2AZ-FE 2.4L -- What is the exact purpose of the TB gasket grill?

[TrevorS]

Meant to take a photo while I had it out, but forgot in my rush to get the engine running late last night .

There is a rubber gasket that seals the TB to the intake plenum and it has a partial copper grill mounted to its upper half (part# 22271-75031). The grill is roughly the shape of an inverted 'U' with center maybe 1/4 the gasket diameter and legs maybe 1/3. The gasket is at a mild downward angle on the TB side top/end of the plenum (and flush to the TB). I'm interpreting it as a diffusion grill, perhaps for the purpose of slowing the upper TB air flow where it enters the plenum, or perhaps for something else?

Does anyone have any specific knowledge of what that grill is intended to accomplish? Has anyone tested intake/engine behavior with Vs without it (the grill, that is, not the gasket)?

Any helpful info appreciated !

Thanks -- Trevor