H. A. W. K. S. (Honing Apparatus with Kinematic Systems)

Abstract

A unique solution is necessary to solve the poaching crisis that adversely affects the survival of many endangered species. Traditional anti-poaching solutions consist of costly and inefficient patrolling methods. To solve this crisis, we have proposed using an autonomous surveillance machine called the autonomous ornithopter that would conduct operations to track and catch poachers in the act of poaching. An ornithopter is a flying machine that utilizes the flapping mechanism of a bird to achieve flight and is used for this solution as to be undetectable to poachers and less intrusive to its surrounding ecosystem and environment. The design has a camera attached to provide video feedback that connects to a monitor for further examination. The model of the ornithopter was completed using virtual software with limited access to components; nonetheless, a prototype ornithopter was designed that could complete the functions outlined. A completed version of the ornithopter was designed in SolidWorks with a wingspan of 3 feet and a total body length of 1 foot, mimicking a real bird: the common hawk. Simulations were run using Finite Element Analysis to predict the physical behavior of our ornithopter. We completed a dynamic analysis, frequency analysis, and a motion simulation on our design to virtually test its stresses and capabilities.