3D Printed Device Fixture for MT-FA Test Platform

Abstract

This utility model discloses a 3D-printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform, comprising: a 3D-printed base with a connector formed at its bottom, the connector being detachably inserted into a slot in the MT-FA testing platform and magnetically attached to the MT-FA testing platform via a magnetic attractor; a first notch and a second notch formed at opposite ends of the top of the 3D-printed base; a 3D-printed cover plate pressing against a multi-core fiber optic connector and a fiber array, the 3D-printed cover plate being flip-mounted on the top of the 3D-printed base and equipped with a locking element; and a fiber distribution pin, wherein a strip-shaped groove is formed on the 3D-printed base, the strip-shaped groove being positioned between the first and second notches, and a strip-shaped hole corresponding to the position of the strip-shaped groove is opened on the 3D-printed cover plate; the bottom end of the fiber distribution pin is detachably inserted into the strip-shaped groove, and the middle part of the pin passes through the strip-shaped hole. This utility model solves the problems of manual operation and poor testing stability in current MT-FA testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical component technology, specifically to a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform. Background Technology

[0002] MT-FA is an integrated fiber optic array assembly primarily used to achieve high-density parallel transmission and multi-channel coupling of optical signals. It typically consists of an MT connector (multi-core fiber optic connector) and a fiber array. MT refers to the mechanical structure of the multi-core fiber optic connector, which is commonly used in high-density fiber optic cabling (such as data centers). FA achieves precise alignment between fibers through the precision machining and positioning of ceramic ferrules.

[0003] Currently, some manufacturers test MT-FAs by hand-holding the fiber array FA, ​​adjusting the end face angle to align with the photodetector (PD) face of the power meter, and testing each channel individually. However, this testing method has several problems: it is inconvenient to operate, requiring precise manual alignment; and it has poor test stability, as manual operation may lead to inconsistent measurement results. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform is provided to solve the problems of manual operation and poor testing stability in current MT-FA testing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform is provided, comprising:

[0006] A 3D printed base has a connector formed at its bottom. The connector is detachably inserted into a slot in the MT-FA test platform. The connector is magnetically attached to the MT-FA test platform by a magnetic attractor. The top of the 3D printed base has a first notch for embedding a multi-core fiber optic connector of the MT-FA and a second notch for embedding the fiber array of the MT-FA, respectively, at opposite ends.

[0007] A 3D-printed cover plate is pressed against the multi-core fiber optic connector and the fiber optic array. The 3D-printed cover plate is rotatably mounted on the top of the 3D-printed base. The 3D-printed cover plate is equipped with a locking element for locking the 3D-printed base.

[0008] The fiber splitting pins are used to separate the optical fibers of the optical fiber array. A strip groove is formed on the 3D printing base. The strip groove is disposed between the first notch and the second notch. The 3D printing cover plate has a strip hole with a position corresponding to the strip groove. The bottom end of the fiber splitting pin is detachably inserted into the strip groove, and the middle part of the fiber splitting pin passes through the strip hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the number of the second gaps is adapted to the number of fiber arrays in the MT-FA.

[0010] Furthermore, a limiting member is formed on the top of the 3D printing base, and a baffle is formed on the side of the limiting member away from the top of the 3D printing base. A limiting space for accommodating the optical fiber is formed between the baffle, the limiting member, and the top of the 3D printing base.

[0011] Furthermore, the strip groove is arranged along the width direction of the 3D printing base, and the diameter of the fiber distribution pin is adapted to the width of the strip groove.

[0012] Furthermore, one side of the 3D printed cover plate is rotatably mounted on top of the 3D printed base via a hinge axis.

[0013] Furthermore, a base is arbitrarily mounted on the MT-FA test platform, the base having a slot, the base being a magnetic metal base, and the magnetic attractor being magnetically attached to the base.

[0014] Furthermore, the locking element is a first magnet, and a second magnet is installed on the top of the 3D printed base, with the first magnet magnetically attracted to the second magnet.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the 3D-printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform can stably hold the MT-FA device under test, ensuring its stability during testing and avoiding uncertainties and data fluctuations caused by manual or hand-held testing. The 3D-printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform is printed entirely from materials such as photocurable resin, resulting in a very smooth surface that significantly reduces frictional resistance when the optical fiber moves within the slot, minimizing additional stress and potential damage caused by friction. Furthermore, the 3D-printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform, made from 3D printing material, possesses a certain degree of elasticity. This elasticity helps the optical fiber easily embed into the microgroove, providing a slight clamping force to maintain the fiber's position within the slot. It also provides buffering when the optical fiber is subjected to slight external forces, absorbing some stress and protecting the fiber.

