Cable bend limiter adapter

In general, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adapter for routing, supporting and protecting a filamentary medium from sharp bends and kinking. According to various embodiments, an adapter is provided comprising a body having an entrance end, the entrance end including a hemi-toroidal portion to form a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion the filamentary medium. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wiring adapters, and, more specifically, to adapters for routing, supporting and protecting filamentary media such as optical fibers.

BACKGROUND

Filamentary media such as optical fibers have become an essential part to nowadays infrastructures and communication technologies given their superior signal transmission capabilities. Taking optical fibers for example, an optical fiber cable consists of a plurality of optical fibers surrounded by protective sheath. Each individual optical fiber consists of a small diameter core of materials such as glass or plastic cladded by a surrounding protection having a lower index of refraction than the core. Even though optical fibers are designed for near total reflection of light propagating therethrough, when an optical fiber is bent past a critical radius, light rays transmitted no longer are fully reflected within the core of the optical fiber and therefore no longer traverse the optical fiber, resulting in signal loss or degradation. Therefore, extra care is required when it comes to handling and routing optical fiber cables to avoid sharp bends or kinking in the fibers in order to achieve reliable signal transmission.

Panel illumination for interiors of vehicles such as airplanes or automobiles is an important application utilizing optical fiber delivered lighting. For example, an aircraft cabin lighting system can be designed to provide decorative patterns of light on aircraft cabin ceilings, with optical fibers providing optical communication from a light source to the one or more illuminating points. Presently, when optical fibers that are horizontally guided on a surface of a panel access light pipes vertically inserted in the panel, reinforcement at the exterior of the optical fiber cable at such accessing locations is used so that the cable does not bend past a radius too sharp, e.g., along a curve having a radius less than the critical radius of the fibers. However, such reinforcement techniques are not only cumbersome to implement, but also add weights to vehicles such as an aircraft where weight reduction is of great significance.

Thus, there is a need for an adapter for routing, supporting and protecting a filamentary medium, without sharp bending or kinking, in compliance with the critical bend radius of the filamentary medium.

SUMMARY

In general, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide adapters, methods and systems by use thereof for routing, supporting and protecting a filamentary medium without sharp bending or kinking in the medium. According to various embodiments, an adapter is provided comprising a body having an entrance end, where the entrance end includes a hemi-toroidal portion forming a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion of a filamentary medium. A proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole.

In some embodiments, the entrance end of the adapter is formed by a first part and a second part of the body for mating together; each of the first part and the second part includes a corresponding hemi-toroidal half portion that forms the hemi-toroidal portion of the body when the first part and second part are mated. In some embodiments, the filamentary medium is a first fiber-optic cable.

In some embodiments, the adapter further comprises a recessed groove in the body for receiving a cylindrical ferrule for surrounding a portion of the filamentary medium. In some embodiments, the ferrule, once engaged with the adapter, is disposed at least partially within the body for holding a portion of the filamentary medium. In some embodiments, the ferrule has a collar portion corresponding to a recess in the body to secure the ferrule in place and restrains the movement of fiber cable.

In some embodiments, the ferrule holds a first end portion of a first fiber-optic cable about a mid-point of the ferrule, and is adapted to receive a second end portion of a second fiber-optic cable so the first end portion and the second end portion are in optical communication with each other.

In some embodiments, the adapter may further comprise a gasket member for surrounding a portion of the body to form a seal when the body is in contact with a corresponding component.

In some embodiments, a radius of the curved surface of the adapter is no less than a critical radius of the filamentary medium. In some embodiments, the radius is no less than twice a diameter of the filamentary medium plus a predetermined safety factor. In some embodiments, the safety factor is about 25%.

In some embodiments, the adapter may further comprise a hinge portion that joins the first part and the second part, the first part and second part being mated together when folded along the hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is a living hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is removed after mating. In some embodiments, the hinge is a standard hinge. In some cases, a rubber “O” ring is place abound both pieces to keep them together as well as it acts as moisture barrier, preventing contamination near tip of the fiber, resulting in light/signal loss.

In some embodiments, the adapter may yet further comprise a mounting mechanism for securing the adapter to a filamentary medium coupling component. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism includes a plurality of flexible fins for locking a portion of the body in place with the filamentary medium coupling component. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism includes an attachment surface for attaching the adapter onto the filamentary medium coupling component.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for securing a filamentary medium without sharp bending or kinking thereof, to a filamentary medium coupling component by use of an adapter. According to various embodiments, the adapter comprises a body having an entrance end, where the entrance end includes a hemi-toroidal portion forming a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion of a filamentary medium. A proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole.

