Motor assembly with multifunctional components

A motor assembly comprising:

• a spindle including a first end region, a second end region, and at least one journal bearing pattern formed on a circumferential surface thereof and including a coupling structure depending from the second end region;
• a base having a generally cup shaped structure formed therein, the generally cup shaped structure including an open first end portion, a second end portion and an inner surface that tapers outwardly from at least about the first end portion to at least about the second end portion;
• a thrust washer having first and second surfaces, and having a fluid dynamic bearing pattern formed on the first surface thereof, and defining a central hole configured to couple with the coupling structure of the spindle, and having an outer circumferential region configured to couple with the inner surface of the second end portion of the generally cup shaped structure;
• a hub including a recessed region configured to fit rotatably between the spindle, the thrust washer, and the cup shaped structure and defining a central opening through which the coupling structure of the spindle is fixedly secured to the central hole of the thrust washer, and including a surface adjacent to the fluid dynamic bearing pattern formed on the first surface of the thrust washer;
• a plurality of permanent magnets disposed in alternating polarity on an inside rim of the hub;
• and
• a stator coupled to the base proximate to the plurality of permanent magnets, comprising a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle, wherein each of the teeth supports coils or windings that are provisioned to be energized to polarize the stator to cause the hub to rotate.