Robotic installation system and features for improving robotic installation

Abstract

A vehicle part for locating in a vehicle comprising a carrier, an optional adhesive, a gripping feature selected from a metallic insert, an opening, an extension, a valley, a smooth flat surface or some combination thereof, an identifier, wherein the gripping feature and identifier is present on the carrier, the adhesive, or both so that the vehicle part is capable of being identified by a robotic installation device, gripped by the robotic installation device, and installed in a vehicle by the robotic installation device.

Description

Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WOROBOTIC INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND FEATURES FOR IMPROVING ROBOTIC INSTALLATIONCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 726,998, filed on December 2, 2024. The contents of that application are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The teachings herein relates generally to features for forming on vehicle parts to support automated installation when the vehicle parts are loose-packed or packed in specified dunnage prior to installation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vehicle parts for reinforcing and / or sealing vehicle cavities are frequently packed into boxes with no particular organization. In other words they are simply scattered or loose-packed into boxes. These loose-packed parts present challenges to automated installation systems, since it is difficult for robotic systems to grip the parts at an appropriate location given that each part may lie in an arbitrary position.

[0004] Additionally, parts may also be shipped with specified dunnage to present the parts in a determined manner.

[0005] There is thus a need for improved systems to enable automated installation of loose- packed parts as well as parts packed in a specified dunnage.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The paragraphs set forth below include aspects of the present teachings that may be present on their own or may be combined with teachings of other paragraphs set forth below. Any number of the paragraphs set forth below may be combined but should not be viewed as requiring combination with others despite addressing similar aspects of the teachings.

[0007] The present teachings meet one or more of the above needs by the improved devices and methods described herein. The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms,Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0008] The teachings herein provide for vehicle part for locating in a vehicle comprising a carrier (which is optionally molded, extruded, pultruded, printed, or some combination thereof), an optional adhesive (located onto the carrier prior to installation or after installation), a gripping feature selected from a metallic insert, an opening, an extension, a valley, a smooth flat surface or some combination thereof, an identifier, wherein the gripping feature and identifier is present on the carrier, the adhesive, or both so that the vehicle part is capable of being identified by a robotic installation device, gripped by the robotic installation device, and installed in a vehicle by the robotic installation device.

[0009] The part may be loose-packed in a receptacle prior to installation.

[0010] The part may comprise a baffle.

[0011] The part may include less than two retainers formed or attached thereon.

[0012] The part may include at least one anti-rotation feature formed or attached thereon.

[0013] The anti-rotation feature may be positioned on a single plane relative to the retainers.

[0014] The anti-rotation feature may be positioned on a parallel plane relative to the retainers.

[0015] The anti-rotation feature may be positioned on a plane within five degrees relative to the retainers.

[0016] The gripping feature may include at least two bin-picking structures.

[0017] The bin-picking structures may be defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

[0018] The two planar surfaces may be spaced from about 5 to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm from each other.

[0019] The planar surfaces may include a surface area sufficient for contact with a gripper.

[0020] The surface area may have a size of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0021] The planar surfaces may have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper.

[0022] The clearance may be greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.

[0023] The gripping feature may include at least two install-picking structures.

[0024] The install-picking structures may be defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

[0025] The two planar surfaces may be spaced from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm from each other.

[0026] The planar surfaces may include a surface area having a size sufficient to contact a gripper.

[0027] The surface area may have a size of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm.

[0028] The planar surfaces may have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper.

[0029] The clearance may be greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.

[0030] The gripping feature may include at least two bin-picking structures positioned perpendicular to at least two install-picking structures.

[0031] At least one install-picking structure may be positioned from about 3 to about 20 mm from an attachment surface.

[0032] At least one install-picking structure may be positioned at least 3 mm from side walls of a mating part.

[0033] The part may include a sensing structure.

[0034] The sensing structure may be positioned ninety degrees relative to an attachment surface.

[0035] The sensing structure may include a surface area of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm.

[0036] The sensing structure may be spaced greater than 15 mm from other portions of a mating part.

[0037] The part may comprise a reinforcement insert.

[0038] The gripping feature may include at least two or at least three bin-picking structures.

[0039] The bin-picking structures may be defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0040] The two planar surfaces may be spaced from about 30 mm to about 50 mm from each other.

[0041] The planar surfaces may include a surface area having sufficient size and shape to contact a gripper.

[0042] The surface area of the first bin-picking structure may be in an amount of at least 25 mm x 5 mm and wherein the surface area of a second and third bin-picking structure may be in an amount of at least 10 mm x 10 mm.

