Lock for spring door operating system

Abstract

A strut that includes a biasing member and a locking body that is configured to deactivate the biasing member. For example, the biasing member may be configured to urge an inner tube and an outer tube of the strut apart when the locking body is in a first position, and the biasing member may be configured to not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart when the locking body is in a second position. Deactivation of the biasing member such that the inner tube and the outer tube are not urged apart by the biasing member may provide for increased safety during use of the when maintaining a spring door operating system that includes the strut.

Description

PATENTDocket No : 027059021791LOCK FOR SPRING DOOR OPERATING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 718, 1 18, filed November 8, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to spring assisted operating systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a lock mechanism that may be implemented as part of a spring door operating system (SDOS), such as those utilized on vehicles (e.g., aircraft nacelle).BACKGROUND

[0003] Some automotive and aviation vehicles include door operating systems (e.g., spring door operating systems (SDOS) or power door operating systems (PDOS)). An SDOS may be used to support at least some of the weight of an aircraft nacelle door, for example, which may provide for easier opening of the aircraft nacelle by ground maintenance personnel.

[0004] The SDOS may include two cylindrical and telescoping tubes, in which an inner tube is located inside of an outer tube, and a spring that is configured to urge the inner tube apart from the outer tube. The spring may be configured to support a considerable amount of weight depending on the type of door being held open. Also, while the SDOS may include a tube locking mechanism to lock the inner tube to the outer tube (e.g., when in a compressed state) such a locking mechanism could fail or be inadvertently unlocked. Moreover, when the inner tube and the outer tube are compressed, the spring may be compressed, resulting in the force of the spring being at its highest level, and thus a potential risk to ground maintenance personal if the locking mechanism fails or is not engaged. For example, the spring could cause the inner tube and the outer tube to abruptly move apart from one another at an undesirable time (e.g., when the SDOS is at maximum compression and the aircraft nacelle is intended to remain closed during flight, or when the SDOS is being disassembled from the corresponding aircraft nacelle).

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to avoid inadvertent or abrupt movement of the inner tube and the outer tube due to the spring force. In particular, it is desirable to have a simple lock mechanism that is able to disengage the spring, resulting in zero force from the spring urging the inner tube and the outer tube of the SDOS apart.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791 SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides for a strut that includes a biasing member and a locking body that is configured to deactivate the biasing member. For example, the biasing member may be configured to urge an inner tube and an outer tube of the strut apart when the locking body is in a first position, and the biasing member may be configured to not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart when the locking body is in a second position. Deactivation of the biasing member such that the inner tube and the outer tube are not urged apart by the biasing member may provide for increased safety during use of the when maintaining a spring door operating system that includes the strut.

[0007] The biasing member may include a first end that is configured to urge the inner tube apart from the outer tube and may include a second end that is configured to urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube. When in the first position, the locking body may direct a biasing force from the second end of the spring to the outer tube, and when in the second position, the locking body may direct the biasing force from the spring to the inner tube.

[0008] The spring door operating system may be operably coupled to an aircraft nacelle in such a manner that as the aircraft nacelle closes, the spring door operating system compresses to a minimum length and then expands slightly as the aircraft nacelle reaches its fully closed position. Thus, the spring door operating system may be configured such that the biasing member deactivates as the spring door operating system slightly opens from its minimum length as the aircraft nacelle becomes fully closed. Accordingly, the biasing member may be deactivated such that the inner tube and the outer tube are not urged apart by the biasing member when the aircraft nacelle is closed.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a strut comprises an outer tube. The strut may comprise an inner tube configured to translate within the outer tube along a longitudinal axis. The strut may comprise a biasing member that extends along the longitudinal axis within the outer tube. The strut may comprise a locking body that is biased by the biasing member and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking body is in the first position the biasing member is configured to urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, wherein when the locking body is in the second position the biasing member is configured to not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using a strut comprises urging apart, with a biasing member, an inner tube and an outer tube along aPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 longitudinal axis while a locking body is in an unlocked position. The method may comprise transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to a locked position such that the biasing member does not urge the inner tube and the outer tube of the strut apart from one another along a longitudinal axis.

[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain aspects of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the disclosure that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one aspect of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of aspects in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0013] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosure. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the spring door operating system of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the spring door operating system of the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an aircraft structure implementing a spring door operating system according to the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the spring door operating system of FIG. 1, shown in an extended configuration;PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional oblique view of the spring door operating system of FIG. 2, shown in the extended configuration;

[0018] FIG. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the spring door operating system of FIG. 3;

[0019] FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of a deactivation mechanism of the spring door operating system of FIG. 4A;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional oblique view of the deactivation mechanism of FIG. 4B;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 2 with a portion of the outer tube removed so that the locking mechanism is visible in an extended configuration;

[0022] FIG. 7 A is an oblique view of a portion of spring door operating system of FIG. 6, in a transitional deactivating state in which a biasing member is compressed and activated;

[0023] FIG. 7B is an oblique view of the portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 6, in which a portion of an inner tube is removed so that locking portions of the inner tube are visible;

[0024] FIG. 8A is an oblique view of the portion of spring door operating system of FIG. 7A, in which the spring door operating system has been partially expanded such that a locking body of the locking mechanism is locked and the biasing member remains activated;

[0025] FIG. 8B is an oblique view of the portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 8A, in which a portion of an inner tube is removed so that locking portions of the inner tube are visible in a locking groove of the locking body;

[0026] FIG. 9A is an oblique view of the portion of spring door operating system of FIG. 8A, in which the spring door operating system has been further partially expanded such that the locking body is locked and the biasing member is deactivated;

[0027] FIG. 9B is an oblique view of the portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 9A, in which a portion of an inner tube is removed;

[0028] FIG. 10A is an oblique view of the portion of spring door operating system of FIG. 9 A, in which the spring door operating system has been compressed to a transitional activating state;

[0029] FIG. 10B is an oblique view of the portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 10A, in which a portion of an inner tube is removed;PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 6. in which the locking portions of the inner tube and the locking body are misaligned;

[0031] FIG. 12 is an oblique view of the spring door operating system of FIG. 6, including the locking body and a castle nut;

[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of the spring door operating system of FIG. 12, including the locking body and the castle nut;

[0033] FIG. 14 is an oblique view of the locking body and the castle nut of FIG. 13;

[0034] FIG. 15 A is an oblique view of the locking body of FIG. 14;

[0035] FIG. 15B is another oblique view of the locking body of FIG. 14;

[0036] FIG. 15C is a side view of the locking body of FIG. 15A;

[0037] FIG. 15D is a front view of the locking body of FIG. 15 A;

[0038] FIG. 16A is an oblique view of the castle nut of FIG. 14;

[0039] FIG. 16B is a side view of the castle nut of FIG. 16A;

[0040] FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional oblique view of the castle nut of FIG. 16A;

[0041] FIG. 17A is an oblique view of a portion of the inner tube of FIG. 6;

[0042] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional oblique view of the portion of the inner tube of FIG. 17 A;

[0043] FIG. 17C is a front view of the portion of the inner tube of FIG. 17 A;

[0044] FIG. 18A is an oblique view of a portion of the spring door operating system of FIG. 2, including a rod locking mechanism;

[0045] FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional oblique view of the portion of the spring door operating system including the rod locking mechanism of FIG. 18 A;

[0046] FIG. 19A is an oblique view of another embodiment of the locking body;

[0047] FIG. 19B is another oblique view of the locking body of FIG. 19 A;

[0048] FIG. 19C is a side view of the locking body of FIG. 19A;

[0049] FIG. 19D is a front view of the locking body of FIG. 19A;

[0050] FIG. 20A is an oblique view of another embodiment of the castle nut;

