Patent # 6334876
The Air-Lock and Suction Lock are airtight lock mechanisms designed to combine suction sus- pension comfort with pin suspension safety and convenience. The dual suspension system offers greater suspension and comfort over traditional pin systems.
Air-Lock CD103
Small Air-Lock CD 103S
Benefits of the Air-Lock and Suction Lock
Large pin allows for easy engagement- Reduced wear of self lubricating materials
- Water resistant construction
- Reduces traction or milking of limb
- Reduces pistoning
- Improves proprioception
- Reduces tension and pressure on the limb
- Improves suspension
- Cost effective fabrication technique.
Specifications
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Suction Lock
Weight w/ connector: 163 grams |
Air-Lock Weight w/ connector: 119 grams Dimension: 2.26:” diameter Weight limit: 265 lbs. Build height: Max of 1.34″ Amputation type: AK, BK Activity Level: Any |
Small Air-Lock
Weight w/ connector: 71 grams |
Not for use with elevated vacuum, check out the EOVC Lock, our elevated vacuum compatible lock.
Click Here for information on the new TWO YEAR Warranty (warranty page coming soon)
Choosing Between the Air-Lock and the Suction Lock
| Air-Lock: Lighter weight Lower cost Smaller option available Smaller build height |
Suction Lock: Funnel helps ease engagement Higher engagement point Higher weight limit (coming soon) Typically requires use of a distal cushion |
Check out our new Lock Poster for easy product ordering and explanation. Request posters be sent to your office.
What do you mean suction?
Many have heard the comment, “I cant wear a pin”. In many cases this can be true but frequently it is the result of the extra tension put on to the limb by traditional pins. Traditional pins tend to “hang” the prosthetic from the pin and liner at the end of the limb, increasing distal discomfort and creating a large amount of pistoning. To reduce pistoning, typically more traction is pulled on the limb, creating even more discomfort. Because traditional locks allow airflow in the bottom, the limb acts as a syringe when the amputee takes a step and sucks in as much air into the socket as possible. When the amputee steps back down, the air is forced out, many times creating a whooshing noise.
But not all locks are created equal. The Air-Lock and Suction Locks’ patented design stops air from coming into the bottom of the socket, creating a negative pressure inside the socket (suction), even without the use of a sleeve. This reduces pistoning regardless of pin location. This also allows for less traction on the limb for increased comfort and decreased liner wear. The amount of difference it makes can vary, but even if it is a small amount, that amount is multiplied by every step taken. Learn more about combining Suction with a pin, amputee reaction, pressure studies vs. traditional pins, and billing information, click here. (will transfer to its What is suction page, coming soon)
Fabrication
The Air-Lock also features a unique fabrication method that allows for fast and efficient fabrication of test sockets and laminated sockets. There are two new insert options for our Alignable Connector that allows the lock to be centered over the four hole connector, or can offer some offset. These inserts and connector can be used in test sockets or laminated sockets. During the fitting process, using an align- ment coupler, the foot can be offset from the pin even more. This offset can then be transferred into the definitive socket using a transfer fixture.
The Alignable Connector without the inserts is ideal for the definitive laminated socket. It can be glued to the lock in the desired offset loca- tion, either using the transfer fixture, or simply by hand. This separates the pin alignment from the prosthetic foot alignment, eliminating the need for two laminations, or expensive offset components, saving time and money. When the final socket is competed the offset alignment is built in, and all of the endo components are at their safest location, neutral. Click here to see more of the fabrication procedure. Fabrication Key: To maintain the airtight feature of the lock, make sure that no pva bags, or nylons are ever pulled over the lock housing. The socket material needs to be fabricated directly over the lock housing.
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| Single Direction Insert CD103SDI Shown with connector on lock |
Multi Direction Insert CD103MDI Shown with connector on lock |
Alignable Connector CD103AF 35 grams Shown glued to lock |
Casting Handle
Our new casting handles speed up casting and fabrication and prevent the lock from being fabricated in the wrong position. The liner of choice is rolled onto the patient, and the casting pin is installed. The handle is then slid onto the pin for a better look at the line of progression of the lock on both planes. The handle is casted in. Once the mold is removed, the fabrication anchor can be installed, and the cast filled. This ensure the lock is in the desired location. Watch the Casting Handle in action. Go to the ordering/info page for part ordering information on the Casting Handle and Casting Pin.
New Anchor
The new fabrication anchor has a tie off ring for the pva bag to help make fabrication easier. The pva bag is tied off or rubber banded under the tie-off ring. This allows the lock to be glued directly to the anchor to reduce the chance of resin leaking into the lock. It also features a large rubber gasket to keep resin out of the lock
Pin Assembly and Seating
The Air-Lock now uses the same lock pin as the Suction Lock, the CD113P8. The pin also has a one piece set screw to make assembly and disassembly easier. Unlike most pins and locks, our locks come with small spacers to allow for adjustment of the pin length to make sure the pin is seating completely in the lock, eliminating any play. The chart below is a good reference for the correct spacers for different liner brands.
The easiest way to ensure the pin is seating completely is to use a lock that has not been fabricated yet, and engage it on the liner with the pin installed. If there is play, loosen the pin away from the liner to create a gap. Repeat this process until the lock seats completely with no play. Some liners will seat better with the use of one of our distal cushions. Click here to watch a video on the proper seating of the lock.
Universal 8 click
Standard Pin CD113P8
Shown on liner with
pin spacers
3mm distal end of
universal pin
Distal Cushions
The distal cushions are designed to be a soft interface between the lock and liner of choice ensuring an intimate fit. Ideally the distal cushion should be casted in. The Silicone Distal Cushions work well with the Suction Lock but should NOT be used with the Air-Lock. There are four sizes and shapes of the Silicone Distal Cushions, each for a specific liner size or type. The Memory Foam Distal Cushion is a one size fits all cushion that works with any of our locks and with any liner.
Set of 4 Silicone Distal Cushions (CD112) Individual cushions also available
Silicone distal cushion shown on liner
Memory Foam Distal Cushion
CD112MF
(3 pack, adhesive included)
Shown on liner
Use of a Long Pin
A longer pin is available for use with the Air-Lock and Suction Lock. However there are considerations to be made. With most liners, the longer pin will bottom out in the lock if no adjustment is made. The bottom of the lock can safely be extended to the end of the socket using the guide pin to create proper space for the longer pin. Then with the pin cap and quick adhesive the socket is resealed to maintain an air- tight socket. NOTE: Because of the reduced amount of elongation needed, and ease of engagement of our airtight locks, a long pin is needed less often. For videos on the lock extension process click here. Ordering Note: There is now a 11 click pin for use with the Air-Lock, Suction Lock, and EOVC Lock. Previously the CD103P9 was the long pin but could only be used with the Air-Lock. The CD103P9 is being replaced by the CD113P11.
| Coming Soon Universal 11 click Long Pin CD113P11 |
 Guide Pin CD103GP Shown in lock |
 Pin Cap CD103PC Shown glued to end of socket |
Liner and Spacer Chart for Air-Lock 