[0043] The second and third bin-picking structures may be positioned equidistant from a center of the first picking structure.

[0044] The planar surfaces may have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper.

[0045] The clearance may be greater than 10 mm or 20 mm from other portions of the part.

[0046] The gripping feature may include at least two install-picking structures.

[0047] The install-picking structures may be defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

[0048] The two planar surfaces may be spaced from about 30 mm to about 50 mm from each other.

[0049] The planar surfaces may include a surface area of sufficient size and shape to contact a gripper.

[0050] The surface area may be in an amount of at least 29 mm x 15 mm.

[0051] The planar surfaces may have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper.

[0052] The clearance may be greater than 18 mm from other portions of the part.

[0053] The gripping feature may include at least two bin-picking structures positioned perpendicular to at least two install-picking structures.

[0054] The parts may be loose-packed in a receptacle prior to installation and free of any organization or stacking. Alternatively the parts may be packed with a specified dunnage to present the part in a desired orientation.

[0055] The teachings herein are further directed to a method comprising producing a carrier by molding, extruding, pultruding, printing, or some combination thereof, optionally introducing an adhesive onto the carrier prior to an installation step or forming a location on the carrier adapted for receiving adhesive after the installation step, forming a gripping feature on the carrier, the gripping feature selected from a metallic insert, an opening, an extension, a valley,Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO a smooth flat surface or surfaces or some combination thereof, forming an identifier on the carrier, and locating the part into a box, wherein the locating step is free of any stacking step.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part with exemplary gripping features in accordance with the present teachings.

[0058] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the part of Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 3A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 1.

[0060] Figure 4A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 5A is a front elevational view of the part of Figure 1 .

[0062] Figure 5B is a cross-section view of the part of Figure 1 .

[0063] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part with exemplary gripping features in accordance with the present teachings.

[0064] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the part of Figure 6.

[0065] Figure 8A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 6.

[0066] Figure 9A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 6.

[0067] Figure 10A is a front elevational view of the part of Figure 6.

[0068] Figure 10B is a cross-section view of the part of Figure 6.

[0069] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a part with exemplary gripping features in accordance with the present teachings.

[0070] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the part of Figure 11 .

[0071] Figure 13A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 11.

[0072] Figure 14A-B includes an exploded view of the part and gripping features of Figure 11.

[0073] Figure 15A is a front elevational view of the part of Figure 11.

[0074] Figure 15B is a cross-section view of the part of Figure 11.

[0075] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a baffle part.

[0076] Figure 17 is a sectional view of the baffle of Figure 16.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0077] Figure 18 is a sectional view of the baffle of Figure 16 installed in a sheet metal.

[0078] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the baffle of Figure 16 installed in a sheet metal and showing a sensor region.

[0079] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement insert part.

[0080] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement insert part.

[0081] Figure 22 is an end view of the reinforcement insert of Figure 20.

[0082] Figure 23 is a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement insert part.

[0083] Figure 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement insert part.

[0084] Figure 25 is a partial sectional view of the reinforcement insert of Figure 20.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0086] The gripping features described herein are formed and located onto a part so that the part can be gripped, removed from a first location, optionally moved to a second location, and then installed in a desired location on the vehicle. It is also possible that the parts can be gripped and moved to additional locations prior to installation. The gripping features may include a single structure of a combination of structures. For example, a gripping feature may include two structures that extend at 90 degree or skew angles relative to one another. A gripping feature may include one, two, three, four, or more structures. The part may include two or more different gripping features such that a first gripping feature (e.g., a bin-picking structure) may be utilized to grip and move a part to a first location and a second gripping feature (e.g. an install-picking structure) may be utilized to install the part to a desired location.

[0087] The gripping features may be formed on a part so that one or more structures forming the gripping feature are arranged at an angle that is roughly 90 degrees relative to an installation direction.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0088] The gripping features may include one or more structures which may include one or more ribs. The one or more ribs may be integrally formed with the one or more structures for forming the gripping feature. The ribs may act as stops and / or guides so that the grippers are appropriately guided and prevented from further movement.

[0089] The gripping features may be formed using one or more electro-coat drain holes. A valley structure may be formed as a structure for forming a gripping feature.

[0090] The gripping features may comprise metallic inserts so that the part can be gripped magnetically to be moved and / or installed. Such metallic inserts may comprise metallic features with dual purpose. For example, the metallic insert could be overmolded by a polymeric material to form a reinforced part. The metallic insert may include a weld tab that can be utilized to secure a part to a desired location. An example of a metallic insert is shown at Figures 1-5B.