[0051] FIG. 20B is a side view of the castle nut of FIG. 20A;

[0052] FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional oblique view of the castle nut of FIG. 20A;

[0053] FIG. 21 is an oblique view of a portion of another embodiment of the spring door operating system, including the locking body of FIG. 19A and the castle nut of FIG. 20A and with a portion of the outer tube removed;PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0054] FIG. 22A is a side view of another embodiment of the locking body and the castle nut, in which the locking body and the castle nut are formed as a single monolithic body; and

[0055] FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of the locking body and the castle nut of FIG. 22A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a.” "‘an / ’ and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0057] The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially” it will be understood that the particular value forms other embodiments including plus or minus 10% of the range or value provided. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a partial cross-sectional view of an aircraft structure 200 implementing a spring door operating system 100 is schematically represented. The spring door operating system 100 may include a strut 102, which may include an inner tube 104 and an outer tube 106. The inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 may be in axial alignment and translatable relative to one another in a telescoping manner when the spring door operating system 100 is in an unlocked activated state. The strut 102 may be operably coupled to a door component 202 (e.g., an aircraft nacelle) of the aircraft structure 200 such that the inner tube 104 is configured to translate relative to the outer tube 106 when the door component 202 moves (e.g., opens or closes).

[0059] For example, a door mount 102a and a structure mount 102b of the spring door operating system 100 may be respectively coupled to the door component 202 and a housing 204 of the aircraft structure 200 (e.g., a frame or other support structure of the aircraft structure). ThePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 door mount 102a and / or the structure mount 102b may be configured to couple the strut 102 to the door component 202 and the housing 204, respectively, such that the strut 102 is pivotable relative to the door component 202 and the housing 204 as the door component 202 moves. For example, the door component 202 may be configured to pivot relative to the housing 204 to open and to close, and thus the strut 102 may be configured to pivot relative to the door component 202 and the housing 204 when the door component 202 opens and when the door component 202 closes.

[0060] The strut 102 may be configured such that when the door component 202 closes from the open position represented in Fig. 1, the strut 102 may compress to a minimum length along a longitudinal axis X when the door component 202 is in a partially closed position. The strut 102 may also be configured such that when the door component 202 closes from the partially closed position to a frilly closed position, the strut 102 may expand slightly to a partially extended length that may be anywhere from 1 % to 10% of the fully extended length of the strut 102.

[0061] When the door component 202 closes from the partially closed position to the fully closed position, the door component 202 may pivot in a counterclockwise direction CCW such that the door component 202 forms a contiguous outer surface with the housing 204.

[0062] In an embodiment, the spring door operating system 100 may be operably- coupled to components of another vehicle, such as a door of an automobile, or a non-mobile structure, such as a stationary building, or the like.

[0063] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front,” “rear”, “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner”, “internal”, and “interior” refer to directions towards the geometric center of the strut 102, while the words “outer”, “external”, and “exterior” refer to directions away from the geometric center of the strut 102. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0064] Turning to Figs. 2-4B, the strut 102 may be configured to assist opening of the door component 202. For example, the strut 102 may include a biasing member 108 (e.g., a coil spring), that is configured to urge the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 apart from one another when the biasing member 108 is activated. For example, when activated the biasing member 108 may assist in lifting the door component 202 (Fig. 1) when opening the door component 202.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0065] When activated, the biasing member 108 may be configured to urge a corresponding one of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 apart. For example, a first end 108a the biasing member 108 may be configured to urge the locking body 110 in a first direction Di, and a second end 108b of the biasing member 108 may be configured to urge the inner tube 104 in a second direction D2 that is opposite the first direction Di. The first end 108a of the biasing member 108 may be longitudinally spaced in the first direction Di from the second end 108b of the biasing member 108.

[0066] The biasing member 108 may include a spring (e.g., a helical compression spring). The biasing member 108 may be configured to provide 100 or more pounds of force. For example, a first spring constant of the biasing member 108 may be anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds per inch. In an embodiment, the biasing member may have a spring constant (i. e. , a ”k’’ factor) of 15 pounds per inch (Ib / in).

[0067] The strut 102 is described herein as extending horizontally along a longitudinal axis “X” and a lateral axis “L” (Fig. 13 A), and vertically along a vertical axis “Z”. The longitudinal axis X can be at least substantially perpendicular to each of the lateral axis L and the vertical axis Z. The lateral axis L can be at least substantially perpendicular to each of the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. The vertical axis Z can be at least substantially perpendicular to each of the longitudinal and lateral axis X, L. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “vertical” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various strut and strut component axes regardless of the actual orientation of the strut 102 relative to a vehicle or structure that the strut 102 is installed as part of. Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and later directions X, L are illustrated as extending along and defining a horizontal plane (also referred to herein as a "longitudinal-lateral plane”), and that the vertical axis is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane (such as either a “vertical-longitudinal plane” or a “vertical-lateral plane,” as respectively referred to herein), the planes that encompass the various directions may differ during use. For instance, when the strut 102 is installed as part of a vehicle or structure, the longitudinal axis X may extend generally along a direction of gravity and the lateral axis L and the vertical axis Z may extend generally perpendicularly to the direction of gravity, when the vehicle or structure is in an upright position relative to gravity. Accordingly, the directional terms “longitudinal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” and “horizontal” may be used to describe the strut 102 and its components as illustrated merely for the purposes of clarity and illustration, and such terms. With thePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 foregoing in mind, the terms “expand’' and “expansion,"’ when used in reference to the strut 102, refer to expansion along the longitudinal axis X.

[0068] The inner tube 104 may be configured to translate within the outer tube 106 along a longitudinal axis that extends along the longitudinal axis X. For example, the longitudinal axis X may be concentric with a central axis of the inner tube 104 and / or the outer tube 106.

[0069] As discussed above, the inner tube 104 may be cylindrical and the outer tube 106 may be cylindrical, such that the inner tube 104 is slidable within the outer tube 106. In an alternative embodiment, inner tube and the outer tube 106 may have another cross-sectional shape, such as a square cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, or the like.

[0070] The biasing member 108 may extend along the longitudinal axis X within the inner tube 104 and within the outer tube 106 such that the biasing member 108 urges apart outer ends 104a, 106a of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 when the biasing member is activated.

[0071] The strut 102 may include a locking body 110 that is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the biasing member 108. For example, when in a first activated position, the locking body 110 may be configured to direct a biasing force from the biasing member 108 along the longitudinal axis X in the first direction Di to the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106, thereby urging the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 apart from the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104. When in a deactivated position, the locking body 110 may be configured to direct a biasing force from the biasing member 108 along the longitudinal axis X in a first direction Di to an inner end 104b of the inner tube 104, thereby not urging the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 apart from the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104, as will be discussed further below with reference to Figs. 9A and 9B.

[0072] The biasing member 108 may bias the locking body 110 along the longitudinal axis X in a first direction Di, when the biasing member 108 is activated and when the biasing member 108 is deactivated. Thus, the biasing member 108 may bias the locking body 110 in the first direction Di regardless of the state of the strut 102.

[0073] The locking body 110 may be movable with the outer tube 106 relative to the inner tube 104 when in an unlocked position as shown in Fig. 2. For example, the locking body 110 may be configured to translate with the outer tube 106 and rotate relative to the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 when unlocked.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0074] When in a locked position (see e.g., Figs. 9A and 9B), the locking body may be translationally and / or rotationally fixed relative to the inner tube 104 such that the locking body 110 is movable with the inner tube 104 relative to the outer tube 106 from an unlocked locked position to a locked position (see e.g., Figs. 9A and 9B). For example, the locking body 110 may be configured to translate from the unlocked position in a second direction D2 that is opposite the first direction Di away from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106. Thus, when in the locked position the locking body 110 may be spaced further from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 along the longitudinal axis than when the locking body 110 is in the unlocked position.

