Methods and systems are provided for a vacuum generating device. In one example, a vacuum generating device comprises a venturi device upstream of an annular fixture for adjusting an amount of vacuum provided to a vacuum consumption device.

Methods and arrangements for transitioning an engine between a deceleration cylinder cutoff (DCCO) state and an operational state are described. In one aspect, transitions from DCCO begin with reactivating cylinders to pump air to reduce the pressure in the intake manifold prior to firing any cylinders. In another aspect, transitions from DCCO, involve the use of an air pumping skip fire operational mode. After the manifold pressure has been reduced, the engine may transition to either a cylinder deactivation skip fire operational mode or other appropriate operational mode. In yet another aspect a method of transitioning into DCCO using a skip fire approach is described. In this aspect, the fraction of the working cycles that are fired is gradually reduced to a threshold firing fraction. All of the working chambers are then deactivated after reaching the threshold firing fraction.

A valve assembly is disclosed, and includes an evacuator and a relief valve. The evacuator includes a suction port that selectively applies a vacuum. The relief valve has an open position and a closed position, and includes an inlet, an outlet, a piston that translates within a chamber, and a pressurized chamber. The piston includes a first end and a second end. The pressurized chamber is fluidly connected to the suction port of the evacuator, and is defined in part by the first end of the piston. The piston translates within the pressurized chamber towards the open position if vacuum is applied to the pressurized chamber.

Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.

A control system for a vehicular supercharger regulates the flow of a vacuum signal to a boost valve to modulate the supply of compressed air to an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the control system includes a solenoid that regulates the vacuum signal in response to one or more vehicle sensor signals inputted to an electronic controller.

An aspirator for a brake system is provided having integrated functions of a flow bypass and a check valve for automotive applications to achieve various suction flow openings in response to different engine operating conditions to enhance brake boost performance. The brake system includes a brake vacuum booster, an engine having an intake manifold, an aspirator having a movable convergence nozzle, the aspirator being connected to the manifold, and a vacuum line connecting the booster to the aspirator. The aspirator includes a body having an interior end wall. A biasing element such as a spring is provided between the movable convergence nozzle and the interior end wall of the aspirator body. The body of the aspirator has an air flow path having an upstream area and a downstream area. The movable convergence nozzle is positioned in the upstream area of the flow path.

Methods and systems are provided for coordinating throttle bypass flows from brake booster vacuum reservoir, a fuel vapor purge system, and a crankcase ventilation system via active, electrical control of a crankcase ventilation valve. In one example, a method may include actively opening the crankcase ventilation valve to allow crankcase ventilation flow into the engine during conditions in which doing so will not result in engine air flow rate and/or engine fuel flow rate exceeding desired rates. Priority is given first to brake booster replenishment, then to fuel vapor purging, and then to crankcase ventilation during conditions where all three throttle bypass flows are desired.

A method for detecting a leak in a pressure vessel of a system including a plurality of pressure vessels in fluid communication with a common header comprises: reducing a fluid pressure in the common header to a first predetermined value below an operating pressure of the plurality of pressure vessels; gradually adding fluid to the common header at a first flow rate to increase the fluid pressure in the common header from the first predetermined value; monitoring, after gradually adding the fluid to the common header, the fluid pressure in the common header; and determining, based on the fluid pressure in the common header after gradually adding the fluid to the common header, a leak in at least one pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessels.

An air intake system for a vehicle has a conduit having an internal wall forming an air passage. A deflector is disposed within the air passage. A restricting structure is disposed within the air passage between the deflector and a conduit outlet. The restricting structure defines at least in part an opening substantially laterally aligned with the deflector. The restricting structure has a lateral wall disposed downstream of the deflector and extending within the air passage. The lateral wall has a front surface generally facing a conduit inlet, and a plurality of surface-increasing features provided on the front surface. Each of the surface-increasing features has a length of at least 1 mm measured from the front surface in a direction normal thereto. An air intake system having a collector connected to the deflector and positioned to collect at least some moisture from air flowing past the deflector is also described.

Methods and systems are provided for controlling airflow of an accumulator of a motorized vehicle. In one example, a method includes storing pressurized gases within the accumulator by flowing intake air from a compressor of an engine of the vehicle to a pressure booster arranged upstream of the accumulator. Pressurized gases stored within the accumulator may be used to drive one or more pneumatic devices.