In still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aircraft is provided for having a filamentary medium secured by an adapter. According to various embodiments, the adapter comprises a body having an entrance end, where the entrance end includes a hemi-toroidal portion forming a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion of a filamentary medium. A proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole.

In still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an aircraft panel is provided for having a filamentary medium secured by an adapter. According to various embodiments, the panel has a front surface at a front side and a back surface at a back side. The panel also includes a first opening at the front surface for insertion of an illuminating device, a second opening at the back surface, and an adapter for routing the filamentary medium, without sharp bending or kinking thereof, from the back side towards the front side of the panel. The adapter comprises a body having an entrance end, where the entrance end includes a hemi-toroidal portion forming a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion of a filamentary medium. A proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole. When the adapter is inserted into the second opening, the filamentary medium is connected to the illuminating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to some specific examples of the present disclosure including the best modes for carrying out the systems and methods provided in the present disclosure. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. Particular example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.

Various techniques and mechanisms of the present disclosure will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in a variety of contexts. However, it will be appreciated that a system can use multiple processors while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the techniques and mechanisms of the present disclosure will sometimes describe a connection between two entities. It should be noted that a connection between two entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities may reside between the two entities. For example, a processor may be connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that a variety of bridges and controllers may reside between the processor and memory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

Overview

The present disclosure provides an adapter for routing, supporting and protecting filamentary media to prevent sharp bends or kinking therein. A filamentary medium can be any type of medium having a critical radius, the compliance of which is needed in order to avoid loss or degradation of signal transmitted along the medium. For example, such filamentary media can be optical fibers for use in optical communication networks or telecommunication systems.

In some embodiments, the adapter has a body having an entrance end comprising a toroidal or hemi-toroidal portion to form a through-hole in the body for receiving a distal portion of a filamentary medium. A proximal portion of the filamentary medium bends over a curved surface of the toroidal or hemi-toroidal portion away from the through-hole, while the distal portion of the filamentary medium is passed through the through-hole. In some embodiments, the entrance end is formed by a first part and a second part of the body for mating together, each of the first part and the second part including a corresponding toroidal or hemi-toroidal half portion that forms the toroidal or hemi-toroidal portion of the body when the first part and second part are mated. In some embodiments, the body itself is in the form of a toroidal or a hemi-toroidal or a section of a toroidal or hemi-toroidal including a curved surface of its inner hollow space.

Example Embodiments

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of an example of an adapter receiving an optical fiber cable in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, adapter10comprises a body12having a hemi-toroidal portion15at an entrance end14A and a mounting mechanism19at an exit end14B. Hemi-toroidal portion15has a generally cylindrical shape at exterior, and a curved surface18forming a through-hole17at interior. Curved surface18has a radius of curvature (R) that is no less than a critical radius of optical fibers to be routed or guided through adapter10. As shown herein, a distal portion162of an optical fiber cable16is received at entrance end14A of adapter10. Optical fiber cable16is guided generally along curved surface18downwardly and to pass through through-hole17into body12at distal portion162, while an proximal portion161bends upwardly away from through-hole17.

In some embodiments, adapter10comprises a generally centrally disposed slot (formed by24A and24B as shown inFIG. 2) for housing a ferrule assembly111that holds and surrounds a portion164of optical fiber cable16therein so as to terminate the optical fiber cable and keep it properly disposed inside adapter10. Ferrule111can be made of any suitable materials such as plastic or metal. In some embodiments, ferrule assembly111, generally cylindrical and having a collar112, is disposed in interference fit with the slot and a recess (formed by204A and204B as shown inFIG. 2). In some embodiments, adapter10includes an elongated opening (shown inFIG. 2) extending towards exit end14B such that to receive at least a portion of an optical fiber connecting element such as a light pipe121in proximity with optical fiber cable16in adapter10.

In some embodiments, where entrance end14A is formed by a first part and a second part (as shown inFIG. 2in below) joined for mating together by a pair of connectors, e.g., a pair of living hinges102, which may be retained after the first part and second part fold together along the hinges102to form adapter10.

