A non-frangible releasable coupling device as described herein includes an explosive element that, when detonated, bends a load carrying element in a manner that releases the coupled components from each other. Before detonation, the load carrying element is under axial compressive stress imparted by the components. Upon detonation, the explosive element causes the load carrying element to bend into a retraction cavity formed in one of the components, thus allowing the components to displace relative to each other.