PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11268522-B2
Application Number: US-201514795829-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Adhesive joint features

Abstract:
A fan assembly having a reduced dimension formed by several modifications is described. The fan assembly includes a stator having stator coils positioned within a recessed portion of a pillow that receives the motor. The stator may include wire connections positioned between adjacent stator coils and designed to terminate wires of the stator coils. The wire terminations may be on a protrusion or a post positioned between adjacent stator coils, or alternatively, the wire terminations may be disposed on protruding features of a bushing. The protrusion may be formed from an electrically conductive material and electrically connected to a motor control circuit via a flexible printed circuit. In some embodiments, the protrusion is part of an electrically neutral stator bushing having several pins. Also, a gap region between the bushing and a flange feature is designed to improve an adhesive joint.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fan assembly, comprising:
 a bushing characterized by an inner annular wall and an outer annular wall and including a channel defined between the inner annular wall and the outer annular wall, wherein the channel is characterized by an inner annular radius and an outer annular radius; and 
 a pillow extending radially outward from a central axis through the fan assembly, the pillow having a first flange extending from a base of the pillow in a direction parallel to the central axis and into the channel of the bushing, wherein the pillow comprises a second flange radially outward of the first flange from the central axis and extending parallel to the central axis of the fan assembly in the same direction as the first flange, wherein the first flange is characterized by an inner radial surface proximal the central axis through the fan assembly and separated from the inner annular radius of the channel defined by the bushing by a first gap distance, wherein the first flange is characterized by an outer radial surface distal the central axis through the fan assembly and separated from the outer annular radius of the channel defined by the bushing by a second gap distance different from the first gap distance, wherein the channel is further defined by a surface of the bushing extending perpendicular to the central axis of the fan assembly, wherein the first flange includes a surface parallel to the surface of the bushing extending perpendicular to the central axis of the fan assembly, and wherein the surface of the first flange is separated from the surface of the bushing extending perpendicular to the central axis of the fan assembly by a distance greater than the first gap distance. 
 
     
     
       2. The fan assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second gap distance is greater than the first gap distance. 
     
     
       3. The fan assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising an adhesive joint comprising an adhesive disposed in the channel, the adhesive including a first thickness corresponding to the first gap distance and a second thickness corresponding to the second gap distance. 
     
     
       4. The fan assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bushing further comprises a shoulder portion, and wherein an inner radius of the shoulder portion at least partially defines an outer radial wall of the channel. 
     
     
       5. The fan assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the shoulder portion extends between the first flange and the second flange. 
     
     
       6. The fan assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the shoulder portion is recessed within a space defined between the first flange and the second flange. 
     
     
       7. The fan assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising an adhesive disposed within the space defined between the first flange and the second flange, wherein the adhesive extends a first thickness between the first flange and the shoulder portion, wherein the adhesive extends a second thickness between the shoulder portion and the second flange, and wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. 
     
     
       8. The fan assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a stator coil. 
     
     
       9. The fan assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the pillow defines a recess configured to at least partially receive the stator coil. 
     
     
       10. The fan assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the recess is located radially outward of the second flange. 
     
     
       11. The fan assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of stator coils, the pillow defining a plurality of recesses individually located to receive a corresponding stator coil. 
     
     
       12. The fan assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a stator pole, wherein the first flange of the pillow extends vertically towards the stator pole. 
     