Hemi-toroidal portion15can be a configuration that is generally a hemi-torus or torus. Hemi-toroidal portion15can also be a configuration that is a section of a hemi-torus or torus having a curved surface surrounding its inner hollow space. As shown here inFIG. 1, hemi-toroidal portion15has a cross section profile that is of a section of a hemi-torus, which retains the inner hollow space and curved surface forming the inner hollow space. In some embodiments, hemi-toroidal portion15can also be, for example, a quarter of a hemi-torus, one third of a hemi-torus, or the like.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of an unfolded adapter without receiving a cable, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter20comprises a first part201A and a second part201B, which fold along the line A-A, where a living hinge29-1is formed by a pair of living hinge portions29A-1and29B-1, and a living hinge29-2is formed by a pair of living hinge portions29A-2and29B-2, respectively. In some embodiments, first part201A and second part201B are generally symmetrical in structure except for their respective locking mechanism. As shown herein, first part201A comprises extrusion21A-1for mating or locking with the corresponding dimple21B-1of second part201B. Furthermore, second part201B comprises extrusion21B-2for mating or locking with the corresponding dimple21A-2of first part201A. In a folded state, extrusion21A-1mates with dimple21B-1to lock half hemi-torus portion22A of first part201A to the corresponding other half hemi-torus portion22B of second part201B; while extrusion21B-2mates with dimple21A-2to lock half mounting mechanism23A of first part201A to the corresponding other half mounting mechanism23B of second part201B.

First part201A comprises an entrance end202A at which a hemi-toroid half portion22A, having a curved surface28A, forms a half through hole26A; while second part201B comprises an entrance end202B at which a hemi-toroid half portion22B, having a curved surface28B, forms a half through hole26B. First part201A also includes a half slot24A and accordingly second part201B includes a corresponding half slot24B. In some embodiments, first part201A further includes a half recess204A while second part201B includes a corresponding half recess204B. In some embodiments, first part201A further includes a half opening27A while second part201B includes a corresponding half opening27B. In a folded state where extrusions21A-1and21B-2and dimples21B-1and21A-2hold first part201A and second part201B mated together, half hemi-toroidal portions22A and22B form a hemi-torus, half through holes26A and26B form a through hole, half slots24A and24B form a slot, half recesses204A and204B form a recess, and half component openings27A and27B form a component opening.

As shown herein, first part201A has a half mounting mechanism23A while second part201B has a corresponding half mounting mechanism23B. When in a folded state, half mounting mechanisms23A and23B form a mounting mechanism that is generally cylindrical. Both23A and23B have a plurality of fins25disposed about the outer surface thereof for attaching adapter20onto an optical fiber connecting component bearing structure such as a panel. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism does not have fins, but rather includes other mechanisms for mounting the adapter to a panel slot, e.g. a screw-like outer surface. InFIG. 2, the ferrule slot, formed by half slots24A and24B, extends downwardly from through-hole inside mounting mechanism and opens to opening formed by half openings27A and27B towards exit end. Recess formed by half recesses204A and204B interference fits a collar of a ferrule assembly (shown inFIG. 1) such that the ferrule assembly holding an optical fiber cable is secured in place inside adapter20.

Curved surface28A and28B have a radius of curvature (R) no less than a critical radius of the optical fibers to be routed or supported by adapter20. In some embodiments, when the to-be-routed optical fiber cable has a diameter of r, Radius R can be configured at a value twice of the diameter r multiplied by a safety factor. In some embodiment, the safety factor can be about 25%, 28%, or 30%. Therefore, extending generally along curved surfaces28A and28B, the cable can be routed and supported in compliance of radius R, without too sharp bending or kinking of the fiber.

The two hinges29-1and29-2are disposed diametrically across from each other at the outermost perimeter of first part201A and second part201B. Hinge portions29A-1,29A-2,29B-1and29B-2have a height H such that, when in a unfolded state, the outermost perimeter of first part201A and second part201B form an opening of a height of 2*H, which is of a value that allows an optical fiber cable to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, hinge portions29A-1,29A-2,29B-1and29B-2can be removed in a folded state after an optical fiber cable being guided through adapter20such that the optical fiber cable is free to move about curved surfaces28A and28B, absent hinge portions extruding upwardly from the uppermost perimeter of adapter20.