[0075] As discussed below, the locking body 110 may be configured to rotate relative to the inner tube 104 and / or the outer tube 106 when transitioning between the unlocked position and the locked position of the locking body 110.

[0076] When the locking body 110 is in the unlocked position, the biasing member 108 may be in an activated state such that the biasing member 108 may be configured to urge the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104 and the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 apart from one another along the longitudinal axis X. When the locking body 110 is in the locked position, the biasing member 108 may be in a deactivated state such that the biasing member 108 is configured to not urge the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104 and the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 apart from one another along the longitudinal axis X.

[0077] Turning to Figs. 5-6, the locking body 110 may include one or more transition grooves 120a and one or more locking grooves 120b that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. For example, each locking groove 120b is between two respective transition grooves 120a. Each transition groove 120a may be between two respective locking grooves 120b.

[0078] The locking body 110 may include an equal number of transition grooves 120a and locking grooves 120b. For example, the locking body 110 may include four transition grooves 120a and four locking grooves 120b. In some embodiments, the locking body 110 includes less than four transition grooves 120a and less than four locking grooves 120b. In other embodiments, the locking body 110 includes more than four transition grooves 120a and more than four locking grooves 120b.

[0079] The transition grooves 120a may be open in both the first direction Di and the second direction D2. For example, the transition grooves 120a may be configured to allow a locking portion 130, discussed further below, of the inner tube 104 to translate entirely into andPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 out of each respective transition groove 120a along the first direction Di and to translate entirely into and out of each respective transition groove 120a along the second direction D2.

[0080] The locking grooves 120b, on the other hand, may be open in the first direction Di and closed in the second direction D2. For example, the locking grooves 120b may be configured to allow the locking portion 130 to translate entirely into each respective locking groove 120b along the second direction D2, and to translate out of each respective locking groove 120b along the first direction Di. The locking groove 120b may be configured to not allow the locking portion 130 to translate into each respective locking groove 120b along the first direction Di, and may be configured to not allow the locking portion 130 to translate out each respective locking groove 120b along the first direction Di.

[0081] Figs. 7A-10B progressively illustrate a transition of the locking body 110 from the unlocked position where the biasing member 108 is activated, to the locked position where the biasing member 108 is deactivated, and to another unlocked position where the biasing member 108 is activated again.

[0082] Turning to Figs. 7A and 7B, a transitional deactivating state of the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 is illustrated. The biasing member 108 and the locking body 110 may be configured such that when the spring door operating system 100 is in the deactivated state (Figs. 9A and 9B), the biasing member 108 is compressed less than when the spring door operating system 100 is in the transitional deactivating state.

[0083] The locking portion 130 of the inner tube 104 and the locking body 110 may be configured such that when in the transitional deactivating state, expanding the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 apart may lock the locking body 110. The locking portion 130 of the inner tube 104 may include one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 that are configured to be disposed within and translate through each respective transition groove 120a when the locking body 1 10 is in the unlocked position (e.g., shown in Fig. 6). The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be defined by rivets that are attached to an inner tube collar 133 of the inner tube 104. In another embodiment, the locking portion 130 of the inner tube defines a groove that receives a radially outwardly extending protrusion of the locking member (e.g., instead of the radially inwardly extending protrusions and the plurality of grooves of the locking body 110).

[0084] The strut 102 may include a castle nut 134 that is disposed within the outer tube 106, a portion of which is removed from Figs. 7A and 7B for clarity. The castle nut 134 may be rotatable relative to the outer tube 106 when the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are in thePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 unlocked activated state. The castle nut 134 may not be rotatable relative to the outer tube 106 when the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are in the transitional deactivating state or in the transitional activating state.

[0085] For example, the castle nut 134 may be configured to engage the locking body 110 when the locking body 110 is in the unlocked position such that the biasing member 108 urges the outer tube 106 in the first direction Di apart from the inner tube 104 (see e.g.. Fig. 3) through the castle nut 134.

[0086] The castle nut 134 may be configured such that compressing the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 together when in the transitional deactivating state may unlock the locking portion 130 and the locking body 110 and may lock the locking portion 130 and the castle nut 134. For example, the castle nut 134 may be configured to be longitudinally spaced from the locking body 110 when the locking body 110 is the locked position (see e g.. Figs. 9A and 9B) such that the biasing member 108 does not urge the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 in the first direction Di, apart from the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104, through the castle nut 134. In some embodiments, the castle nut 134 may be configured to translate axially relative to the outer tube when the locking body 110 is in the locked position, thereby allowing for the castle nut 134 to become longitudinally spaced from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 when the locking body 110 is in the locked position.

[0087] The castle nut 134 may include one or more castle nut grooves 136 that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another and open in the second direction D2 such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are able to translate along the first direction Di into the castle nut grooves 136. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to be disposed within respective castle nut grooves 136 during part of the transition of the locking body 110 from the unlocked position to the locked position as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 compress together. For example, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to each be simultaneously disposed within the respective castle nut groove 136 when the locking body 110 is unlocked and the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 are compressed to a minimum length or near minimum length.

[0088] The castle nut 134 may be configured such that the castle nut 134 is not rotatable when the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 engage the castle nut 134. For example, the castle nut grooves 136 may be configured such that the castle nut 134 is not rotatable relative to the outer tube 106 and the inner tube 104 when the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are disposed within the castle nut grooves 136.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0089] Turning to Figs. 8A and 8B, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to be disposed within each respective locking groove 120b when the locking body 110 is in the locked position. For example, the locking grooves 120b may be configured to receive the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 such that the locking body 110 rotates in a first rotational direction Ri about the longitudinal axis X as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 expand apart slightly from the relative positions shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to each be simultaneously disposed within the respective locking groove 120b when the locking body 110 is locked and the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 are slightly expanded while deactivating the biasing member 108.

[0090] Turning to Figs. 9A and 9B, a deactivated state of the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 is illustrated. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to engage the locking body 110 when in the deactivated state.

[0091] The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to translate the locking body 110 away from the castle nut 134 in the second direction D2 such that the biasing member 108 is deactivated as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 expand apart slightly from the relative positions shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to each be simultaneously disposed within the respective locking groove 120b when the locking body 110 is locked and the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 are slightly expanded from the position shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, thereby deactivating the biasing member 108.

[0092] The locking body 110 may comprise an axially extending protrusion 140 that is configured to translate into a longitudinally facing opening 142 (see e.g., Fig. 16C) of the castle nut 134. For example, the axially extending protrusion 140 may be frustoconical shaped to maintain coaxial alignment of the locking body 110 and the castle nut 134. The axially extending protrusion 140 may be coaxial with the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106.

[0093] Turning to Figs. 10A and 10B, a transitional activating state of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 is illustrated. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to be engaged with the castle nut 134 and disengaged from the locking body 110.

[0094] The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to rotate the castle nut 134 in the first rotational direction Ri as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 compress together from the position shown in Figs. 9A and 9B. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to each be simultaneously disposed within the respectivePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 castle nut groove 136 when the locking body 110 is unlocked and the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106 are compressed again to a minimum length or near minimum length, thereby reactivating the biasing member 108.

[0095] Turning to Fig. 11, the locking body 110 may be configured such that if the transition grooves 120a are rotationally misaligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 urge the locking body 110 to rotate as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 compress together, until the transition grooves 120a are rotationally aligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (e.g., in a similar manner as shown in Fig. 6, except with the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 further compressed). The locking body 110 may be configured to rotate in a second rotational direction R.2 that is opposite the first rotational direction Di about the longitudinal axis X until the transition grooves 120a are rotationally aligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0096] For example, the locking body 110 may include one or more realignment camming surfaces 110a that each face in the second direction D2 away from the castle nut 134 and longitudinally slope as each realignment camming surface 110a extends circumferentially toward the respective transition groove 120a. For example, each realignment camming surface 110a may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 in the first direction Di against each respective realignment camming surface 110a may rotate the locking body 110 in the second rotational direction R2. In an embodiment, the realignment camming surfaces longitudinally slope in the first direction Di.

