Parametric modeling aided design for star sensor lens

In order to meet the requirements of standardized design of star sensor lens, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system based on parametric modeling was established for star sensor lens to shorten the product design cycle and improve the technological quality and reliability of lens design. At first, the structural design parameters and their interactions of a star sensor lens designed by alignment turning process were confirmed. Then, the parametric modeling of the optical system was carried out on the lens’ design. By calculating the technology indicators of the lens in real time, the designer could adjust the lens design reasonably. The multi-segment parametric modeling for rotation body based on dimension chain was carried out for the lens structure. The installation, location, structure and size of lens components were automatically designed and graphically presented, rather than manually and repetitively designed. By combining the global design of assembly drawing with the design of lens components and giving real-time feedback of lens weight and other information, the designer could design the spatial layout reasonably and evaluate the design result, so as to quickly iterate over the lens design. The application results show that the time for designing the assembly drawing of a 9-in-1 star sensor lens is reduced from original ~15h to ~3h, thereby greatly improving the design efficiency. This system can ensure the design technology and reliability, meet the standardized design requirements of star sensor lens, and provide ideas for the parametric modeling of other precision instruments.