[0091] The structures for forming the gripping features may include one or more fasteners. The fasteners may be tree-fasteners, tabs, pins, arrows, friction-fit structures, or the like. The fasteners may be integrally formed. The fasteners may be separately formed. The fasteners may be robotically installed on the part or robotically installed in a vehicle cavity to receive a robotically installed part.

[0092] The part may be labeled with an identifier, so that a robot can identify what part is being gripped. Such a label may be a digital label or an analog label. The label may be an RFID tag, a QR code, a barcode, a bit code, or any other identifier capable of being read by a robot.

[0093] The structures for forming the gripping features may include one or more holes. The holes may be substantially oval in shape. The holes may be free of any circular holes. The holes may be a shape that is capable of being sealed by an expandable adhesive, sealant, or structural material, which may be a foam material. Examples of such openings are shown at Figures 6-10B.

[0094] The structures for forming the gripping features may include one or more valleys, divots, or other spaces on the part where structures are formed of a size and depth to receive one or more grippers of a robotic installation device.

[0095] The structures for forming the gripping features may include one or more extended flat planes for suction cup gripping. The structures may include one or more secondary extension structures to assist the robot in properly centering the part in a cavity.

[0096] The structures may be located on the perimeter of the part. The structure may be a ledge or raised portion on the perimeter of the part.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0097] The parts may be fitted with one or more structures, tags, materials, indicia, reflectors, to facilitate the robotic locating and identifying the part to select from loose-packed parts.

[0098] The robotic installation device may be connected to one or more gripping devices. The one or more gripping devices may be fitted with one or more suction cups. The parts may include a target. The target may be formed by engraving or printing on the part. The engraving or printing may serve to identify the part name and / or number and / or location where the part should be installed on a vehicle. The engraving or printing may be located by the feature or surface to which one or more suction cups would grip the part. The target area at which the suction cup is to be placed may have a smooth surface so that the connection between the suction cups and part is suitably strong to avoid dropped or mis-located parts.

[0099] The one or more gripping devices may be fitted with grips capable of engaging with one or more holes or pockets on a part. The one or more holes or pockets may have a particular orientation which may serve to identify the part location in three-dimensional space on the vehicle. These holes or pockets (e.g., structures) can be circular, elliptical, rhombus, square, triangle square or any polygon forming a through hole or blind hole and being a pocket or boss. As one non-limiting example, a 25 mm x 25 mm square pocket can be formed on the part where the depths can range from 5 mm to 150 mm with the preferred range being 15 mm to 100 mm.

[0100] The part may include one or more structures formed in specific, identifiable geometric shapes on the part to identify the part to the robot. These can be pockets of a particular shape, which may or may not be used to engage a gripping device. In other words the geometric shape may only serve as an indicator for the robotic installation device, and / or may serve as a structure for engaging a gripping feature. If used to engage a gripping device, the geometric structure may engage in a sufficiently secure manner to compensate for installation into a vehicle cavity or surface. For example, see figures 11-15B.

[0101] The one or more gripping features may include one or more rib structures. The rib may stand below or extend above and below a primary surface of the part. The dimensions of the one or more ribs may be 30 mm to 250 mm longitudinal, and 0.3 mm to 50 mm horizontally, and 30 mm to 250 mm vertically, and in one aspect have dimensions being between 15 and 35mm longitudinally, 1.525 mm thick (e.g., 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm thick) and 15 to 35 mm in the axis.

[0102] Figures 1-15B show various exemplary parts as described herein including a carrier 10 and adhesive 22 located thereon. The adhesive may be applied to the part prior toFiled via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO installation or after installation. The part may be a baffle type structure or may be a reinforcement insert structure, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0103] The carrier 10 may include a metallic insert 12 as the gripping feature. The carrier includes a front surface 14 and back surface 16. One or more clips or attachment structures 18 may be used to stabilize and locate the carrier once robotically installed. In one aspect, the part may include 2 or fewer clips 18. The clip 18 may be attached to an end wall 20 of the carrier 10. In addition to clips 18, the carrier 10 may include anti-rotation features 19. In one aspect, the anti-rotation features may be: a) on a single plane relative to the clip, b) on a parallel plane relative to the clip, c) on a plane within five degrees of the clip.

[0104] The carrier includes openings 24 for receiving the metallic inserts 12. The metallic inserts 12 may be overmolded by the carrier or may separately installed post molding of the carrier. The adhesive 22 may also include adhesive openings 26 to facilitate access to the metallic inserts 12 by a gripping device of a robotic installation device.