[0097] Each realignment camming surface 110a may be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the locking body 110 and the castle nut 134 such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage the realignment camming surfaces 110a without interfering with the castle nut 134. For example, the castle nut grooves 136 may be recessed away from the realignment camming surfaces 110a such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage and slide along the realignment camming surfaces 110a without interference with the locking body 110 or the castle nut 134 preventing the sliding of the protrusions 132. The radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage and slide along the realignment camming surfaces 110a, thereby rotating the locking body 110 and / or the castle nut 134 w ithout interfering w ith any portion of the locking body 110 that defines the transition grooves 120a and without interfering with any portion of the castle nut 134 that defines the castlePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 nut grooves 136. Also, the realignment camming surfaces 110a may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 75 degrees.

[0098] The locking body 110 may include four realignment camming surfaces 110a. In some embodiments, the locking body 110 includes more than four realignment camming surfaces. In some other embodiments, the locking body 110 includes less than four realignment camming surfaces. For example, the locking body 110 may include a single realignment camming surface.

[0099] The castle nut 134 may be configured to engage the locking body 110 such that rotation of the locking body 110 during realignment causes the castle nut 134 to rotate with the locking body 110.

[0100] Turning now to Figs. 12-15D, the locking body 110 may include one or more locking camming surfaces 110b that each face in the first direction Di toward the castle nut 134 and longitudinally slope as each locking camming surface 110b extends circumferentially toward the respective locking groove 120b. For example, each locking camming surface 110b may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig 7B) in the second direction D2 against each respective locking camming surface 110b may rotate the locking body 110 in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. As the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 (see e.g., Fig. 2) expand apart from one another, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 rotate the locking body 110 until each locking groove 120b is rotationally aligned with the corresponding radially inwardly extending protrusion 132 (see e.g., Fig. 8B).

[0101] Each locking camming surface 110b may be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134 such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage the locking camming surfaces 110b without interfering with the castle nut 134. For example, the castle nut grooves 136 may be recessed away from the locking camming surfaces 110b such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage and slide along the locking camming surfaces 110b without interfering with any portion of the castle nut 134 that defines the castle nut grooves 136. Also, the locking camming surfaces 110b may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 75 degrees.

[0102] The locking body 110 may include four locking camming surfaces 110b. In some embodiments, the locking body 110 includes more than four locking camming surfaces. InPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 some other embodiments, the locking body 110 includes less than four locking camming surfaces. For example, the locking body 110 may include a single locking camming surface.

[0103] The locking body 110 may include one or more transition camming surfaces 110c that each face in the first direction Di toward the castle nut 134 and longitudinally slope as each transition camming surface 110c extends circumferentially toward the respective transition groove 120a. For example, each transition camming surface 110c may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig 10B) in the second direction D2 against each respective transition camming surface 110c may rotate the locking body 110 in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. As the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 (see e.g., Fig. 2) expand apart from one another, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 rotate the locking body 110 until each transition groove 120a is rotationally aligned with the corresponding radially inwardly extending protrusion 132 (e.g., in a similar manner as shown in Fig. 6, except with the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 compressed such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are disposed at the locking body 110).

[0104] Each transition camming surface 110c may be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134 such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage the transition camming surface 110c without interfering with the castle nut 134. For example, the castle nut grooves 136 may be recessed away from the transition camming surface 110c such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage and slide along the transition camming surfaces 110c without interfering with any portion of the castle nut 134 that defines the castle nut grooves 136. Also, the transition camming surfaces 110c may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 75 degrees.

[0105] The locking body 110 may include four transition camming surfaces 110c. In some embodiments, the locking body 110 includes more than four transition camming surfaces 110c. In some other embodiments, the locking body 110 includes less than four transition camming surfaces 110c. For example, the locking body 110 may include a single transition camming surface.

[0106] Now referring to Figs. 12 and 16A-16C, the castle nut 134 may define a cylindrical main body 144 that is rotatable within the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106. The outer end 106a may be at least partially defined by a cylindrical end cap 148 that the cylindrical main body 144 may be at least partially disposed within. The structure mount 102b (e.g., a rodPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 end bearing) may be atached to the cylindrical end cap 148 (Fig. 12) such that the structure mount 102b and the cylindrical end cap 148 are translationally fixed relative to one another.

[0107] The castle nut 134 may include one or more locking body camming surfaces 134a that are configured to rotate the locking body 110 when the castle nut 134 rotates and the locking body camming surfaces 134a are engaged with the locking body 110. For example, the locking body camming surfaces 134a may be configured to engage corresponding realignment camming surfaces 110a and locking camming surfaces 110b such that rotation of the castle nut 134 in the first direction Ri causes the locking body 110 to rotate in the first direction Ri.

[0108] Each locking body camming surface 134a may be configured to align the corresponding locking camming surfaces 110b and transition camming surfaces 110c with a respective castle nut groove 136. when each locking body camming surface 134a is engaged with the corresponding locking camming surface 110b or transition camming surface 110c. For example, the locking body camming surfaces 134a may be equilaterally circumferentially spaced apart from one another, and the corresponding castle nut grooves 136 may be equilaterally circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that each locking body camming surface 134a longitudinally overlaps with the corresponding castle nut groove 136.

[0109] Each locking body camming surface 134a may face along the second direction D2 toward the locking body 110 and longitudinally slope as each locking body camming surface 134a extends circumferentially. For example, each locking body camming surface 134a may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that sliding the locking camming surfaces 110b along the locking body camming surfaces 134a as the locking body 110 translates along the first direction Di may cause the castle nut 134 to rotate in the second rotational direction R2. The locking body camming surfaces 134a may be sloped at an acute angle, such as between 5 degrees and 75 degrees, whereas the lock aligning surfaces 134b’ may extend substantially longitudinally.

[0110] Referring briefly to only Figs. 16A-16C, the castle nut 134 may include one or more lock aligning surfaces 134b that are configured to align each respective locking body camming surface 134a with each corresponding locking camming surface 110b or transition camming surface 110c (Fig. 12) as the locking body 110 translates in the first direction Di. For example, each lock aligning surface 134b may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the first rotational direction Ri such that translating the locking body 110 against the locking aligning surfaces 134b in the first direction Di causes the castle nut 134 to rotate in the first rotational direction Ri.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0111] The lock aligning surfaces 134b may be circumferentially and equilaterally spaced from one another. Each lock aligning surface 134b and the locking body camming surface 134a may be radially inwardly recessed from the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132, such that the lock aligning surfaces 134b and the locking body camming surfaces 134a do not contact the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0112] Referring again to Figs. 12 and 16A-16C, the castle nut 134 may include one or more nut alignment surfaces 150 that are configured to align the castle nut grooves 136 with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 9B) as the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate along the first direction Di. For example, each nut alignment surfaces 150 may be configured to contact the corresponding radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 as the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate along the first direction Di.

[0113] Each nut alignment surface 150 may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the first rotational direction Ri such that translating the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 against the nut alignment surfaces 150 in the first direction Di causes the castle nut 134 to rotate in the first rotational direction Ri. For example, the castle nut 134 may rotate as the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate, until the castle nut grooves 136 are aligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0114] Each nut alignment surface 150 may be configured such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate between the nut alignment surface 150 and the locking body 110 without moving the locking body 110 relative to the castle nut 134. For example, the nut alignment surface 150 may be recessed from the lock aligning surface 134b such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 do not interfere with the locking body 110 when translating against the nut alignment surface 150.

