Bounties attract serious brainpower to the challenge.
This idea simply aims to provide a way in which to secure your home without having to enclose your yard with a massive security wall or fence.
In South Africa, due to the high crime rate, almost all yards are now enclosed with massive security structures. While it is obvious that safety will always be a priority over aesthetics, I can imagine that it would be best to be able to enjoy both.
The idea is to simply have a system installed that allows you to have your wall/fence erected with the push of a button, or as soon as your alarm goes off.
This could be done in one of three ways (that I can think of).
You can have a low wall that contains the remaining wall or fence, which would then be raised by a hydraulic system when needed. (This might be the easiest option)
The entire wall/fence can be stored underground, also to be raised by hydraulics. This would be similar to hydraulic road blockers, with the main difference being that it would need to be much taller.
3. The wall could be horizontal, parallel to the ground when not in use, then be lifted into an upright position when needed. (This would require a lot of open space on the ground)
This system could then be activated at night, whenever you feel unsafe, or when you are away. It should also be connected to your alarm system, effectively trapping any trespassers inside when the alarm is activated.
Obviously a brick wall would be the sturdiest option, but it might require very strong hydraulics to move. An alternative would be a very tall fence, which won't weigh much, but could then also be penetrated more easily.
This allows homeowners the option of privacy and security when they want, but also the option to have an open yard with a view of the neighborhood or whatever view they might have.
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General comments
Povilas S2 years ago
Trapping a trespasser inside after the alarm is activated might not be a very wise option, since the intruder(s) realizing that there is no way out for them could become ever more violent and harm/kill the inhabitants or take them as hostages.
There should be a system in place to raise the wall before the intruders approached it, cameras could scan the perimeter around the house and raise the wall slightly whenever someone approached closer and even more if they continued (just like in the Tesla fence video, except that it would be a reversed process). Some form of alarm could also be used to warn those who approach close that they should keep the distance. Tesla cars blink their lights at you if you pass by close to the car.
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Spook Louw2 years ago
Povilas S I also thought of that, but, assuming the police in your area respond promptly, trapping them in your yard, but outside your house should be okay, many stores employ a similar system, when the alarm is triggered the exits lock immediately and usually the employees are then also sectioned off for their safety.
But I agree, the safest option would be to keep intruders from ever entering your yard.
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Darryl Koh Yuan Jie2 years ago
If technology permits, I think it would be interesting to make it modular of sorts. Thus, people can assemble the fences themselves and even go as far as to design their own layout based on their area availiable. However, I would imagine that it might not be cost effective since it is already not that simple to design a collapsible wall.
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jnikola2 years ago
My brother-in-law lived in South Africa for 30 years and told me many stories, so I understand the importance of high-security walls. It's a really interesting idea and I can imagine it to be very cool when working properly. I will try to dig for solutions! But why would you want your fence to be retractable? A retractable fence, compared to solid walls, has many weak spots.
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Darko Savic2 years ago
This, but much higher:
Pull it down when you feel safe. Make it rise when anything suspicious is approaching.
Spook Louw Dec 18, 2021
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