The system is modelled on characteristics of the human body that are thought to have a significant influence on the human odour and airflow senses.
Apple Insider actually found four different patents currently processing from Apple; one regarding cooling via the USB and Firewire ports, two regarding a laptop's ability to sense airflow and make adjustments automatically, and then finally (and most interestingly) a plan to use heat conductive hinge assemblies.
Touch-sensitive hair-cell receptors found throughout the wings of bats are thought to sense airflow across wing surfaces, and probably play a critical role in controlling flight [ 45, 46].
Such placement of these touch cells, both lanceolate endings and Merkel cells, allows the bat, while flying, to sense changes in airflow as the air ruffles the hairs.
And that means more questions for the biologists—once bats have sensed a change in airflow, how do they use that information to stay stable?
The system can also automatically adjust the airflow when it senses a room is too hot or cold.
Now, thanks to new research revealing how bat wings sense airflow, engineers are one step closer to doing so.
During my initial surgery, my turbinates ― what I've learned are small but essential organs that sense airflow and signal your brain as to whether you're breathing ― had been irreversibly damaged.
Just as our fingertips detect touch differently than the palm of our hand, researchers believe the bats use small concentrations of sensors on the leading edge of their wings to detect airflow, while their thumbs and fingertips contain more cells that are used to sense objects.
Researchers at the University of Sussex are exploring techniques which will allow viewers to sense "raindrops" on their hands or wind on their face, using ultrasound beams and airflows, to heighten the emotional impact of scenes they are watching on television.