     
       13. The fan assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first flange is characterized by a first vertical height, and wherein the second flange is characterized by a second vertical height less than the first vertical height.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/022,600, filed on Jul. 9, 2014, and titled “MOTOR INTERCONNECT DEVICE,” and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/023,732, filed on Jul. 11, 2014, and titled “MOTOR INTERCONNECT DEVICE,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a component within an electronic device. In particular, the present embodiments relate to an electronic device having a motor with a reduced height which may allow for reduced dimensions of the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Centrifugal fans are commonly used in computing systems and other electronic devices to provide cooling of the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or other modules. Newer product generations typically introduce new features and/or faster processors that offer improved computing performance. Additionally, in the area of portable electronic devices, reduction in the overall thickness of the computer, particularly the enclosure, is a common goal for improving portability and customer appeal. In order to compensate for a smaller enclosure, a cooling fan may include a fan having a reduced motor height, which can compromise the motor performance. 
     However, as a result of these upgrades, higher thermal loading may be imposed on the system, which consequently requires increased airflow from the cooling fan to avoid overheating or throttling of processor performance to stay within sustainable temperature ranges. Also, as enclosures of portable electronic devices continue to have reduced dimensions, airflow through enclosures becomes highly impeded, resulting in increased demands on the cooling fan while at the same time requiring that the fan conform to the dimensions of the enclosure. Unfortunately, a cooling fan with a motor of reduced height corresponds to a fan having less torque delivery. Also, simply reducing the size of traditional cooling fans compromises the space needed to accommodate an electrical connection means for the fan motor. 
     Further, as enclosures of the computing systems become thinner, the space allocated for the motor and bearing is reduced, resulting in less space for mechanical attachment means. Any compromise on the impeller attachment to the pillow or base of the fan can result in reduced shock robustness, which is also a critical requirement of portable computing systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a fan assembly is described. The fan assembly may include a bushing that includes a channel. The fan assembly may further include a pillow having a flange feature extending into the channel. In some embodiments, the flange feature includes a first axial surface separated from a first surface of the channel by a first gap distance and a second axial surface separated from a second surface of the channel by a second gap distance different from the first gap distance. Also, the second surface may be different from the first surface. 
     In another aspect, a fan assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends through a center of the fan assembly is described. The fan assembly may include a pillow comprising a pillow interface surface. The fan assembly may further include a bushing that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and having a bushing interface surface that cooperates with the pillow interface surface defining an interface channel comprising an axial channel component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the interface channel includes an axial channel component having a width, or thickness, that varies in accordance with a radial distance from the longitudinal axis. 
     In another aspect, a fan assembly suitable for use in a portable computing system is described. The fan assembly may include a pillow including a flange portion. The fan assembly may further include a cover secured with the pillow. The cover may include a channel that receives the flange portion. The fan assembly may further include an adhesive disposed in the channel to adhesively secure the cover with the pillow. In some embodiments, the adhesive includes a graduated thickness. 
     In another aspect, a fan assembly suitable for use in a portable computing system is described. The fan assembly may include a first part including a flange portion. The fan assembly may further include a second part secured with the first part. The second part may include a channel that receives the flange portion. The fan assembly may further include a first clearance formed by a gap between an inner surface to the flange portion and the surface facing the channel and a second clearance formed by the gap between the outer surface of the flange portion and another facing surface of the channel. The first clearance and the second clearance may run parallel to each other. The fan assembly may further an adhesive disposed in both the first clearance and the second clearance and disposed to adhesively secure the second part with the first part. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a fan assembly; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the fan assembly in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of a fan assembly in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an internal portion of a top case of an electronic device having a fan assembly positioned within the internal portion, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a fan assembly shown in  FIG. 4  taken along line  6 - 6 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric top view of the bushing, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric bottom view of the bushing shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view between the bushing (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and a pillow; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a pillow designed to receive a fan assembly; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a fan assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partial isometric view of the fan assembly show in  FIG. 11  showing additional features of the pillow and the cover; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross sectional view of the fan assembly shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , further showing the pillow adhesively secured with the cover; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a stator having coils with wires electrically connected with protrusions attached to a flexible printed circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a printed circuit assembly having posts as well as an elongated portion designed to electrically connect with another component; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a stator surrounding a bushing, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a stator bushing having connections points for wire termination; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a bottom view of the stator bushing shown in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of a stator and stator bushing assembled with a pillow of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for reducing a dimension of a motor. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a fan assembly  100  that may be disposed within an electronic device, such as a laptop computing device. The fan assembly  100  can include a cover  102  that conceals a portion of an impeller  104 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the fan assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along the line  2 - 2 . As shown, the fan assembly  100  includes various structural components, which may limit the ability to reduce its overall size, and in turn, limits the ability to reduce a size or dimension of an electronic device that includes the fan assembly  100 . For example, the motor hub  108  and the printed circuit  124  are separated by a clearance region defined by a distance  130  shown in a z-direction. The distance  130  is due in part to the dimension of a first stator coil  118  and a second stator coil  120 , both of which are attached to a stator  114 . Also, each of the stator coils includes a wire portion that terminates in a location between the motor hub  108  (along with a portion of a magnet  122 ) and the printed circuit  124 . For example, the wire portion  126  of the first stator coil  118  is terminated, via solder  128 , between the motor hub  108  and the printed circuit  124 . The presence of the solder  128  between the motor hub  108  and the printed circuit  124  may limit how close the motor hub  108  and the printed circuit  124 , which may affect the overall height  132  of the fan assembly. 
     In addition, the fan assembly  100  is secured to a pillow  112  (or base). This is achieved by adhesively securing an outer surface of the bushing  116  to an inner surface of a flange feature  142  of the pillow  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , 1) the bushing  116  extends circumferentially around a longitudinal axis  162  extending through the center of rotation of the fan assembly  100 , and 2) the flange feature  142  extends circumferentially around the bushing  116 . In order to center an impeller (not shown) used with the fan assembly  100 , the inner surface of the flange feature  142  registers against the outer surface of the bushing  116 . The function of centering the fan assembly  100  requires a small radial gap and a bond line thickness of the adhesive filling this radial gap may not be optimal for maximizing the joint strength. Adhesives used for these types of joints typically have peak strength when the bond line is approximately 0.05-0.1 millimeters (mm) thick. For this reason, the bushing  116  includes a circumferential groove  144  (shown in the enlarged view) in which the radial gap is closer to the optimal bond line thickness for whatever adhesive is chosen. This results in an even smaller “effective” axial length (in the direction of the longitudinal axis  162 ) of the adhesive joint, resulting is greatly diminished joint strength. 
     In the present disclosure, the described embodiments allow for reducing a dimension of a fan assembly while maintaining the integrity (e.g., torque delivery) of the fan assembly. In particular, a thickness, or z-height, of the fan assembly may be reduced in order to form a more compact form factor. Although reducing the dimension of the fan assembly reduces space for components, the components in the present disclosure are redesigned. For example, a fan assembly may use space between coils, which is traditionally unused space, in order to electrically connect coil lead wires to another component. Traditional connection of lead wires of a stator coil may be performed below a component (e.g., magnet) of the fan assembly using an operation such as soldering. However, in the present disclosure the lead wires are connected in different locations such that a motor hub may be repositioned, i.e., lowered, to a location previously occupied by traditional connection means of the lead wires. Also, because the connection is performed in the previously unused space, little, if any, modification or retrofitting of other components is required. 
     Also, in some embodiments, a pillow (or substrate) positioned below the fan assembly may include one or more recessed portions that receives the stator coils. In some embodiments, the pillow is formed from an injection molding operation in which the recessed portions are formed during formation of the pillow. In other embodiments, the recessed portions formed subsequent to formation of the pillow. In this manner, the recessed portions may be formed by a material removal operation. In either event, the recessed portions of the pillow may define an annular (or ring) shape. Alternatively, the recessed portions may define several individual recessed portions of the pillow, with the number of recessed portions corresponding to the number of stator coils. Also, the recessed portions may include a size and a shape to receive a portion of the stator coils. 