[0115] Turning to Figs. 17A-17C, the inner tube 104 may include an inner tube collar 160 that defines the inner end 104b. The inner tube collar 160 may be cylindrical and have a radially expanded portion 160a that includes the locking portion 130.

[0116] The inner tube collar 160 may be configured to attach to a main inner tube body 162 of the inner tube 104. For example, the inner tube collar 160 may include threading 160b that is configured to threadedly coupled to corresponding threading 162a of the main inner tube body 162 (Fig. 3). The inner tube collar may be configured to attach to the main inner tube body 162 in any other suitable manner, such as w elding, or the like. In an embodiment, the inner tube collar and the main inner tube body are formed by a single monolithic body.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0117] Turning to Figs. 18A and 18B, the spring door operating system 100 may include a rod locking mechanism 170. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,464.645 entitled “Pull then lift hold open rod lock mechanism” and issued on October 11, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0118] Then unlocked, the rod locking mechanism 170 may be configured to unlock the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106, in which the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are translatable relative to one another. When locked, the rod locking mechanism 170 may be configured to lock the inner the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 together, such that the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 are not translatable relative to one another.

[0119] With reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6-10B, 18A, and 18B, use of the spring door operating system 100 will be discussed. When in an expanded state, the rod locking mechanism 170 may be unlocked, thereby allowing the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 to compress together.

[0120] For example, as the door component 202 closes, the spring door operating system 100 compresses from its fully extended configuration toward its fully compressed configuration. As the spring door operating system 100 compresses, the locking body 110 and / or the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate relative to one another, such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are received in respective transition grooves 120a (e.g., after engaging the realignment camming surface 110a, thereby rotating the locking body 110 until the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are aligned with the respective transition grooves 120a).

[0121] As the door component 202 continue to close, the spring door operating system 100 continues to compress, and the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 are received by respective nut alignment surfaces 150. which causes the castle nut 134 to rotate in the first rotational direction Ri such that the castle nut grooves 136 are aligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. Such rotation of the castle nut 134 may simultaneously rotate the locking body 110 in the first rotational direction Ri such that each locking groove 120b of the locking body 110 is aligned with each corresponding castle nut groove 136. This partial rotation relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be referred to as rotating the locking body 110 to its next tooth.

[0122] As the door component 202 continues to close, the spring door operating system 100 may extend slightly to its stowed configuration. As the spring door operating system 100 extends slightly to the stowed configuration, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132PATENTDocket No : 027059021791 may translate toward the locking body 110 such that respective locking camming surfaces 110b of the locking body 110 catch the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 causing the locking body 110 to rotate in the first rotational direction Ri to its next tooth. As the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 continue to translate while the spring door operating system 100 expands slightly toward its stowed configuration, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may translate into respective locking grooves 120b of the locking body 110 such that the locking body 110 is in a locked activated position.

[0123] When in the locked activated position, the locking body 110 and the castle nut 134 are rotatably fixed relative to the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106, and the biasing member 108 remains activated. Slightly further expanding the spring door operating system 100 to its stowed position (e.g.. by fully closing the door component) may deactivate the biasing member 108. For example, slightly further expanding the spring door operating system 100 may cause the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 to translate the locking body 110 in the second direction D2 away from the castle nut 134 and the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106, such that the biasing force of the biasing member 108 is redirected through the locking body back to the inner tube 104, instead of through the castle nut to the outer tube 106 (see e.g.. Figs. 9A and 9B).

[0124] Accordingly, the biasing member 108 may not urge the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 apart when the biasing member 108 is deactivated (e.g., when in the stowed configuration). This redirection of the biasing force may prevent the biasing member 108 from expanding the spring door operating system 100 while in its stowed configuration during use, for example during an aircraft flight at high altitude.

[0125] When in the stowed configuration, the inner tube 104 may be almost entirely disposed within the outer tube 106. In an embodiment, more or less of the inner tube 104 may be disposed within the outer tube 106 when in the stowed configuration.

[0126] When desired, the door component 202 can be re-opened through a reverse process, in which the biasing member 108 is reactivated, thereby assisting to open the door component 202. For example, as the door component 202 opens the spring door operating system 100 may compress slightly from its stowed configuration to its minimum length and then extend to its fully extended configuration or any length in between. As the spring door operating system 100 initially compresses from the stowed configuration the castle nut may engage the locking body 110 and the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may translate out of the locking grooves 120b to corresponding the nut alignment surfaces 150.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0127] Translation of the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 against the nut alignment surfaces 150 may cause the castle nut 134 to rotate in the first rotational direction Ri, thereby causing the locking body 110 to rotate simultaneously with the castle nut. Translation of the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 against the nut alignment surfaces 150 may cause rotation of the castle nut 134 and the locking body 110 until the castle nut grooves 136 are aligned with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. At this point, further translation of the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 as the spring door operating system 100 compresses causes the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 to translate into the corresponding castle nut grooves 136 (see e.g., Figs. 10A and 10B).

[0128] When the spring door operating system 100 is compressed to its minimum length, further opening of the door component 202 may begin to extend the spring door operating system 100 such that the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 extend away from one another along the longitudinal axis X. For example, when the spring door operating system 100 is at its minimum length each radially inwardly extending protrusion 132 may be aligned with a respective transition camming surface 110c of the locking body 110. Thus, further expansion of the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 while opening the door component 202 may cause the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 to engage and slide along corresponding transition camming surface 110c such that the locking body 110 rotates in the first rotational direction Ri to its next tooth such that the transition grooves 120a align with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0129] As the door component 202 continues to open the spring door operating system 100 continues to expand while the biasing member 108 is activated, thereby assisting with opening of the door component 202. When the door component 202 is fully opened the spring door operating system 100 may be fully expanded such that the rod locking mechanism 170 locks the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 in place so that the door component 202 is held open, thereby preventing the inner tube 104 from retracting into the outer tube 106.

[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-21, a second embodiment of the locking body and castle nut shown. It is to be appreciated that the second embodiment can be similar to the first embodiment of the locking body and castle nut shown in FIGS. 3-16C. Accordingly, the same reference numbers used above with reference to the first embodiment can be also used with a “prime” notation in reference to a second embodiment. It is also to be appreciated that, unless otherwise set forth below, the components (and features thereof) of the locking body 110’ and castle nut 134’ of the second embodiment can be similar to those of the first embodiment.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0131] Turning to Figs. 19A-19D, the locking body 110’ may include one or more realignment camming surfaces 110a’ that each face in the second direction D2 and longitudinally slope as each realignment camming surface 110a’ extends circumferentially. For example, each realignment camming surface 110a’ may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2.

[0132] The locking body 110' may include one or more locking camming surfaces 110b’ that each face in the first direction Di and longitudinally slope as each locking camming surface 110b’ extends circumferentially. For example, each locking camming surface 110b’ may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 7B) in the second direction D2 against each respective locking camming surface 110b’ may rotate the locking body 110’ in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0133] The locking body 110’ may include one or more transition camming surfaces 110c’ that each face in the first direction Di toward the castle nut 134’ and longitudinally slope as each transition camming surface 110c’ extends circumferentially toward the respective transition groove 120a’. For example, each transition camming surface 1 10c’ may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig 10B) in the second direction D2 against each respective transition camming surface 110c’ may rotate the locking body 110’ in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0134] Turning to Figs. 20A-20C, the castle nut 134’ may include one or more locking body camming surfaces 134a’ that are configured to rotate the locking body 110' when the castle nut 134’ rotates and the locking body camming surfaces 134a’ are engaged with the locking body 110’. The castle nut 134’ may include one or more lock aligning surfaces 134b’ that are configured to align each respective locking body camming surface 134a’ with each corresponding locking camming surface 110b‘ or transition camming surface 110c (Fig. 19A) as the locking body 110' translates in the first direction Di. The locking body camming surfaces 134a’ may be sloped at an acute angle, such as between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, whereas the lock aligning surfaces 134b’ may extend substantially longitudinally.

