FIBER OPTIC SENSOR EGRESS/INGRESS RUGGEDIZATION FOR FLEXIBLE WOVEN STRUCTURES

An apparatus comprises a flexible woven structure including an egress and/or ingress location at an external surface of the flexible woven structure. A fiber optic sensor is embedded in the flexible woven structure to allow the fiber optic sensor to detect one or more of strain, temperature, vibration, acoustics, 3-dimensional shape and/or pressure on the flexible woven structure. The fiber optic sensor extends out of the flexible woven structure at the egress and/or ingress location for connection to a connector or a termination. First thread stitches fasten the fiber optic sensor and any protective coatings, tubing, or conduit to the external surface of the flexible woven structure near the egress and/or ingress location. An optional reinforcement patch may cover the egress and/or ingress location and a portion of fiber optic sensor that extends out of the flexible woven structure at the egress and/or ingress location. Second thread stitches fasten the reinforcement patch to the external surface of the flexible woven structure to protect the fiber optic sensor and reduce bending and stress at the egress/ingress location.