In some embodiments, adapter20can be formed from a single molded piece or multiple molded pieces able to snap into place with each other. Such piece or pieces can be formed with materials of relative stiffness for providing sufficient resilience to support optical fiber cables guided or routed thereby. For example, adapter20can be made of plastic, elastomeric, or the like. In some embodiments, through-hole embraces an optical fiber cable in a substantially interference fit before the optical fiber cable is inserted into a ferrule assembly.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a side view of an example of an adapter receiving an optical fiber cable in an unfolded state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter30comprises a body having a first part31A and a second part31B, which join at a pair of living hinges39-1(shown in bothFIGS. 3A and 3B) and39-2(shown inFIG. 3B), which allows the first part and second part to mate or lock to each other in a folded state. Hinge39-1comprises hinge portions39A-1and39B-1, while hinge39-2comprises hinge portions39A-2and39B-2(shown inFIG. 3B). First part31A includes a hemi-toroidal half32A and a mounting mechanism half33A; while second part31B includes a hemi-toroidal half32B and a mounting mechanism half33B. In a folded state, hemi-toroidal halves32A and32B form a hemi-toroidal portion of adapter30, while mounting mechanism halves33A and33B form a mounting mechanism of adapter30. As shown herein, an optical fiber cable300is inserted inwardly and downwardly, at a distal portion304, into entrance space at an entrance end37. The height of the entrance space is defined by the height of hinge portion39A-1plus the height of hinge portion39B-1. Distal portion304rests generally upon curved surface38of second part31B and is limited in movement upon curved surface38by two pairs of hinges. Proximal portion302of optical fiber cable300bends away from curved surface38and adapter30.

FIG. 3Billustrates another side view of an example of the adapter ofFIG. 3Areceiving an optical fiber cable in an unfolded state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown herein, upon routed inwardly and downwardly passing through-hole, a portion308of distal portion304of optical fiber cable300can be inserted into an opening end of a cylindrical ferrule assembly306at a collar310to be cladded or housed inside of ferrule assembly306, while proximal portion302of optical fiber cable300bends away from curbed surface38and adapter30. When in a unfolded state of adapter30, collar310snaps into half recess320B of second part31B and ferrule assembly306snaps in half slot322B of second part31B, both in interference fit. When in a folded state of adapter30, collar310also snaps into half recess320A of first part31A and ferrule assembly306snaps into half slot322A of first part31A, again both in interference, such that collar310secures the disposition of ferrule assembly306in place inside adapter30. In some embodiments, when in an unfolded state of adapter30, optical fiber connecting element such as a light pipe (not shown) is inserted into half opening324B of second part31B to come in contact and optical connection with optical fiber300. When in a folded state of adapter30, light pipe snaps into half opening324A of first part31A in an interference fit.

FIG. 3Cillustrates a perspective view of an example of an adapter receiving and connecting two optical fiber cables in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an unfolded state, adapter30comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion or both upper and lower portions having a hemi-toroidal profile in cross section. Similarly, the upper portion and the lower portion can be connected at a pair of living hinges located diametrically across to each other on the uppermost surface of the upper portion. As shown herein, a first optical cable300is received at entrance end of adapter30and routed along a curved surface inwardly and downwardly through an upper through-hole. Ferrule assembly350is disposed inside a slot with a collar of ferrule assembly350securing the ferrule assembly in place inside adapter30. A second optical fiber301is received at the entrance end of the lower portion and ferrule350houses a portion356of second optical fiber301, which connects with a portion354of first optical fiber300at about a middle point352of ferrule350.

In some embodiments, upper portion and lower portions can both be hemi-toroidal in a cross section profile. Upper portion and lower portion can also be of a configuration that is a section of a hemi-torus or torus having a curved surface of its inner hollow space. In some embodiments, upper and lower hemi-toroidal portions can also be, for example, a quarter of a hemi-torus, one third of a hemi-torus, or the like. In some embodiments, the lower portion can also be of any shape that is suited to house second optical fiber301for connecting to first optical fiber300inside ferrule assembly350.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of an adapter receiving an optical fiber cable and mounted atop a panel, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As partially shown herein, a panel lighting system for vehicles such as an aircraft benefits from the use of an adapter in accordance with one ore embodiments of the present disclosure. An illumination panel may be made from a suitable light weight but sturdy plastic, such as an extruded polystyrene foam, and, for minimization of weight while retaining strength and structural integrity, may be formed in a honeycomb pattern, regular or irregular, with an example of panel402shown herein. In some embodiments, the panel is sandwiched between a thin front film or skin with a decorative surface, on the front side viewed by the passenger when in use. The film may be made of a polyvinyl chloride or the like. The panel has a back film layer on the back side opposite from the viewed front side, which can be made from a suitable plastic material, such as nylon, to give the panel overall strength and toughness, while retaining some flexibility without allowing the honeycombed foam material to crack or split.