[0135] The castle nut 134’ may include one or more nut alignment surfaces 150’ that are configured to align the castle nut grooves 136' with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791

[0136] Referring to Figs. 19A-21, each transition camming surface 110c’ may not be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134’ (see Fig. 21) such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 7B) can engage the transition camming surfaces 110c’ without interfering with the castle nut 134’. For example, the castle nut grooves 136’ may extend substantially to the corresponding transition camming surfaces 110c’ such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 cannot engage the transition camming surfaces 110c’ without interfering with the castle nut 134’. Also, the transition camming surfaces 1 10c’ may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0137] Thus, when the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 engage and slide along the transition camming surfaces 110c, the interference between the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 and the castle nut 134’ may prevent rotation of the castle nut 134’. Preventing rotation of the castle nut 134’ as the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate in the second direction D2 may cause the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 to translate the locking body H0‘ away from the castle nut 134’ as the locking body 110’ rotates to the next tooth of the castle nut 134'.

[0138] Each locking camming surface 110b’ may not be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134’ such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage the locking camming surfaces 110b’ without interfering with the castle nut 134’. For example, the castle nut grooves 136 may extend substantially to the corresponding locking camming surface 110b’ such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 cannot engage and slide along the locking camming surfaces 110b’ without interfering with the castle nut 134’. Also, the locking camming surfaces 110b’ may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0139] Thus, when the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 engage and slide along the locking camming surfaces 110b’, the interference between the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 and the castle nut 134’ may prevent rotation of the castle nut 134’. Preventing rotation of the castle nut 134’ as the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 translate in the second direction D2 may cause the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 to translate the locking body 110’ away from the castle nut 134’ as the locking body 110’ rotates to the next tooth of the castle nut 134’.

[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22B, a third embodiment of the locking body and castle nut shown. It is to be appreciated that the third embodiment can be similar to the first embodiment of the locking body and castle nut shown in FIGS. 3-16C and the secondPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 embodiment of the locking body and castle nut shown in FIGS. 19A-21. Accordingly, the same reference numbers used above with reference to the first embodiment can be also used with a ■‘double prime” notation in reference to a second embodiment. It is also to be appreciated that, unless otherwise set forth below, the components (and features thereof) of the locking body 110” and castle nut 134” of the third embodiment can be similar to those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0141] The castle nut 134” and the locking body 110” may be rotationally and axially fixed relative to one another. For example, the castle nut 134” and the locking body 110” may be formed of a single body such that the castle nut 134” and the locking body 110” are not movable relative to one another. For example, the castle nut 134” and the locking body 110” may be formed of a single monolithic body. The monolithic body may be formed of a single uniform material.

[0142] Similar to the castle nut 134 of the Fig. 14 embodiment, the castle nut 134” may be configured to transmit force from the locking body 110” to the outer tube 106 (see e.g., Fig. 3) when the locking body 110” is in the unlocked position such that the biasing member 108 urges the outer tube 106 in the first direction Di apart from the inner tube 104 (see e.g., Fig. 3) through the locking body 110” and the castle nut 134”.

[0143] The castle nut 134’ ' may be configured such that compressing the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 together when in the transitional deactivating state may translate the locking portion 130 away from the locking body 1 10” and to the castle nut 134”, thereby locking the locking portion 130 and the castle nut 134”. For example, the castle nut 134” and the locking body 110” may be configured to be longitudinally spaced from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 in the second direction D2 away from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 when the locking body 110” is in the locked position (similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A and 9B). Thus, the castle nut 134” may be axially disengaged and / or axially spaced from the outer end 106a when the locking body 110” is in the locked position (similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A and 9B) such that the biasing member 108 does not urge the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106 in the first direction Di. apart from the outer end 104a of the inner tube 104. through the castle nut 134”.

[0144] In the deactivated state of the inner tube 104 and outer tube 106, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to engage the locking body 110”. For example, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 may be configured to translate the locking body 110” and the castle nut 134” away from the outer end 106a of the outer tube 106PATENTDocket No : 027059021791 in the second direction D2 such that the biasing member 108 (see e.g.. Fig. 6) is deactivated as the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 expand apart slightly from the relative positions, similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 8A and 8B.

[0145] The locking body 110” may include one or more realignment camming surfaces 110a” that each face in the second direction D2 and longitudinally slope as each realignment camming surface 110a” extends circumferentially. Each realignment camming surface 110a” may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2.

[0146] For example, realignment camming surfaces 110a” may include first transition camming surfaces 180 and second transition camming surfaces 182. The locking body 110” may include four first transition camming surfaces 180 that are equilaterally circumferentially spaced from one another, and four second transition camming surfaces 182 that are equilaterally circumferentially spaced from one another. Each corresponding first transition camming surface 180 and second transition camming surface 182 may extend from the other along the first direction Di. For example, each corresponding first transition camming surface 180 and second transition camming surface 182 may together define a V-shape.

[0147] Each first transition camming surface 180 of the realignment camming surfaces 110a” may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig 7B) in the first direction Di against each respective first transition camming surface 180 may rotate the locking body 110” and the castle nut 134” in the second rotational direction R2 relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. Each second transition camming surface 182 of the realignment camming surfaces 110a” may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the first rotational direction Ri such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 in the first direction Di against each respective second transition camming surface 182 may rotate the locking body 110” and the castle nut 134” in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0148] The locking body 110” may include one or more locking camming surfaces 110b” that each face in the first direction Di and longitudinally slope as each locking camming surface 110b” extends circumferentially. For example, each locking camming surface 110b” may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 7B) in the second direction D2 against each respective locking camming surface 110b” may rotate the lockingPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 body 110” in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132.

[0149] The castle nut 134” may include one or more nut alignment surfaces 150” that are configured to align castle nut grooves 136” with the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 7B).

[0150] Still referring to Fig. 22A, each locking camming surface 110b” may be axially recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134” such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig. 7B) can engage the locking camming surfaces 110b” without interfering with the castle nut 134”. For example, the castle nut grooves 136” may be recessed aw ay from the corresponding realignment camming surfaces 110a” such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage the locking camming surfaces 110b” without interfering with the castle nut 134”. Also, the locking camming surfaces 110b” may be sloped at an acute angle, such as 5 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0151] Thus, when the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 engage and slide along the locking camming surfaces 110b”, the lack of interference between the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 and the castle nut 134” may allow rotation of the castle nut 134” and locking body 110” in the first rotational direction Ri.

[0152] The locking body 110 may include one or more transition camming surfaces 110c” that each face in the first direction Di toward the castle nut 134” and longitudinally slope as each transition camming surface 110c” extends circumferentially toward the respective transition groove 120a”. For example, each transition camming surface 110c” may longitudinally slope in the second direction D2 along the second rotational direction R2 such that moving the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 (see e.g., Fig 10B) in the second direction D2 against each respective transition camming surface 110c” may rotate the locking body 110” in the first rotational direction Ri relative to the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132. As the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 (see e.g., Fig. 2) expand apart from one another, the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 rotate the locking body 110 until each transition groove 120a” is rotationally aligned with the corresponding radially inwardly extending protrusion 132 (e.g., in a similar manner as shown in Fig. 6, except w ith the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 106 compressed such that the radially inw ardly extending protrusions 132 are disposed at the locking body 110”).