     Further, the present disclosure describes adhesive joints which may compensate for fan motor assemblies having a reduced size which in turn includes reduced surface area to form the adhesive joint. In this regard, a bushing of the fan assembly may be modified to receive a flange feature of the pillow. Further, the gap region defined by a space between the bushing and the flange region may include varying gap distances. For example, the gap region may include a first gap distance and a second gap distance greater than the first gap distance. In this manner, the strength of the adhesive joint formed in the gap region may be substantially increased, and the fan assembly is more resistant to load bearing events even in instances when the electronic device (that includes the fan assembly) includes a reduced size. 
     These and other embodiments discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 3-19  illustrate a motor having a reduced dimension but without reduced performance (e.g., reduced torque delivery). However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device  200  in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the electronic device  200  is a portable electronic device such as a MACBOOK PRO®, made by Apple, Inc., from Cupertino, Calif. In other embodiments, the electronic device  200  is a different consumer electronic device designed to offer and/or display various visual content. As shown, the electronic device  200  includes a lid portion  202  pivotally connected to a base portion  204 , both of which may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. As shown, the lid portion  202  includes a display  206  designed to display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos, as well as video media items such as movies. The display  206  may be electrically connected with one or more processors (not shown) in the base portion  204 . 
     The base portion  204  may include a top case  208 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the top case  208  is designed to accommodate various user input devices such as a keyboard  212  and a touchpad  214 . In particular, these user input devices may be exposed such that a user may interact with the input devices when the electronic device  200  is positioned in the open configuration. Further, the base portion  204  may include a bottom case (not shown). The bottom case along with top case  208  may cooperate to receive various other electronic and mechanical components. 
     Although not shown, the electronic device  200  may include several electronic components such as a mass storage device (e.g., a hard drive or a solid state storage device such as a flash memory device including non-transitory and tangible memory that may be, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory) configured to store information, data, files, applications, instructions or the like, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor or controller) configured to control the overall operation of the portable electronic device, a communication interface configured for transmitting and receiving data through, for example, a wired or wireless network such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), for example, the Internet, a fan, a heat pipe, and one or more batteries. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of a fan assembly  300  in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the fan assembly  300  is a centrifugal fan designed to cool several components within an electronic device (such as the electronic device  200  shown in  FIG. 3 ). The fan assembly  300  may include a cover  302  that covers a portion of the impeller  304 . The cover  302  may include an opening  306  defining an inlet region for air to flow through the impeller  304 . The fan assembly  300  may further include a motor hub  308 , a bearing  310 , and a motor (not shown) below the motor hub  308 . In some embodiments, the motor is a 3-phase brushless DC motor. 
     The fan assembly  300  may further include a pillow  312  designed to receive and hold one or more components of the fan assembly  300 . In some embodiments, the fan assembly  300  is positioned within a portion of an electronic device such that the pillow  312  is positioned against an interior portion of a top case (such as the top case  208  shown in  FIG. 3 ) to form an integrated system. In some embodiments, the impeller  304  is designed to drive air received from the opening  306  to heat-dissipating components in order to cool those components. In other embodiments, the impeller  304  receives heated air from the heat-generating components within an electronic device via the opening  306 , and drive the heated air along the pillow  312  and/or in a direction toward the outlet region  315  thereby allowing the heated air to escape the electronic device. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the fan assembly  300  includes a motor control circuit  319  electrically connected with the motor. The motor control circuit  319  may be configured to drive (or commutate) electrical current through the stator coils (not shown) of the motor in order to generate torque used to drive the impeller  304 . In some embodiments, the motor control circuit  319  is positioned within the cover  302  or the motor hub  308 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the motor control circuit  319  is external with respect to several components of the fan assembly  300 , such as the cover  302 , the impeller  304 , and the motor hub  308 . Also, the motor control circuit  319  may also be external with respect to the pillow  312 . Also, in some embodiments, the motor control circuit  319  is electrically connected with an input/output (I/O) board (not shown), which may include a main logic board (MLB). In this manner, when the motor control circuit  319  is external to other components of the fan assembly  300 , the fan assembly  300  may include a lower profile (e.g., less thickness in at least one dimension) without reduced performance. This will be discussed below. Also, although not shown, the motor control circuit  319  may be electrically connected with a flexible printed circuit, which may be at least partially within the cover  302 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an internal portion  220  of the top case  208  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) having a fan assembly  300  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) positioned within the internal portion  220 . In this configuration, the pillow  312  is positioned proximate to a keyboard region  222  of the top case  208 . However, it should be appreciated that the fan assembly  300  may be positioned at any suitable location within an electronic device. Also, the pillow  312  and the outlet region  315  may be positioned proximate to openings  228  of top case  208  in order to facilitate the removal of air (such as heated air) from the electronic device. 
