TECHNOLOGIES
Smart Cell
Portable, cordless heating appliances + butane fuel cells = endless possibilities
The Beginning of Game-Changing Consumer Technology
Turn it on … anywhere, anytime, cord-free … that was the promise!
How did Schawbel make that promise a reality?
This is the story of Bill Schawbel and the consumer product revolution that he delivered.
In the 1970s, Bill was a senior executive in a large consumer products company, Gillette. Bill was an entrepreneur at heart who had a passion for his work and a willingness to take risks. In 1981, Bill took a leap and acquired a portion of the the Gillette company that produced appliances and personal care devices.
That was the beginning.
No More Power Cord: True Portability
Bill Schawbel’s company imagined a heat source that would set people free to use devices wherever and whenever they wanted.
In the era before lithium-ion batteries, most consumer appliances needed a power cord. The solution was a portable, heat-based energy source. This innovation became the Thermacell Fuel Cartridge, utilizing butane to power a range of new cordless products.
From hair curlers to glue guns, soldering irons to baby bottle warmers, Bill’s team brought countless Fuel Powered cordless devices to market.
Today, Schawbel has the 2nd generation of butane technology – Smart Cell.
How it Works
Smart Cell technology generates precise heat through a patented combination of a microprocessor, motion sensors, and a regulator that controls, meters, and vaporizes the gas mixture. It’s automatic ignition emits a precise mixture of air to gas – for odorless combustion in a flame-arrested chamber – allowing for:
- Cordless, portable energy
- No open flame
- 250°F in 90 seconds – reach and maintain over 450°F
- Uses an enhanced fuel cell (cartridge) made of a recycled plastic housing with a blended gas mixture and proprietary connector
- Significantly reduces product development, since the single-engine platform design can be patented into many product types
How it Works... with the Peltier Module Integration
The integration of a small, solid-state, lightweight Peltier module into the Smart Cell design enables the appliance to convert a temperature difference into electrical energy, which can be used to power a fan for high airflow or charge a battery. This electrical energy can also be used for cooling.
Also, the Peltier Module can be used to convert electrical energy into a temperature differential. This means that one side of the device produces cold, while the other produces heat, enabling multiple significant benefits across many product applications.
Smart Cell + Peltier Module = Portable Heating & Cooling (and Charging!)
Now, a single appliance can offer precise temperature control for BOTH heating and cooling, along with the added functionality of charging lithium-ion batteries for smartphones, lights, drones, and other small battery-operated devices. The module is lightweight, vibration-free, noise-free, highly reliable, and high-strength for rugged environments.
Technology engine platform and cartridge
Smart Cell Cartridge with Schawbel Patented Technology
Generic appliance generates precise heat through a combination of a microprocessor, regulator, and automatic ignition system in a flame-arrested chamber.
Smart Cell
Disposable butane gas fuel cell with an unlimited shelf life – exclusively manufactured by the world’s largest lighter company – provides the heat source. Made of recyclable plastic with a patented bayonet connector that makes it easy to use.
Smart Cell Cartridge with Schawbel Patented Technology
PLUS a Peltier Module…
Smart Cell:
Portable, cordless heating + butane fuel cells = endless possibilities for product innovation.
Adding a Peltier module = even more ways to heat – and now cool – the future.
Smart Cell Just Got Smarter.
Smart Cell technology enables a wide range of products with broad applicability across multiple product categories. With Smart Cell’s latest innovations, Schawbel is maintaining its industry leadership by harnessing portable heating and cooling to enhance consumers’ experiences. Whether pursuing enjoyment of the great outdoors, treating a variety of medical conditions, hoping to minimize time and energy spent on personal care, seeking convenience and performance in the kitchen and throughout the home, or caring for the needs of the pets in our homes, Schawbel’s Smart Cell technology with and without the Peltier module, is the complete solution consumers want and need to deliver the essentials-and more.
Smarter features. Limitless potential. Redefining what portable can do.
Living in the outdoors
Over-the-counter remedies save consumers time and money. Smart Cell offers product applications to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the health and wellness markets:
- Portable, cordless, flameless cooking appliances
- Appliances to keep food warm for mealtimes, entertaining, or potluck gatherings.
- On-the-go beverage and canned food warmers.
- Devices to warm seating cushions and pillows for camping or spectator sports.
- Devices to warm and dry boots/shows at home or camping.
Portable cordless 2-in-1 camp stove/tent warmer with USB handheld device charging capability.- Portable, cordless, 3-in-1 cooler/slow cooker/warming container
- Device to warm and/or cool sleeping bags
Medical conditions and diseases
Over-the-counter remedies save consumers time and money. Smart Cell offers product applications to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the health and wellness markets:
- Handheld nebulizers or neti pot with heat
- Appliances that heat a chemical pad to create aromatherapy for nasal breathing conditions or sleep enhancements
- Handheld, temperature-controlled appliances to provide relief of aches and pains with a heat-activated chemical
- Appliance to cauterize wounds in emergency situations
- Appliances with heat to sterilize items such as contact lenses, dentures, CPAP devices, etc.
- A container to keep medications such as liquid antibiotics and insulin, blood, and organ transplants at appropriate storage temperatures in transit
Personal Care
An emphasis on DIY, functionality, and desire to minimize time spent on personal care encourages consumers to seek new solutions. Smart Cell offers product applications that fulfill these needs:
- Hair curlers
- Hair straighteners
- Handheld appliances that can warm antioxidant-rich creams and lotions – heat enhances their results for dry, cracked, or aging skin
- Handheld appliances to massage scalp and activate natural scalp oils to promote and aid healthy hair growth, texture, and over-processed hair
- Handheld appliances that warm and open facial skin pores in preparation for facemask treatments. Now, with a cooling feature to close pores!
- Shaving cream warmers
- Heated beard brushes
- Hot air styling brush
- Heated/cooled container for body wipes
- Storage container to keep organic cosmetics cool
Home
Home is where consumers go to relax and recharge. Smart Cell offers innovative product applications for use in the kitchen and throughout the home that provide convenience and added performance to make chores and DIY home projects easier:
- Quick defrosters for proteins, sauces, fruits, and vegetables
- Bread proofers for warming cookie dough, butter, or shortening
- Kitchen sanitizers for wooden cutting boards or kitchen sinks
- Cleaning devices for treated and nontreated pots, pans, or appliances
- Handheld appliances with heat for paint and/or wallpaper remover
- Portable heated sleeves that can warm a tube of caulking, a can of paint, etc.
- Handheld heated wrappers for defrosting frozen pipes
- Portable appliance to keep food cold, then cook it, and then keep it warm for serving.
- Warming/cooling battery storage box to keep lithium-ion batteries at the appropriate temperature for outdoor projects.
Pet Wellness
Consumers treat their pets like family, and this trend is growing. Smart Cell offers product applications to provide comfort and wellness care for pets in the home:
- Portable warming pads that provide heat for pets
- Handheld heated grooming brushes to dry and fluff coat
- Cordless massagers with heat for aging pets – relief from arthritic pain in stiff joints and increased range of motion
- Portable canned pet food warmers
- Cordless temperature-controlled heated pet food bowls/trays
- Handheld devices to sanitize pet beds and sleeping mats
- Temperature-controlled wipe container to warm or cool wipes
- Portable cooling pad to provide relief in hot weather
- Portable temperature-controlled pet food bowl to keep food warm and/or water cool