Motivation: Dryer fires are one of the most commonly overlooked household hazards, leading to injuries, deaths, and over $1 billion in property loss annually. The majority of these fires are caused by lint buildup in dryer vents, which slows airflow, overheats the dryer, and, if left unchecked, can lead to combustion. VentIQ’s proposed solution is simple: a mechanical pressure monitoring airflow system utilizing a liquid manometer.
Project Summary: VentIQ is a simple, easy-to-attach connector designed for the back of a household dryer. This connector features a pressure tap and tubing that runs along the back or side of the dryer and connects to a manometer, which can be mounted on the consumer’s wall. The consumer simply needs to disconnect their dryer tubing, attach the connector to their dryer, and then attach the tubing to the connector. By integrating a liquid manometer, VentIQ provides a clear, color-coded visual indicator of backpressure caused by lint buildup. When the indicator reaches the red zone, the consumer is visually alerted that their vent is clogged with lint and needs to be cleaned out.
Team Members: Joshua Persaud, John Carpio, Suraj Parida