     In addition to locating the motor control circuit  319  externally with respect to the fan assembly  300 , other additional configurations may contribute to the fan assembly having a lower profile. For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a fan assembly  300  taken along the  6 - 6  line in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In this embodiment, the fan assembly  300  may include a height  332  in the z-direction less than a height of fan motor assemblies previously discussed (such as a height  132  of the fan assembly  100 ) to define a lower profile of the fan assembly  300 . This may be due in part to the fan assembly  300  including features that may facilitate reduction in the overall height of the fan assembly. For example, the fan assembly  300  may include a stator  314  positioned around a bushing  316 . In some embodiments, the stator  314  is formed from several silicon steel sheets laminated together. The stator  314  may include several stator coils, such as first stator coil  318  and second stator coil  320 , positioned on several stator poles of the stator  314 . For example, the stator in  FIG. 6  includes a first stator coil  318  and a second stator coil  320 , each of which include electrically conducting coils wound around a first stator pole  338  and a second stator pole  340 , respectively. For purposes of clarity, the wire portions interconnecting the stator coils are not shown. The first stator coil  318  and the second stator coil  320  are designed to receive electrical current from a power source (such as a battery disposed within an electronic device) to form an electromagnet. 
     The fan assembly  300  further includes a magnet  322  surrounding the stator coils. The magnet  322  is a multi-polarity magnet that includes a first polarity and a second polarity opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity may be associated with a “North” facing polarity and a “South” facing polarity, respectively, also referred to as a “north” pole and “south” pole of a magnet. Although not shown, the magnet  322  may include several pairs that include a “north-south” configuration. For example, the magnet  322  may include a four-pole design having two north facing poles and two south facing poles. Generally, the magnet  322  may include any even number of poles in which a north pole is paired with a south pole. Also, the magnet  322  may be positioned around an inner circumference of the motor hub  308 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . When electrical current passes through the stator coils, the magnet  322 , the motor hub  308 , and an impeller (not shown) coupled with the motor hub  308  may be actuated, or rotated, in order to drive air in a manner previously described. Also, traditional motors may include a wire connection (not shown) using solder to connect the wires of the coils in a location, for example, directly between a magnet (and/or a motor hub) and a circuit, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, this location is occupied by both a wire as well as solder, both of which reduce the ability to minimize the height of a fan assembly. However, by locating this connection elsewhere within the fan assembly  300  (which will be discussed below), a distance  330  (or clearance) between the motor hub and a printed circuit assembly  328  is reduced and in turn a height  332  of the fan assembly  300  is also reduced, as shown in  FIG. 6 . It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the printed circuit assembly  328  is a flexible printed circuit. However, the printed circuit assembly  328  may be a flexible material generally known in the art for electrically connecting two or more components. 
     Further, the pillow  312  includes a region of removed material to define one or more recessed portions, such as a first recessed portion  324  and a second recessed portion  326 . The recessed portions are designed to at least partially receive the stator coils. For example, as shown, first recessed portion  324  and a second recessed portion  326  receive the first stator coil  318  and second stator coil  320 , respectively. A first enlarged view  376  shows part of first recessed portion  324 . In some embodiments, the recessed portions include a series of openings configured to receive the stator coils. The holes may be referred to as blind holes, or counter bores. The number of recessed portions generally corresponds to the number of stator coils on the stator  314 . However, in other embodiments, one or more recessed portions may be designed to at least partially receive two or more stator coils. 
     In addition to or as an alternative to the recessed portions of the pillow  312 , the fan assembly  300  may include additional features to achieve an overall lower profile. For example, fan motor assemblies include stator coils electrically connected to a printed circuit via a solder/wire connection located directly between a printed circuit and a magnet, or directly between a printed circuit and a motor hub. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , an electrical connection (not shown) between a stator coil and the printed circuit assembly  328  is in a location other than a location between the magnet  322  and the printed circuit assembly  328 . In this manner, the motor hub  308  and the magnet  322  may be positioned closer to the printed circuit assembly  328  contributing to the distance  330  (or clearance) decreasing to a distance less than that of traditional fan assemblies. 
