Clamp mechanism for clamping an optical shape sensing fiber

摘要

A clamp mechanism for fixation of an optical fiber (OSF) with optical shape sensing properties arranged for Optical Shape Sensing. A fixing element preferably with a circular cross section serves to engage with the optical fiber (OSF), and together with an additional fixing arrangement with a straight longitudinal portion arranged for engaging with the associated optical fiber (OSF), a fixation of a section of the optical fiber (OSF) is provided with the optical fiber (OSF) in a straight position. In some embodiments, the clamp mechanism can be implemented by three straight rods (R1, R2, R3) with circular cross section, e.g. with the same diameter being a factor of such as 6.46 times a diameter of the optical fiber (OSF). Hereby an effective fixation and straightening of the optical fiber (OSF) without disturbing strain can be obtained with a clamp mechanism which is easy to assemble and disassemble in practical applications e.g. when used as a launch fixture, and with the optical fiber (OSF) incorporated in a medical device.

主权项

1. A clamp mechanism arranged for fixation of an associated optical fiber (OSF) wherein the clamp mechanism is configured for being repeatedly assembled and disassembled for removal of the optical fiber, the clamp mechanism comprising:
an optical fiber (OSF) comprising optical shape sensing properties and having a coating or cover, a fixing element comprising a straight rod (R1) with a circular cross section, which is arranged for engaging with the associated optical fiber (OSF), an additional fixing arrangement comprising two straight rods (R2, R3) with circular cross sections and a straight longitudinal portion arranged for engaging with the associated optical fiber (OSF), wherein the straight rod (R1) of the fixing, element and the two straight rods (R2, R3) of the additional fixing arrangement are made from a material which is hard compared with the soft material of the coating or cover of the optical fiber (OSF), and a base block (BB) with an opening section (CH) arranged for receiving the two straight rods of the additional fixation arrangement and the straight rod of the fixation element, whereby the straight rod of the fixing element (R1) is arranged, together with the two straight rods of the additional fixing arrangement (R2, R3), to form an opening arranged for fixation of a section of the associated optical fiber (OSF) in a straight position.