[0016] The present invention provides a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA test platform that guides the fiber bundle extending from the tail of the MT connector of the MT-FA device and uses a splitting pin to fork or branch it into single or smaller bundles to control the transition angle from bundled to forked state, i.e., the forking angle, while protecting the fiber from excessive stress and damage at bending points. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform adapted to the 1MT-2FA type MT-FA, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform adapted to the 1MT-3FA type MT-FA, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform adapted to the 2MT-3FA type MT-FA, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the relevant utility model and not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model provides a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform, including: a 3D printed base 1, a 3D printed cover plate 2, and a fiber distribution pin.

[0026] In this embodiment, the 3D printed base 1 and the 3D printed cover plate 2 are respectively formed by 3D printing using 3D printing materials (high-precision photosensitive resin, nylon PA12 / PA11 and other engineering plastics).

[0027] The 3D printed device fixture of this invention is adapted to the MT-FA test platform and is used to stably hold the MT-FA device under test so as to facilitate polarity detection, photosensitivity testing or light output testing of the MT-FA.

[0028] Specifically, a connector 11 is formed on the bottom of the 3D printed base 1. The connector 11 is detachably inserted into the slot of the MT-FA test platform. The connector 11 is magnetically attached to the MT-FA test platform by a magnetic attractor. At opposite ends of the top of the 3D printed base 1, a first notch a for embedding a multi-core fiber optic connector of the MT-FA and a second notch b for embedding an fiber array of the MT-FA are respectively formed.

[0029] In this embodiment, a base 5 is arbitrarily mounted on the MT-FA test platform. The base has a recessed slot. The base 5 is a magnetic metal base. A magnetic attractor is magnetically attached to the base 5.

[0030] The first and second notches of the 3D printed base are precisely matched to the multi-core fiber optic connector and fiber optic array of the MT-FA device, respectively.

[0031] The 3D printed cover plate 2 can be flipped and installed on top of the 3D printed base 1.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, one side of the 3D printed cover plate 2 is rotatably mounted on the top of the 3D printed base 1 via a hinge shaft 4.

[0033] The 3D-printed cover plate 2 is equipped with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is used to lock the 3D-printed base 1. The 3D-printed cover plate 2 presses against the multi-core fiber optic connector and fiber array to clamp and lock the MT-FA device under test.

[0034] In this embodiment, the locking element is a first magnet. A second magnet is mounted on the top of the 3D printed base 1. The first magnet is magnetically attracted to the second magnet.

[0035] Preferably, receiving grooves for mounting the first magnet and the second magnet are formed on the 3D printed base 1 and the 3D printed cover plate 2, respectively.

[0036] A strip groove c is formed on the 3D printing base 1. The strip groove c is located between the first notch a and the second notch b. The 3D printing cover plate 2 has a strip hole d corresponding to the position of the strip groove c. The bottom end of the fiber distribution pin is detachably inserted into the strip groove c. The middle part of the fiber distribution pin passes through the strip hole d.

[0037] Fiber splitters are used to separate the optical fibers of an optical fiber array. After the MT-FA device under test is clamped between the 3D printing base 1 and the 3D printing cover plate 2, the fiber splitters are used to separate the optical fibers of each optical fiber array, dividing them into smaller bundles, while protecting the optical fibers from excessively large or irregular branching angles.

[0038] As a preferred implementation, the number of second notches b is adapted to the number of fiber arrays in the MT-FA.

[0039] The type of 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform of this invention can be customized according to the shape of the MT-FA device to be tested, and can be roughly divided into 1MT-2FA type ( Figure 3 Classic model), 1MT-2FA (vertical insertion), 1MT-3FA ( Figure 4 ), 2MT-3FA ( Figure 5 )payment.