     Additional modifications may be made to the fan assembly  300  to reduce the overall height in the z-direction. For example, the motor hub  308  may include an outer peripheral portion  336  shown as imaginary lines representing a reduced height of motor hub  308  (in the z-direction). Despite the reduced height, it may be desirable to form the motor hub  308  reducing its material thickness. For example, a thickness  337  of the motor hub  308  may not be reduced when reducing the height  332  of the fan assembly  300 . This is possible due in part by positioning the stator coils within the recessed portions (previously described) of the pillow  312 , thereby allowing the motor hub  308  to occupy space previously occupied by the stator coils. The combination of the recessed portions, the location of the motor control circuit, and the position of the motor hub  308  in areas previously occupied by the stator coils, the distance  330  between the motor hub  308  and the printed circuit assembly  328  is minimized and the fan assembly  300  includes a height  332  in the z-direction that is lower than traditional fan motor assemblies. 
     Also, the fan assembly  300  may be adhesively secured with the pillow  312 . This may be achieved by adhesively securing the bushing  316  with a first flange feature  342  and optionally a second flange feature  344  of the pillow  312 . It should be understood that 1) the bushing  316  extends circumferentially around a longitudinal axis  362  extending through the center of the fan assembly  300 , and 2) the first flange feature  342  extends circumferentially around the bushing  316 . The second flange feature  344 , when used, may be designed to receive (and in some cases, align) the stator coils, and may only extend around portions of the bushing  316 . However, in other embodiments when the second flange feature  344  is not used, the pillow extends in a generally flat manner to the first flange feature  342 . Further, the longitudinal axis  362  may be referred to as an axial direction to explain and described one or more axial interfaces, surfaces or regions. The bushing  316  may be designed to increase an axial interface region between the bushing  316  and the first flange feature  342  such that an axial length of an adhesive joint between the bushing  316  and the first flange feature  342  increases. For example, the second enlarged view  378  shows multiple axial interface regions between a channel  346  of the bushing  316  and surfaces of the first flange feature  342 . As shown, the channel  346  generally surrounds the first flange feature  342  with the dimensions and tolerances of the channel  346  designed to improve alignment during assembly of the bushing  316 . Traditional assembly may allow adhesive between only a single axial surface of the first flange feature  342  and the bushing  316 , and may allow for limited adhesive bonding strength. However with the channel  346  defining a gap between two axial surfaces of the first flange feature  342 , the channel  346  not only improves alignment between the bushing  316  and the pillow  312 , but also allows an adhesive to flow around both axial surfaces of the first flange feature  342 . In this manner, multiple adhesive interfaces are formed and the adhesive may form a stronger adhesive joint. Further, the channel  346  is designed as part of a radial gap (between the bushing  316  and the features of the pillow  312 ) to include a certain gap distance between the pillow  312  and the bushing  316  to ensure flow of an adhesive (not shown) between the two structures. Also, the bushing  316  includes a shoulder region  368  proximate to the second flange feature  344  with the radial gap extending between the shoulder region  368  and the second flange feature  344 . This may allow for additional flow of the adhesive to increase an adhesive bond strength. This will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate isometric view of a bushing  416  in an isolated view, in accordance with the described embodiments. The bushing  416  shown and described may include any feature or features previously described for a bushing.  FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric top view of the bushing  416 . As shown, the bushing  416  includes an outer surface  422  designed to engage and align a stator (such as the stator  314 , shown in  FIG. 6 ). Also, an interior region of the bushing  316  further includes a bore region  424  defined by a space or void of any material. The bore region  424  is designed to receive a component of a fan assembly, such as a bearing. The bushing  416  also includes a shoulder portion  426  that may be designed to mate with a portion of a pillow (such as the first flange feature  342 , shown in  FIG. 6 ). For instance, the shoulder portion  426  may include a size and a shape to allow an adhesive to flow between the shoulder portion  426  and a flange feature of the pillow (such as the second flange feature  344  shown in  FIG. 6 ) in order to form an adhesive joint. Further, the adhesive joint may include a thickness based upon the dimensions of the flange feature and/or shoulder portion  426  to ensure a bond line thickness of a chosen adhesive that allow the adhesive joint to include sufficient bonding strength. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric bottom view of the bushing  416 . The bushing  416  includes a channel  428  designed to receive a flange feature (such as the first flange feature  342  shown in  FIG. 6 ) as well as an adhesive. The channel  428  is further designed to define a part of a gap region to receive an adhesive in order to form an adhesive joint between the bushing  416  and another structural feature. The channel  428  may be formed by a material removal process that includes, for example, a lathe. However, the channel  428  may be formed during the formation of the bushing  416 . For example, the channel  428  may be formed by injection molding, die casting, metal injection molding (MIM), all of which may include a mold cavity that include a shape designed to form the channel  428 . 
