following discussion will primarily focus on the compression type of actuation and engagement in a compression set packer a mandrel typically moves to create the compressive force referring to fig2 a and 2b when seal element 10 is compressed energizing element 20 pushes support sleeve 18 in a radially outward direction to force seal layer 16 into engagement with wall 22 energizing element 16 deforms elastically at least in part when compressed and creates a reserve of energy that keeps support sleeve 18 pressed radially outward any of the embodiments herein may use a bi metallic material to increase the force applied by energizing element 20 a bimetallic material may be designed to deform in a certain direction as the energizing element is exposed to higher or lower temperatures as stated above support sleeve 18 is not always necessary for example energizing element 20 and seal layer 16 may be designed to prevent the seal layer 16 from extruding through any openings in energizing element 20 fig3 shows an example of such an embodiment energizing element 20 comprises slotted members 24 and the seal layer 16 encloses energizing element 20 seal element 10 may be precisely located and can produce high contact forces in an open hole this allows the seal to penetrate the formation in.