Custom 3D-printed lattice liner for personalized helmet fit
This technology creates custom-fitted helmet padding using 3D scanning of a person's head and additive manufacturing (3D printing). A digital model of the individual's head geometry is captured, refined, and used to design a latticed internal structure—called a mesostructure—whose thickness varies in a calculated way to better absorb impact energy. The thinner inner surface conforms precisely to the wearer's head while the thicker outer portion manages collision forces, reducing peak acceleration during an impact. The finished structure can serve as a standalone helmet or fit inside a conventional outer shell.
What you could build
A personalized helmet liner service—scan a customer's head in-store or via mobile app, print a custom lattice insert overnight, and ship or install it into any compatible helmet shell; primary buyers would be sports equipment retailers, military/law enforcement procurement offices, and helmet OEMs seeking a premium customization tier.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and military PPE suppliers near Quantico, Fort Belvoir, and Pentagon procurement channels would have immediate interest in custom-fit combat helmet liners.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- William J. Makowski
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed November 18, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250302138A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.