For illumination panel systems powered by optical fibers, an optical fiber cable401needs to be routed from the back side422(towards the ceiling for a ceiling panel) through the back film (not shown) on the back surface403of the panel402and at least partially through the panel402towards being coupled with the light pipe404configured on the front side420(towards the customers' overhead for the ceiling panel) of the panel402. The optical fiber cable401is received and held in its appropriate length inside the adapter40, which is inserted into a reception opening or hole408at the back side422of the panel402. The adapter40may extend through the panel402at any length that is suitable for the light pipe404to be adapted for connecting with the optical fiber401held therein. The mounting mechanism44of the adapter40positions the adapter40securely in its place relative to the panel402.

At the front side420of the panel, the light pipe404is adapted to be inserted to the light pipe opening406on the front surface405of the panel402. In some embodiments, the light pipe404has a diameter which selectively positions the light pipe in a proper position relative to the front film and the light source. In some embodiments, the adapter40includes an exit end channel to house at least part of the light pipe404that is coupled to the optical fiber thereinside.

In particular, adapter40receives optical fiber cable401at its distal portion through its through-hole into ferrule assembly (not shown) housed inside adapter40. As shown herein, mounting mechanism44, adapted to have a plurality of locking fins about its exterior, is inserted into a reception opening408, such as a cylindrical bore drilled in a panel402so that hemi-toroidal portion42mounts on top of a back surface403of panel402, with hemi-toroidal portion42in flush with back surface403. In some embodiments, reception opening408is only wide enough to fit mounting mechanism44without the locking fins. In other embodiments, the reception opening408has corresponding fin slots in the panel to receive the locking fins. In some embodiments, locking fins have a generally flat upper surface and a slightly curved lower surface to facilitate locking onto panel402such that effort to remove adapter40from the receptor hole408will cause fins to penetrate the sidewalls of receptor opening408, further locking adapter in place.

In some embodiments, a gasket46is adapted around a portion46B of hemi-toroidal portion42on the back surface403of a panel402to form a sealing engagement (46C) of both adapter40and panel402.

InFIG. 4A, panel402is an example of an optical fiber coupling or bearing component. At the bottom surface of panel402, an optical fiber cable connecting element such as a light pipe404is disposed in contact with optical fiber cable (not shown) inside adapter40.

FIG. 4Billustrates a cross sectional view of an example of an adapter40receiving an optical fiber cable at entrance end41and affixed to a panel, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, two arrangements of affixing adapter40onto panel402are shown in cross section with the line A-A and the line B-B defining upper surfaces of panel402, respectively. Similar toFIG. 4A, in a configuration where a reception opening in panel402forms a counter bore for receiving the generally cylindrical mounting mechanism44, adapter40rests on top of the upper surface of panel402at line A-A with the bottom surface of hemi-toroidal portion42being flush with line A-A and mounting mechanism44disposed inside the reception opening. In another configuration, panel402bears a reception opening that receives the entire body of adapter40such that the outermost perimeter of adapter40is flush with the upper surface of panel402along the line B-B. In the second configuration, a proximal portion411of optical fiber cable401, extending away from curved surface43, rests atop the upper surface of panel402. In some embodiments not shown here, adapter40can be inserted to a counter bore in panel402that can receive any portion of adapter40.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a perspective view of an example of an adapter in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter50comprises a body53in the shape of a hemi-torus, e.g., the shape similar to one-half of a sliced donut. Adapter50comprises an entrance end52, at which a curved surface54forms a through-hole56in its inner hollow space. In some embodiments, adapter50includes a gap58across the hemi-torus body, with an outer opening at the outermost perimeter of hemi-toroidal body53and an inner opening at the innermost perimeter of hemi-toroidal body53. In some embodiments, gap58has a width that is at least sufficient to create an interference fit with an optical fiber cable that is to be routed through adapter50.

FIG. 5Billustrates a cross sectional view of an example of an adapter in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter50has a hemi-toroidal body53having a curved surface54at an entrance end52, a through-hole56and a bottom surface55. Curved surface54has of a Radius of curvature (R) that is no less than the critical radius of an optical fiber cable that is to be routed through adapter50. In some embodiments, when the to-be-routed optical fiber cable has a diameter of r, Radius R can be configured at a value twice of the diameter r multiplied by a safety factor. In some embodiments, the safety factor can be about 25%, 28%, or 30%.

