In Creo (Parametric Technology Corp product) if so pressed, I would model the main strands with datum curves through datum points. To get them straight into the end plates I used a point on surface and then an axis normal to the surface through that point. Then a point on the axis offset from the surface. This insures the entry will be perpendicular. Add in a cys at each end to set up the intermediate points and use a spline. One can nearly interactively drag the intermediate points to see the curve change. The fewer the points the less the effort, but the more difficulty in keeping the main strands from intersecting each other and causing hidden-line removal problems.
