Product News

Coyote Design combines comfort and safety with Airlock Technology

Written by Bryan Potok, CPO on June 4, 2018
Last updated on May 18, 2019

Choosing what prosthetic device is best for you is a delicate balance between comfort and reliability, and varying experiences as well as studies result in a toss-up between two common suspension technologies - suction suspension versus pin suspension. But Coyote Design, acknowledging the benefits of both approaches, says why pick one when you can have both? With this vision in mind, they created Airlock technology, which utilizes both suspension modes so that prosthetic users can live as actively as they prefer without stressing over suspension.

A delicate balance between comfort and reliability for prosthetics

Types of Suspension

Suction suspension works by creating adhesion between the gel sleeve and socket, securing the socket onto the residual. Pin system suspension, on the other hand, relies on a metal pin that locks onto a connector at the bottom of the socket.

Unlike the pin suspension that causes limb tissue to be pulled (imagine a ¨milking¨ motion applied on your limb as you walk), the suction suspension causes less elongation or pulling during the ¨swing phase¨ of walking, which alleviates pressure on the residual limb. This lessens redness and swelling of your limb, and protects it from long-term effects such as thickening, discoloration and ulceration. However, many prosthetic users find that pin suspension systems provide a more secure fit, better control and are easier to take on and off.

Airlock Technology

Coyote´s Airlock Technology is a patented design that brings together the comfort of suction suspension, and the safety and security of pin suspension.

Airlock still makes use of a pin suspension, but using a suction that's akin to a syringe with its hole plugged at the bottom, it spreads the suspension throughout the socket, alleviating pressure on your limb, particularly from the area against the socket connected to the pin. As a result, their lock doesn't allow air to come into the socket from the bottom. Coyote claims their suspension system works great even without a leg sleeve, but adding one makes it even better by creating a sealed suction system, greatly minimizing ¨pistoning”. Pistoning is the vertical up and down movements made by your prosthesis that tend to happen while walking, which causes the socket to rub against your limb, creating traction and friction.

Coyote's make and materials (mostly plastic, with just a few moving parts) ensures durability by limiting corrosion or rusting, and allows it to be water resistant, which makes it appropriate for active users. As an added benefit, Coyote's prosthetics lengthens the life of your liner by preventing elongation and eventual gel delamination along the metal pin area during walking.

When it comes to maximizing your potential post-amputation, why settle for one technology to improve your experience, when you can have both? Coyote Design's Airlock technology is one of the best options that will allow you to focus on your day without worry.

Comment below if you're wearing a coyote lock and share your experiences with the community.