[0105] The gripping feature may alternatively be an opening 28. The adhesive 22 may also include a corresponding opening 30. In one aspect, the gripping feature may be free of adhesive. The gripping feature may alternatively be a geometric structure 32a, 32b. The adhesive 22 may also include corresponding geometric structures 34a, 34b.

[0106] Referring to Figures 16-19, the part may include a baffle 100 having an adhesive 122 positioned thereon. The baffle 100 may include differing gripping features. In one aspect the gripping features may include a bin-picking structure 102 and an install-picking structure 104.

[0107] The bin-picking structure 102 may include at least two bin-picking structures. The bin-picking structures 102 may be selected from any of the gripping features described above. In the depicted embodiment, the bin-picking structures 102 are defined by two planar surfaces 105 parallel to each other and spaced from each other. In one aspect the planar surfaces 105 may be spaced from 5 to 10 mm, or 8 mm from each other. In one aspect, the planar surfaces 105 may include a surface area 106 sufficient for contact with a gripper 108. The surface area 106 may be from 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm.

[0108] In one aspect, the planar surfaces 105 may have a clearance 110 relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper. The clearance 110 may be from greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.

[0109] The install-picking point 104 in the depicted embodiment may be defined by two planar surfaces 112 parallel to each other and spaced from each other. In one aspect theyFiled via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO may be spaced from 5 to 10 mm, or 8 mm from each other. In one aspect, the planar surfaces 112 may include a surface area 114 sufficient from contact with a gripper 108. The surface area 114 may be from 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm. The install-picking point 104 may be substantially perpendicular to the bin-picking points 102.

[0110] In one aspect, the install-picking point 104 may be positioned from 3 to 20mm from an attachment surface 116. The install-picking point 104 may be positioned at least 3mm from side walls 117 of a part. In one aspect, the parallel surfaces may have a clearance 118 relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper 108. The clearance 118 may be from greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.

[0111] The baffle may include a sensing structure or identifier 120. The sensing structure 120 may be positioned ninety degrees relative to the attachment surface 116. In one aspect, the sensing structure 120 may include a surface area 122 of from 5mmx5mm to 10mmx10mm or 8mmx8mm. The sensing structure 120 may be spaced greater than 15 mm from other portions of a mating part.

[0112] Referring to Figures 20-25, the part may include a reinforcement insert 200 having an adhesive 222 positioned thereon. The reinforcement insert 200 may include differing gripping features. In one aspect the gripping features may include a bin-picking structure 202 and install-picking structure 204.

[0113] The bin-picking structure 202 may include at least three bin-picking structures. The bin-picking structures may be selected from any of the gripping features described above.

[0114] In the depicted embodiment, the bin-picking structures 202 are defined by planar surfaces 205 parallel to each other and spaced from each other. In one aspect they may be spaced from 30 to 50 mm from each other. The first bin-picking structure 207 may include a surface area 209 sufficient for contact with a gripper. The surface area may be at least 25mmx5mm.

[0115] The second and third bin-picking structures 211 may include a surface area of 10mmx10mm. The second and third bin-picking structures 209 may be positioned equidistant from a center of the first picking structure 207.

[0116] In one aspect, the parallel surfaces may have a clearance 213 relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper. The clearance may be from greater than 10 or 20 mm from other portions of the part.

[0117] The install-picking point 204 in the depicted embodiment, may be defined by two planar surfaces 215 parallel to each other and spaced from each other. In one aspect theyFiled via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO may be spaced from 30 to 50 mm from each other. In one aspect, the planar surfaces 215 may include a surface area 217 sufficient from contact with a gripper. The surface area 217 may be at least 29mmx15mm.

[0118] The install-picking point 204 may be substantially perpendicular to the binpicking points 202 and positioned midway between retainers of the part.

[0119] In one aspect, the surfaces may have a clearance 219 relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper. The clearance 219 may be greater than 18 mm from other portions of the part.

[0120] It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0121] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings envision that any member of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus; and / or any member of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.

[0122] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001 , 0.01 , or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as "parts by weight" herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the of a range in terms of at "'x' parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition" also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of "x" in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition."Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO

[0123] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0124] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist of, or consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0125] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0126] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WOCLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vehicle part for locating in a vehicle comprising: a) a carrier which is optionally molded, extruded, pultruded, printed, or some combination thereof; b) an optional adhesive located onto the carrier either prior to installation or postinstallation; c) a gripping feature selected from a metallic insert, an opening, an extension, a valley, a smooth flat surface or surfaces or some combination thereof; d) an identifier; wherein the gripping feature and identifier are present on the carrier, the adhesive, or both so that the vehicle part is capable of being identified by a robotic installation device, gripped by the robotic installation device, and installed in a vehicle by the robotic installation device.

