US Patent 10969015 Seal system for variable geometry gaps in aircraft systems

An apparatus comprising a housing, seal, and energy storing device. The housing is coupled to a structure in an exhaust system of an aircraft. The structure is positioned relative to a surface within the exhaust system such that a gap is present between the surface and structure. The seal has an end positioned in contact with the surface to reduce a flow of exhaust through the gap and is coupled to the housing such that the seal extends within the housing. The energy storing device is coupled to the housing and engaged with the seal to allow the seal to translate in a first direction relative to the housing when the gap increases and in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the housing when the gap decreases such that the seal continues to reduce the flow of exhaust through the gap as the gap changes in size.