Patent ID: 7815376
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: A61B,B33Y,G01B,G01D,G01M,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a first link, a second link, and a joint that couples the first and second links; an optical fiber extending between the first link and the second link, wherein a limit range of motion of the joint defines a minimum bend radius of the optical fiber; and a fixture by which the optical fiber is constrained with reference to the first link, wherein the fixture comprises a channel defined therein in which the fiber is positioned to place a length of fiber containing fiber Bragg gratings adjacent a lip of the channel where the channel opens out of the fixture, wherein a curve of a surface of the lip begins effectively tangent to a wall of the channel, and wherein the radius of curvature of the surface of the lip that substantially intersects a bending plane of the fiber as the joint moves is effectively less than the defined minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.