2. The part of claim 1 , wherein the part is loose-packed in a receptacle prior to installation.

3. The part of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the part comprises a baffle.

4. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the part includes less than two retainers formed or attached thereon.

5. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the part includes at least one antirotation feature formed or attached thereon.

6. The part of claim 5, wherein the anti-rotation feature is positioned on a single plane relative to the retainers.

7. The part of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the anti-rotation feature is positioned on a parallel plane relative to the retainers.

8. The part of any of claims 5 through 7, wherein the anti-rotation feature is positioned on a plane within five degrees relative to the retainers.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO9. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping feature includes at least two bin-picking structures.

10. The part of claim 9, wherein the bin-picking structures are defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

11. The part of claim 10, wherein the two planar surfaces are spaced from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm from each other.

12. The part of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the planar surfaces include a surface area of sufficient size and shape to contact a gripper and wherein the surface area is an amount of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm, or about 8 mm x 8 mm.

13. The part of any of claims 10 through 12, wherein the planar surfaces have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper and wherein the clearance is greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.

14. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping feature includes at least two install-picking structures.

15. The part of claim 14, wherein the install-picking structures are defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

16. The part of claim 15, wherein the two planar surfaces are spaced from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm from each other.

17. The part of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the planar surfaces include a surface area of sufficient size and shape to contact a gripper and wherein the surface area is an amount of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm or 8 mm x 8 mm.

18. The part of any of claims 15 through 17, wherein the planar surfaces have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper and wherein the clearance is greater than 10 mm from other portions of the part.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO19. The part of any of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping feature includes at least two bin-picking structures positioned perpendicular to at least two install-picking structures.

20. The part of any of claims 14 through 19, wherein the install-picking structure is positioned from about 3 mm to about 20 mm from an attachment surface.

21. The part of any of claims 14 through 20, wherein the install-picking structure is positioned at least 3mm from side walls of a mating part.

22. The part of any of the preceding claims, including a sensing structure wherein the sensing structure is positioned at about ninety degrees relative to an attachment surface.

23. The part of claim 22, wherein the sensing structure includes a surface area of at least 5 mm x 5 mm to 10 mm x 10 mm, or 8 mm x 8 mm.

24. The part of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the sensing structure is spaced greater than 15 mm from other portions of a mating part.

25. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the part comprises a reinforcement insert.

26. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping feature includes at least two or at least three bin-picking structures.

27. The part of claim 26, wherein the bin-picking structures are defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

28. The part of claim 27, wherein the two planar surfaces are spaced from about 30 mm to about 50 mm from each other.Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO29. The part of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the planar surfaces include a surface area of sufficient size and shape to contact a gripper and wherein the surface area of a first bin-picking structure is an amount of at least 25 mm x 5 mm and wherein the surface area of a second bin-picking structure and a third bin-picking structure is an amount of at least 10 mm x 10 mm.

30. The part of claim 29, wherein the second and third bin-picking structures are positioned equidistant from a center of the first picking structure.

31. The part of any of claims 27 through 30, wherein the planar surfaces have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper and wherein the clearance is greater than about 10 mm or even greater than about 20 mm from other portions of the part.

32. The part of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping feature includes at least two install-picking structures.

33. The part of claim 32, wherein the install-picking structures are defined by two planar surfaces parallel to each other and spaced from each other.

34. The part of claim 33, wherein the two planar surfaces are spaced from and wherein the two planar surfaces are spaced from about 30 mm to about 50 mm from each other.

35. The part of claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the planar surfaces include a surface area sufficient in size and shape to contact a gripper and wherein the surface area is an amount of at least 29 mm x 15 mm.

36. The part of any of claims 33 through 35, wherein the planar surfaces have a clearance relative to other portions of the part to allow for unimpeded movement of a gripper and wherein the clearance is greater than 18 mm from other portions of the part.

37. A method comprising: producing a carrier by molding, extruding, pultruding, printing, or some combination thereof;Filed via EFS @ USPTO.gov on December 2, 2025 Attorney Docket No.: 1001.933WO optionally introducing an adhesive onto the carrier prior to an installation step or forming a location on the carrier adapted for receiving adhesive after the installation step; forming a gripping feature on the carrier, the gripping feature selected from a metallic insert, an opening, an extension, a valley, a smooth flat surface or surfaces or some combination thereof; forming an identifier on the carrier; locating the part into a box, wherein the locating step is free of any stacking step.

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