FIG. 5Cillustrates a cross sectional view of an example of an adapter receiving an optical fiber cable and mounted atop a panel, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter50is disposed onto an upper surface of a panel504bearing a housing assembly506that is in contact with optical fiber cable501at a distal portion503thereof. Adapter50fits distal portion503of optical fiber cable501through its gap (not shown) such that optical fiber cable501is received at entrance end52and inside through-hole56, while optical fiber cable501rests generally along curved surface54with a proximal portion502of optical fiber cable501bending upwardly away from adapter50. In some embodiments, after receiving optical fiber cable501as described hereinabove, bottom surface55of adapter50is attached onto the upper surface of panel504to secure the cable-supporting adapter in place. In some embodiments, adapter50is secured via a mounting mechanism, e.g. an adhesive. In some embodiments, adapter50is retro-fitted onto the access juncture at which an optical fiber cable, as shown inFIG. 5C, is already connected to a component and extends outwardly and upwardly out of panel504. In some embodiments, adapter50routes a distal portion of an optical fiber cable along curved surface54into through-hole56prior to the distal portion of the optical fiber cable being connected to an optical-fiber-coupling component508or just open air (e.g. cabin side).

FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of an example of an adapter in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Adapter60has body61in the shape of a hemi-torus having a curved surface64at an entrance end62. Adapter60has an inner hollow space forming a through-hole65for receiving an optical fiber cable. Adapter60also has a gap68for fitting a cable though and into through-hole65. In some embodiments, adapter60also has a notch66opposite to gap68on the hemi-toroidal body. Notch66extends partially into body61without reaching through-hole65. In some embodiments, notch66is wedged shape, being wider towards the other perimeter of adapter60and narrowing while moving radially inward towards through-hole65. In some embodiments, notch66serves the function of reducing physical strain on adapter60throughout the process of passing an optic fiber cable through gap68into through-hole65. For example, if during the process of passing the optic fiber cable through gap68, a force is applied to the ends of gap68, thereby pulling gap68wider and deforming the original shape of adapter60, notch66relieves strain by narrow its gap in complementary fashion, thus making it easier to widen gap68. After the optic fiber cable passes by gap68and is securely wedged in through-hole65, the force pulling on adapter60is released and adapter60, including notch66, returns to its original undeformed shape.

Examples of Aircraft and Methods of Fabricating and Operating Aircraft

To better understand various aspects of implementation of the described systems and techniques, a brief description of an aircraft and aircraft wing is now presented.FIG. 7is a schematic illustration of aircraft700, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted inFIG. 7, aircraft700is defined by a longitudinal axis (X-axis), a lateral axis (Y-axis), and a vertical axis (Z-axis). In various embodiments, aircraft700comprises airframe750with interior770. Aircraft700includes wings720coupled to airframe750. Aircraft700may also include engines730supported by wings720. In some embodiments, aircraft700further includes a number of high-level inspection systems such as electrical inspection system740and environmental inspection system760. In other embodiments, any number of other inspection systems may be included.

Aircraft700shown inFIG. 7is one example of a vehicle of which components may be utilized with the disclosed systems and/or devices, in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft700, the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method800as shown inFIG. 8and aircraft700as shown inFIG. 7. During pre-production, illustrative method800may include specification and design (block804) of aircraft700and material procurement (block806). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (block808) and inspection system integration (block810) of aircraft700may take place. Described methods, and assemblies formed by these methods, can be used in any of specification and design (block804) of aircraft700, material procurement (block806), component and subassembly manufacturing (block808), and/or inspection system integration (block810) of aircraft700.

Thereafter, aircraft700may go through certification and delivery (block812) to be placed in service (block814). While in service, aircraft700may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block816). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more inspection systems of aircraft700. Described methods, and assemblies formed by these methods, can be used in any of certification and delivery (block812), service (block814), and/or routine maintenance and service (block816).

Each of the processes of illustrative method800may be performed or carried out by an inspection system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, an inspection system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-inspection system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.

Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of manufacturing and service method (illustrative method800). For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing (block808) may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft700is in service (block814). Also, one or more examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereof may be utilized during production stages (block808) and (block810), for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft700. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while aircraft700is in service (block814) and/or during maintenance and service (block816).

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Although many of the components and processes are described above in the singular for convenience, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that multiple components and repeated processes can also be used to practice the techniques of the present disclosure.