INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL HVAC SYSTEM

摘要

This invention offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing an integrated structural HVAC system (10) (ISHS). In one exemplary embodiment, the ISHS includes an ISHS first section (12) and an ISHS second section (14) which are secured to one another to form the ISHS (10) of the present invention. In one embodiment, the ISHS first section (12) includes a molded first cross beam (16) which includes integral molded features and the ISHS second section (14) likewise comprises a molded second cross beam (200) having integral molded features. The first cross beam (16) includes a number of vent openings (30) formed therein and the second cross beam (200) includes a plurality of fluid ducts (220, 290, 300, 310) formed therein. The first cross beam (16) and second cross beam, (200) mate with each other and are securely attached to one another to form the ISHS (10). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid ducts (220, 290, 300, 310) provide both cockpit/intrument panel structure as well as fluid channels for directing air to desired locations within a vehicule compartment or the like.