After the conceptual model was developed, an initial design was worked up in Pro/Engineer.

Original CAD model

The original CAD design incorporated the key features from the ideal generation matrix developed. The focal length was to be adjusted by a barrel type threaded adjuster located at the end of four struts that would support the lateral adjustments. Screws were used to adjust the position back and forth laterally. Once the system was adjusted it would be locked into position and the adjusting mechanism would be released from physical contact with the rails and plates. The interface between the two included threaded claws that would engage and disengage with the screws that ran the length of the upper and lower rails.

The generation of the original CAD model identified that several features of the conceptual model would be required to be composed of several parts. As the number of parts increased, so did the number of features required for attachment and interface between parts. The increased complexity of the components lead to concerns about tolerancing and machinability of the design.

Figure 7: Initial CAD model