At a glance
| Patent number | CN217566713U (application CN202220189260) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Foot massage device and automobile seat (足部按摩装置及汽车座椅) |
| Patent owner | Anwen Automobile Technology Tianjin Co ltd |
| Inventors | Zhang Haitao |
| Filing date | 2022-01-24 |
| Grant date | 2022-10-14 |
| Status (China) | In force - valid until at most 2032-01-24, provided annual fees are paid |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 4 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN217566713U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a foot massage device comprising a carrier substrate (11) and a cover plate (12). A driving mechanism (13) moves the cover plate relative to the substrate, allowing it to approach or recede from the base. This adjustability adapts the device to vehicle-mounted space limits.
Specific Structural Variations:
- Sliding Fit: Side edges of the cover plate and substrate form an up-down sliding relationship.
- Ball Screw Drive: Includes a driving motor (133), ball screw nut pair, and fitting ring (134) on the cover plate.
- Rotational Connection: One end of the cover plate rotates relative to the substrate; the other end is free.
- Elastic Cable System: Uses an elastic retractable body (60), guide column (61), and cable rope (63) bypassing hooking points (62) to pull the cover plate.
- Airbag Support: A top support airbag group (65) assists in maintaining the height of the cover plate.
- Support Rods: Combinations of support grooves, rods, and cylinders (117, 119) allow for angular adjustment of the substrate relative to a swivel base.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific adjustable structure in China requires the owner’s permission. In the US, there is no direct counterpart to this patent, but similar mechanisms may be covered by other intellectual property.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Automotive seat comfort systems are heavily patented globally, including adjustable lumbar and footrest mechanisms. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential to check for US patents covering similar “adjustable height” or “ball screw driven cover” technologies before tooling.
- Integration Standards. The device must interface with standard automotive seat frames. Dimensions and mounting points vary by OEM platform, requiring custom adaptation layers.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Drive Type | Ball screw, elastic cable, or airbag-assisted lift |
| Range of Motion | Vertical travel distance based on seat gap availability |
| Motor Spec | Voltage, RPM, and noise level for vibration motor |
| Materials | High-strength plastics or lightweight alloys for substrate/plate |
| Control Interface | Wired switch, wireless remote, or CAN bus integration |
| Surface Finish | Leather wrapping, fabric covering, or anti-slip texture |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FMVSS / NHTSA: While this is an accessory, any modification to the seat structure must not compromise safety standards regarding crashworthiness and restraint systems.
- Electrical Safety: Motors and wiring must meet automotive-grade insulation and fire resistance standards (e.g., UL or equivalent automotive specs).
- Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH): The mechanism must operate quietly to avoid interfering with cabin acoustic targets.
- Durability Testing: Components undergo cycle testing for thousands of adjustments to simulate vehicle lifespan.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define seat platform, available space, and desired massage intensity.
- Design - Select drive mechanism (screw vs. cable), size the motor, and design mounting brackets.
- Prototype - Build functional samples for fit-check and NVH evaluation.
- Pilot run - Validate durability through cycle tests and environmental exposure.
- Production - Injection molding for plastic parts, machining for metal guides, and assembly with electronics.
Quantities & timeline
Molds for the substrate and cover plate are required. Precision components like ball screws or guide columns may be sourced from existing suppliers. Development time focuses on integrating the control logic and ensuring silent operation. Send us your target vehicle platform, space constraints, and quantity requirements and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings




































Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.