[0040] This utility model discloses a 3D-printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform. Printed using materials such as photocurable resin, its surface is extremely smooth (sometimes even approaching a mirror finish). Polishing can be performed when necessary, significantly reducing frictional resistance when the optical fiber moves within the slot, thus minimizing additional stress and potential damage caused by friction. The 3D-printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform is printed using 3D printing material and possesses a certain degree of elasticity. This elasticity helps the optical fiber easily embed into the microgroove, providing a slight clamping force to maintain the fiber's position within the slot. It also provides cushioning when the optical fiber is subjected to slight external forces, absorbing some stress and protecting the fiber.

[0041] The 3D printed device fixture of this invention for the MT-FA testing platform can firmly hold the MT-FA device, achieving precise positioning and fixation.

[0042] In this embodiment, the strip groove c is arranged along the width direction of the 3D printing base 1. The diameter of the fiber distribution pin is adapted to the width of the strip groove c.

[0043] The present invention provides a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA test platform that guides the fiber bundle extending from the tail of the MT connector of the MT-FA device and uses a splitting pin to branch it into single or smaller bundles to control the transition angle (i.e., the branching angle) from the bundled state to the branched state, while protecting the fiber from excessive stress and damage at bending points.

[0044] In this embodiment, a limiting member 3 is formed on the top of the 3D printing base 1. A baffle is formed on the side of the limiting member 3 away from the top of the 3D printing base 1. A limiting space for accommodating optical fibers is formed between the baffle, the limiting member 3, and the top of the 3D printing base 1.

[0045] The 3D printed device fixture of this invention for the MT-FA test platform uses the limiting space formed between the limiting component and the baffle and the top of the 3D printing base to control the optical fiber and prevent it from slipping off.

[0046] This utility model discloses a 3D printed device fixture for an MT-FA testing platform, featuring an opening and closing design with a side-opening structure for easy installation and replacement of fiber optic cables / connectors. The opening and closing mechanism, combined with a magnetic design, ensures accurate reassembly.

[0047] 3D printing technology endows the 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA test platform of this invention with extremely high degree of freedom and manufacturing precision. Combined with the optimized bifurcation structure design, it can manufacture complex geometries while ensuring smooth, low-curvature bifurcation paths.

[0048] The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA test platform of this invention is manufactured by 3D printing in one piece, which eliminates the cumulative error caused by traditional multi-part assembly and ensures the absolute accuracy of the branch path relative to the connector position.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the utility model involved in this application is not limited to the technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A 3D printed device clamp for an MT-FA test platform, characterized in that, include: A 3D printed base has a connector formed at its bottom. The connector is detachably inserted into a slot in the MT-FA test platform. The connector is magnetically attached to the MT-FA test platform by a magnetic attractor. The top of the 3D printed base has a first notch for embedding a multi-core fiber optic connector of the MT-FA and a second notch for embedding the fiber array of the MT-FA, respectively, at opposite ends. A 3D-printed cover plate is pressed against the multi-core fiber optic connector and the fiber optic array. The 3D-printed cover plate is rotatably mounted on the top of the 3D-printed base. The 3D-printed cover plate is equipped with a locking element for locking the 3D-printed base. The fiber splitting pins are used to separate the optical fibers of the optical fiber array. A strip groove is formed on the 3D printing base. The strip groove is disposed between the first notch and the second notch. The 3D printing cover plate has a strip hole with a position corresponding to the strip groove. The bottom end of the fiber splitting pin is detachably inserted into the strip groove, and the middle part of the fiber splitting pin passes through the strip hole.

2. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the second gap is adapted to the number of fiber arrays of the MT-FA.

3. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting member is formed on the top of the 3D printing base, and a baffle is formed on the side of the limiting member away from the top of the 3D printing base. A limiting space for accommodating the optical fiber is formed between the baffle, the limiting member, and the top of the 3D printing base.

4. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strip groove is arranged along the width direction of the 3D printing base, and the diameter of the fiber distribution pin is adapted to the width of the strip groove.

5. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the 3D printed cover plate is rotatably mounted on top of the 3D printed base via a hinge axis.

6. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MT-FA test platform is equipped with a base that is adjustable in position. The base has a slot and is a magnetic metal base. The magnetic attractor is magnetically attached to the base.

7. The 3D printed device fixture for the MT-FA testing platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element is a first magnet, and a second magnet is installed on the top of the 3D printed base. The first magnet is magnetically attracted to the second magnet.

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