mode where the diverter valve blocks flow through the heat recovery device and directs flow through the exhaust pipe, a transition mode where the diverter valve partially blocks flow through the heat recovery device and partially blocks flow through the exhaust pipe, and a partial bypass acoustic mode where the diverter valve blocks flow through the heat recovery device and partially blocks flow through the exhaust pipe.

A muffler for a vehicle includes: a muffler shell; a baffle disposed within the muffler shell, and having a first opening and a second opening which allow an exhaust gas to pass therethrough; and a variable valve mounted on the baffle. In particular, the variable valve includes: a valve plate rotatably mounted to open and close the first opening of the baffle; a valve arm connected to the valve plate; and a valve actuator to move the valve arm by variations in pressure of the exhaust gas. The valve plate is capable of rotating in a plane parallel to a plane of the baffle.

Methods and systems are provided for opportunistically mitigating an intermittent degradation of an active exhaust valve. In one example, a method may include differentiating between a permanent degradation of the active exhaust valve and an intermittent degradation of the active exhaust valve and adjusting actuation of the valve based on a vehicle operating condition and a road condition to mitigate the intermittent degradation.

An internal combustion engine system includes a combustion engine configured to produce exhaust gases as a product of a combustion reaction. An exhaust discharge pipe coupled to the internal combustion engine, and an adaptive valve assembly. The adaptive valve assembly is coupled to the exhaust discharge pipe and configured to receive the exhaust gases prior to the exhaust gases reaching the atmosphere. The adaptive valve assembly includes a valve flapper arranged in the passageway and configured to pivot about a flapper pivot axis from a normally-closed position to an opened position.

A valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve flap and a mass damper. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinally extending exhaust gas passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve flap is disposed in the housing and is rotatable between a first position restricting exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway is less restricted. The mass damper is disposed within the exhaust gas passageway. The mass damper is attached to the valve flap and comprise of a material having a high density. The mass damper is shielded from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas passageway when the valve flap is in the second position.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery device having an exhaust heat recovery device valve that may be selectively opened and closed. In one example, a method may include storing heat from exhaust gases in a phase changing material and releasing the stored heat to surroundings of an exhaust heat recovery device valve to reduce a possibility of the exhaust heat recovery device valve sticking.

An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine; the exhaust system comprises: at least one an exhaust duct, which originates from the internal combustion engine; at least one exhaust gas treatment device, which is arranged along the exhaust duct; and a silencing device, which is arranged along the exhaust duct downstream of the exhaust gas treatment device. The silencing device comprises a silencing valve, which intercepts the exhaust duct and is movable between a completely open position and a completely closed position. In the completely closed position, the silencing valve has a first free section for the passage of the exhaust gases having a first area other than zero, so that the exhaust gases can flow through the silencing valve even when the silencing valve is in the completely closed position.