| abstract |
A releasable seal assembly for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with the releasable seal assembly. The releasable seal assembly includes a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material is effective to undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a shape and/or modulus property of the seal structure; an activation device adapted to provide the activation signal in operative communication with the active material; and a controller in operative communication with the activation device. Also disclosed herein are methods for the releasable seal assembly. |