[0153] Each transition camming surface 110c” may be recessed away from an adjacent portion of the castle nut 134” such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 canPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 engage the transition camming surface 110c” without interfering with the castle nut 134”. For example, the castle nut grooves 136” may be recessed away from the transition camming surface 110c” such that the radially inwardly extending protrusions 132 can engage and slide along the transition camming surfaces 110c” without interfering with any portion of the castle nut 134” that defines the castle nut grooves 136”.

[0154] The following are a number of nonlimiting EXAMPLES of aspects of the disclosure.

[0155] In one general aspect, strut may include an outer tube. The stmt may also include an inner tube configured to translate within the outer tube along a longitudinal axis. The strut may furthermore include a biasing member that extends along the longitudinal axis within the outer tube. The strut may in addition include a locking body that is biased by the biasing member and movable between a first position and a second position, where when in the locking body is in the first position the biasing member is configured to urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, where when the locking body is in the second position the biasing member is configured to not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0156] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The strut where when the locking body is in the second position, the biasing member may be configured to urge a first end of the inner tube apart from a second end of the inner tube. The strut where the locking body is configured to rotate and translate relative to the outer tube from the first position to the second position. The strut where when in the second position the locking body is spaced further from a first end of the outer tube along the longitudinal axis than when the locking body is in the first position. The strut where the locking body includes a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that each second groove of the plurality of second grooves is between two respective first grooves of the plurality of first grooves, and each first groove of the plurality of first grooves is between two respective second grooves of the plurality of second grooves, and where the inner tube includes at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion that is configured to be disposed within one of the plurality7of first grooves when the locking body is in the first position, and where the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion is configured to be disposed w ithin one of the plurality of second grooves when the locking body is in the second position. The strut where thePATENTDocket No : 027059021791 at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion comprises a plurality of radially inwardly extending protrusions that are each configured to be simultaneously disposed within a respective one of the plurality of first grooves when the locking body is in the first position, and where the plurality of radially inwardly extending protrusions are each configured to be simultaneously disposed within a respective one of the plurality of second grooves when the locking body is in the second position. The strut where the locking body comprises one or more lock camming surfaces that are configured to engage the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion when the inner tube and the outer tube expand from a compressed configuration. The stmt where the locking body comprises one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions that define the one or more camming surfaces, and the inner tube comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are each configured to engage a corresponding one of the one or more camming surfaces when the inner tube and the outer tube transition between a first state and a second state. The strut, where the locking body comprises one or more deactivation alignment camming surfaces that are each configured to engage the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion of the inner tube, as the inner tube and the outer tube compress while in an activated state, such that the locking body rotates to align the plurality' of first grooves with the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion. The strut, where a locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that in an unlocked activated state of the strut the biasing member urges the inner tube and the outer tube apart, and such that the locking portion is movable in a first direction along the longitudinal axis toward a first end of the outer tube such that the inner tube and the outer tube are compressible to a minimum length, where the stmt is in a transitional deactivating state in which the biasing member is in a compressed state urging the inner tube and the outer tube apart; and where the locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that when the strut is in the transitional deactivating state expanding the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another locks the locking portion and the locking body together such that the biasing member does not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another, where the strut is in a deactivated state. The stmt where the locking body is not rotatable relative to the inner tube when locked with the locking portion, and the locking body is rotatable relative to the inner tube when unlocked. The stmt where the locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that when in the transitional deactivating state compressing the inner tube and the outer tube together unlocks the locking portion and the locking body. The strut, where the biasing member and the locking body- are configured such that when the stmt is in the deactivated state, the biasing member isPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 compressed less than when the strut is in the transitional deactivating state. The strut, where the locking portion comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are configured to engage the locking body when the strut is in the deactivated state. The strut, may include a castle nut that is disposed within the outer tube, configured to engage the locking body when the locking body is in its first position such that the biasing member urges the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut, and configured to be spaced from the locking body when the locking body is in its second position such that the biasing member does not urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut. The strut where the inner tube comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are configured to be engaged with the castle nut and disengaged from the locking body when the inner tube and the outer tube are compressed to a minimum length, where the strut is in a transitional deactivating state or in a transitional activating state. The strut where the castle nut is not rotatable relative to the outer tube and the inner tube when the one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions are engaged with the castle nut. The strut where the castle nut comprises one or more locking body camming surfaces that are configured to engage and rotate the locking body when the castle nut rotates while the strut is in a transitional activating or transitional deactivating state. The strut, where the castle nut is rotatable relative to the outer tube when the strut is in an unlocked activated state. The strut, where the castle nut is rotatable relative to the outer tube when the strut is in an unlocked activated state. The strut, where the locking body is configured to rotate relative to the outer tube and the locking body is movable with a first end of the biasing member along the longitudinal axis, where the first position of the locking body is a first rotational position in which the locking body is configured to urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube along the longitudinal axis, and where the second position of the locking body is a second rotational position in which the locking body is configured to not urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube along the longitudinal axis. The strut, where the biasing member is deactivated when the locking body is in its second position. The strut, where a first end of the biasing member is configured to urge the locking body in a first direction along the longitudinal axis, and where a second end of the biasing member that is opposite the first end of the biasing member is configured to urge the inner tube in a second direction that is opposite the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The strut, w here the biasing member includes a spring. The strut, where the inner tube comprises an inner tube collar that is configured to translate within the outer tube and to the locking body. The strut where the biasing member extends within the inner tube, the inner tube collar, and the outer tube. Spring door operating system.PATENTDocket No : 027059021791 Vehicle and a door, where the spring door operating system is operably coupled to the door of the vehicle and another portion of the vehicle. Vehicle where the door comprises an aircraft nacelle. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or a computer tangible medium.

[0157] In one general aspect, a method may include urging apart, with a biasing member, an inner tube and an outer tube along a longitudinal axis while a locking body is in an unlocked position. The method may also include transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to a locked position such that the biasing member does not urge the inner tube and the outer tube of the strut apart from one another along a longitudinal axis. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0158] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method, where transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises compressing together the inner tube and the outer tube, and then partially expanding the inner tube apart from the outer tube along the longitudinal axis. The method, where transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises fully compressing together the inner tube and the outer tube such that the strut is at its minimum length, then partially expanding the inner tube apart from the outer tube along the longitudinal axis. The method, where the transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position includes rotating and translating the locking body relative to the outer tube. The method, where the transitioning of the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises translating the locking body away from a closer end of the outer tube toward a further end of the outer tube along the longitudinal axis. The method, where the transitioning of the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises moving one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions of the inner tube through a locking groove of the locking body. The method, where each of the radially inwardly extending protrusions are simultaneously moved through each respective locking groove when the locking body transitions from the unlocked position to the locked position. The method, may include transitioning the locking body from the locked position to the unlocked position. The method, where the transitioning the locking body from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises rotating the locking body in a first rotational direction, and transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises rotating the locking body in the firstPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 rotational direction. The method, where the transitioning the locked body from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises moving one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions of the inner tube through a transition groove of the locking body. The method, where each of the radially inwardly extending protrusions are simultaneously moved through each respective transition groove when the locking body transitions from the locked position to the unlocked position. The method, where transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position includes axially translating the locking body and a castle nut, that is fixed relative to the locking body, away from an outer end of the outer tube such that the biasing member does not transmit force through the castle nut to urge the inner tube and the outer tube of the strut apart from one another along the longitudinal axis. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware or a method or process.

[0159] Although the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, any of the embodiments disclosed herein can incorporate features disclosed with respect to any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from that processes, machines, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.

Claims

PATENTDocket No : 027059021791What is Claimed:

1. A strut, comprising: an outer tube; an inner tube configured to translate within the outer tube along a longitudinal axis; a biasing member that extends along the longitudinal axis within the outer tube; and a locking body that is biased by the biasing member and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when in the locking body is in the first position the biasing member is configured to urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, and wherein when the locking body is in the second position the biasing member is configured to not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another along the longitudinal axis.

