Seal design for vehicle and structure application

A seal assembly comprising:

• a seal configured to be secured to an outer perimeter of a first surface wherein the seal comprises two layers, the first layer being a core layer and the second layer being a stiffening layer disposed over the core layer, wherein the stiffening layer comprises a magnetic material, wherein both the core layer and the stiffening layer of the seal include a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion being proximate to the first surface, the neck portion being narrower than the head portion, and wherein the seal is elastically deformable;
• and
• a capture configured to be secured to an outer perimeter of a second surface, wherein the shape of the capture is configured to be conforming to the shape of the seal such that a portion of the capture distal to the second surface is narrower than a portion of the capture proximate to the second surface, the capture being configured to form a snug and secure fit with the seal while engaged with the seal, wherein the capture is further configured to elastically deform to allow both the core layer and the stiffening layer of the seal to be inserted into the capture, wherein the capture opens to allow placement of the seal and subsequently returns substantially to its original shape to secure the seal in place, wherein the portion of the capture distal to the second surface directly contacts the neck portion of the seal while the capture is engaged with the seal, wherein the magnetic material in the stiffening layer magnetically attracts the capture.

A method comprising:

• securing a seal to an outer perimeter of a first surface of an aircraft, wherein the seal comprises two layers, the first layer being a core layer and the second layer being a stiffening layer disposed over the core layer, wherein the stiffening layer comprises a magnetic material, wherein both the core layer and the stiffening layer of the seal include a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion being proximate to the first surface, the neck portion being narrower than the head portion, and wherein the seal is elastically deformable;
• placing a capture on a corresponding outer perimeter of a second surface of an aircraft;
• engaging the seal with the capture, wherein the shape of the capture is configured to be conforming to the shape of the seal such that a portion of the capture distal to the second surface is narrower than a portion of the capture proximate to the second surface, the capture being further configured to form a snug and secure fit with the seal while engaged with the seal, wherein the capture is further configured to elastically deform to allow both the core layer and the stiffening layer of the seal to be inserted into the capture, wherein the capture opens to allow placement of the seal and subsequently returns substantially to its original shape to secure the seal in place, wherein the portion of the capture distal to the second surface directly contacts the neck portion of the seal while the capture is engaged with the seal, wherein the magnetic material in the stiffening layer magnetically attracts the capture.