Body structure with integrated air channel

A body structure for inducting air into an airbox of an automotive vehicle, comprising:

• a generally trough-shaped first structural member having a floor, two opposed side walls having respective top edges, and an open top along a length of the first structural member defining a generally U-shaped cross-section, the cross-section having a depth as measured from a center of the floor to a midpoint between the top edges;
• the first structural member having a first portion with a first flow direction therethrough and a second portion with a second flow direction therethrough different from the first flow direction, the first portion having opposed first and second ends with a first opening in the first end, the second portion having opposed third and fourth ends with a second opening in the fourth end, wherein the second and third ends are in fluid communication with each other;
• wherein the first portion has a first average depth and the second portion has a deepened portion having a second average depth larger than the first average depth;
• and
• a second structural member attached to the top edges of the first structural member so as to cover at least a portion of the open top and form an enclosed air duct along at least a portion of the length of the first structural member;
• wherein the first opening is configured for receiving air into the enclosed air duct;
• and
• wherein, proximate the second opening, the enclosed air duct is configured for attachment to the airbox of the automotive vehicle and for providing air from the enclosed air duct to the airbox.

An air induction system for inducting air into an airbox of an automotive vehicle, comprising:

• a generally trough-shaped first structural member having a floor, two opposed side walls having respective top edges, and an open top along a length of the first structural member defining a generally U-shaped cross-section, the cross-section having a depth as measured from a center of the floor to a midpoint between the top edges;
• the first structural member having a first portion with a first flow direction therethrough and a second portion with a second flow direction therethrough different from the first flow direction, the first portion having opposed first and second ends with a first opening in the first end, the second portion having opposed third and fourth ends with a second opening in the fourth end, wherein the second and third ends are in fluid communication with each other;
• wherein the first portion has a first average depth and the second portion has a deepened portion having a second average depth larger than the first average depth, wherein the deepened portion is disposed closer to the fourth end than to the third end, and wherein the floor includes a transition portion wherein the depth transitions from the first average depth to the second average depth;
• and
• a second structural member attached to the top edges of the first structural member so as to cover at least a portion of the open top and form an enclosed air duct along at least a portion of the length of the first structural member;
• wherein the first opening is configured for receiving air into the enclosed air duct;
• wherein, proximate the second opening, the enclosed air duct is configured for attachment to the airbox of the automotive vehicle and for providing air from the enclosed air duct to the airbox;
• and
• wherein the first structural member includes a plurality of attachment points for interfacing with at least three of the airbox, a wheel liner, an engine control module harness, and electrical system component and a rear fender.