2. The strut of claim 1, wherein when the locking body is in the second position, the biasing member may be configured to urge a first end of the inner tube apart from a second end of the inner tube.

3. The strut of any one of claims 1 or 2. wherein the locking body is configured to rotate and translate relative to the outer tube from the first position to the second position.

4. The strut of claim 3, wherein when in the second position the locking body is spaced further from a first end of the outer tube along the longitudinal axis than when the locking body is in the first position.

5. The strut of any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the locking body includes a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that each second groove of the plurality of second grooves is between two respective first grooves of the plurality of first grooves, and each first groove of the plurality of first grooves is between two respective second grooves of the plurality of second grooves, and wherein the inner tube includes at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion that is configured to be disposed within one of the plurality of first grooves when the locking body is in the first position, and wherein the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion isPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 configured to be disposed within one of the plurality of second grooves when the locking body is in the second position.

6. The strut of claim 5, wherein the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion comprises a plurality' of radially inwardly extending protrusions that are each configured to be simultaneously disposed within a respective one of the plurality of first grooves when the locking body is in the first position, and wherein the plurality of radially inwardly extending protrusions are each configured to be simultaneously disposed within a respective one of the plurality of second grooves when the locking body is in the second position.

7. The strut of any one of claims 5 or 6. wherein the locking body comprises one or more lock camming surfaces that are configured to engage the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion when the inner tube and the outer tube expand from a compressed configuration.

8. The strut of claim 7, wherein the locking body comprises one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions that define the one or more lock camming surfaces, and the inner tube comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are each configured to engage a corresponding one of the one or more lock camming surfaces when the inner tube and the outer tube transition between a first state and a second state.

9. The strut of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the locking body comprises one or more deactivation alignment camming surfaces that are each configured to engage the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion of the inner tube, as the inner tube and the outer tube compress while in an activated state, such that the locking body rotates to align the plurality of first grooves with the at least one radially inwardly extending protrusion.

10. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that in an unlocked activated state of the strut the biasing member urges the inner tube and the outer tube apart, and such that the locking portion is movable in a first direction along the longitudinal axis toward a first end of the outer tube such that the inner tube and the outer tube are compressible to a minimum length, whereby the strut isPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 in a transitional deactivating state in which the biasing member is in a compressed state urging the inner tube and the outer tube apart; and wherein the locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that when the strut is in the transitional deactivating state expanding the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another locks the locking portion and the locking body together such that the biasing member does not urge the inner tube and the outer tube apart from one another, whereby the strut is in a deactivated state.

11. The strut of claim 10, wherein the locking body is not rotatable relative to the inner tube when locked with the locking portion, and the locking body is rotatable relative to the inner tube when unlocked.

12. The strut of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the locking portion of the inner tube and the locking body are configured such that when in the transitional deactivating state compressing the inner tube and the outer tube together unlocks the locking portion and the locking body.

13. The strut of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the biasing member and the locking body are configured such that when the strut is in the deactivated state, the biasing member is compressed less than when the strut is in the transitional deactivating state.

14. The strut of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the locking portion comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are configured to engage the locking body when the strut is in the deactivated state.

15. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a castle nut that is disposed within the outer tube, configured to engage the locking body when the locking body is in its first position such that the biasing member urges the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut, and configured to be spaced from the locking body when the locking body is in its second position such that the biasing member does not urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut.PATENTDocket No : 02705902179116. The strut of claim 15, wherein the inner tube comprises one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions that are configured to be engaged with the castle nut and disengaged from the locking body when the inner tube and the outer tube are compressed to a minimum length, whereby the strut is in a transitional deactivating state or in a transitional activating state.

17. The strut of claim 16, wherein the castle nut is not rotatable relative to the outer tube and the inner tube when the one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions are engaged with the castle nut.

18. The strut of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the castle nut comprises one or more locking body camming surfaces that are configured to engage and rotate the locking body when the castle nut rotates while the strut is in a transitional activating or transitional deactivating state.

19. The strut of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the castle nut is rotatable relative to the outer tube when the strut is in an unlocked activated state.

20. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a castle nut that is formed with the locking body as a single body such that the locking body and the castle nut are rotatably and axially fixed relative to one another, wherein the castle nut is disposed within the outer tube, wherein the castle nut is configured to transmit force from the locking body to the outer tube when the locking body is in its first position such that the biasing member urges the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut, and wherein the castle nut is configured to not transmit force from the locking body to the outer tube when the locking body is in its second position such that the biasing member does not urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube through the castle nut.

21. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the locking body is configured to rotate relative to the outer tube and the locking body is movable with a first end of the biasing member along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first position of the locking body is a first rotational position in which the locking body is configured to urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube along the longitudinal axis, andPATENTDocket No : 027059021791 wherein the second position of the locking body is a second rotational position in which the locking body is configured to not urge the outer tube apart from the inner tube along the longitudinal axis.

22. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the biasing member is deactivated when the locking body is in its second position.

23. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a first end of the biasing member is configured to urge the locking body in a first direction along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a second end of the biasing member that is opposite the first end of the biasing member is configured to urge the inner tube in a second direction that is opposite the first direction along the longitudinal axis.

24. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the biasing member includes a spring.

25. The strut of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube collar that is configured to translate within the outer tube and to the locking body.

26. The strut of claim 25, wherein the biasing member extends within the inner tube, the inner tube collar, and the outer tube.

27. A spring door operating system comprising the strut of any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A vehicle comprising: the spring door operating system of claim 27; and a door, wherein the spring door operating system is operably coupled to the door of the vehicle and another portion of the vehicle.

29. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the door comprises an aircraft nacelle.

30. A method of using a strut, the method comprising:PATENTDocket No : 027059021791 urging apart, with a biasing member, an inner tube and an outer tube along a longitudinal axis while a locking body is in an unlocked position; and transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to a locked position such that the biasing member does not urge the inner tube and the outer tube of the strut apart from one another along a longitudinal axis.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises compressing together the inner tube and the outer tube, and then partially expanding the inner tube apart from the outer tube along the longitudinal axis.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises fully compressing together the inner tube and the outer tube such that the strut is at its minimum length, then partially expanding the inner tube apart from the outer tube along the longitudinal axis.

33. The method of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position includes rotating and translating the locking body relative to the outer tube.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the transitioning of the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises translating the locking body away from a closer end of the outer tube toward a further end of the outer tube along the longitudinal axis.

35. The method of any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the transitioning of the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises moving one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions of the inner tube through a locking groove of the locking body.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein each of the radially inwardly extending protrusions are simultaneously moved through each respective locking groove when the locking body transitions from the unlocked position to the locked position.PATENTDocket No : 02705902179137. The method of any one of claims 30 to 36, further comprising transitioning the locking body from the locked position to the unlocked position.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the transitioning the locking body from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises rotating the locking body in a first rotational direction, and transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises rotating the locking body in the first rotational direction.

39. The method of any one of claims 37 or 38, wherein the transitioning the locked body from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises moving one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions of the inner tube through a transition groove of the locking body.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein each of the radially inwardly extending protrusions are simultaneously moved through each respective transition groove when the locking body transitions from the locked position to the unlocked position.

41. The method of any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein transitioning the locking body from the unlocked position to the locked position includes axially translating the locking body and a castle nut, that is fixed relative to the locking body, away from an outer end of the outer tube such that the biasing member does not transmit force through the castle nut to urge the inner tube and the outer tube of the strut apart from one another along the longitudinal axis.

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