Animal-Proof Fence Structure With Smooth Upper Climb Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal proof fences require additional components like hoods to prevent climbing, which complicates installation and increases material usage, and existing designs are not efficient in preventing reptiles and small mammals from climbing over.
Innovation Solution
A fence design with an upper zone featuring a smooth, unperforated surface and a lower zone with perforations, where the upper zone prevents climbing by reptiles and small mammals, while the lower zone allows visibility and reduces material usage by allowing perforations, anchored by posts for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hood is added to prevent animals from climbing over the fence, then the animal proof effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the climbing prevention function into the main fence panel by creating an inwardly directed upper edge that overhangs the opening. This integrates the anti-climbing feature directly into the panel structure, eliminating the need for separate hoods or additional components while maintaining animal proof effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper edge of the panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mesh, creates an overhang to prevent climbing, and forms part of the overall barrier. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate climbing prevention components.
2Reliability
If a hood is added to prevent animals from climbing over the fence, then the animal proof effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing prevention feature is merged into the standard panel manufacturing process. The upper edge is formed with an inward direction and overhang during panel fabrication, allowing all panels to be manufactured uniformly without additional components or assembly steps.
3Reliability
If the entire fence is made with smooth unperforated surface to prevent climbing, then the animal proof effectiveness is improved, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different zones: the upper edge and upper portion have a smooth unperforated surface to prevent climbing, while the lower portion has openings for visibility and wind passage. This localized application of smooth surfaces only where needed for climbing prevention reduces material usage compared to a fully solid fence.
4Illumination intensity
If perforations are added to allow visibility through the fence, then the aesthetic value and wind passage are improved, but the climbing risk in the lower zone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct functional zones: the lower zone has perforations for visibility and wind passage, while the upper zone has a smooth unperforated surface with an inwardly directed overhanging edge. This local differentiation allows visibility where needed while maintaining climbing prevention in the critical upper area.
Solution Approach 2:
The inwardly directed upper edge creates a preliminary barrier that prevents animals from reaching the top of the fence. Even if animals can climb the lower perforated section, the overhanging upper edge acts as a final barrier that they cannot surmount, providing preliminary protection against successful climbing.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal proof fence (1) comprising one or several panel elements (2) which are provided to extend upright to form a barrier, wherein the fence (1) comprises an upper zone (A) wherein at the height of the upper zone (A) the one or several panel elements (2) comprise a smooth unperforated surface on which reptiles, such as snakes, amphibians and small mammals cannot climb and a lower zone (B) wherein at the height of the lower zone (B) the one or several panel elements (2) comprise perforations allowing view through the fence (1).