     The relationship between a bushing and a pillow may be formed to optimize an adhesive joint designed to bond the bushing with the pillow. In particular, a radial gap extending between multiple interface regions of the bushing and features of the pillow may vary. For example, one portion of the radial gap may extend between a first bushing surface and a first pillow surface (or first flange feature surface) and may include a first gap thickness defined by the separation between the first bushing surface and the first pillow surface. Another portion of the radial gap may extend between a second bushing surface and a second pillow surface and may include a second gap thickness defined by the separation between the second bushing surface and the second pillow surface. The second gap thickness may be different (for example, greater than or less than) the first gap thickness. Also, the radial gap may include several axial channel components (defined as interface regions in the axial direction between the bushing and the pillow) as well as radial channel components (defined as interface regions in the radial direction between the bushing and the pillow, and generally perpendicular to the axial channel components). 
     To further describe the relationship, the gap distance between bushing-pillow surfaces may vary based upon a radial distance from a center of the bushing. Referring to the example above, the second bushing surface and the second pillow surface may be positioned further from the center of the bushing than the first bushing surface and the first pillow surface. In some embodiments, the gap distance varies in that the first gap distance is greater than the second gap distance. 
     However, the gap distance varies in that the first gap distance is less than the second gap distance. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view between the bushing  416  (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and a pillow  412 . The pillow  412  may include several features previously described for a pillow. For example, as shown, the pillow  412  includes a first flange feature  442  and an optionally, may further include a floor feature  444 . The enlarged view illustrates an adhesive  434  extending between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412 . As shown, the adhesive  434  is in the channel  428  of the bushing extends around multiple axial surfaces of the first flange feature  442 , with an “axial surface” defined by an axial direction denoted by the arrow  466 . With the adhesive  434  surrounding the first flange feature  442  in a manner shown in  FIG. 9 , an adhesive joint formed by the adhesive  434  increases the bonding strength between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the adhesive  434  extends along additional interface regions. For example, the adhesive  434  may extend to a location between the floor feature  444  and the shoulder portion  426  of the bushing  416 . In this manner, the adhesive joint formed by the adhesive  434  secures additional features to increase the bond between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412 . Accordingly, when the floor feature  444  is included, the floor feature  444  may act in a manner similar to an additional flange feature and define an additional axial connect point for an adhesive interface. Also, while a cross sectional view is shown, it should be understood that the flange features and the adhesive  434  extend in a generally circular or circumferential manner. 
     In addition to the adhesive  434  extending to multiple features, the adhesive  434  may vary in thickness according to the gap distances between the bushing-pillow surface interfaces. In particular, the variations in thickness may increase in a radially outward direction (denoted by an arrow  468 ) from a center of the bushing  416  to an exterior region of the bushing  416 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the adhesive  434  includes a first thickness defined by a first gap distance  448  between the first flange feature  442  and the bushing  416 . In particular, the first gap distance  448  may be a distance between a first surface of the channel  428  and a first surface of the first flange feature  442 . The first gap distance  448  may be referred to as a distance between the bushing  416  and a first axial surface of the first flange feature  442  to define a first axial channel, with the axial direction defined by the arrow  466 . Further, the adhesive  434  includes a second thickness defined by a second gap distance  450  between a second surface of the channel  428  and a second surface of the first flange feature  442 , with the second gap distance  450  being greater than the first gap distance  448 . The second gap distance  450  may be referred to as a distance between the bushing  416  and a first radial surface of the first flange feature  442  to define a first radial channel. Further, the adhesive  434  includes a third thickness defined by a third gap distance  452  between a third surface of the channel  428  and a third surface of the first flange feature  442 , with the third gap distance  452  being greater than the second gap distance  450 . The third gap distance  452  may be referred to as a distance between the bushing  416  and a second axial surface of the first flange feature  442  to define a second axial channel, with the axial direction defined by the arrow  466 . Accordingly, a radial gap between the first flange feature  442  of the pillow and a channel  428  of the bushing  416  includes a graduated radial gap, that is, a gap that increases in a direction. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the direction is a radially outward direction. In addition to creating an alignment means between the bushing  416  with the pillow  412 , the channel  428  allows the adhesive joint formed by the adhesive  434  to increase around multiple surfaces of the first flange feature  442 , including multiple axial surfaces. 
     The adhesive joint formed by the adhesive  434  may extend and continue to increase in thickness in a radially outward direction. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the adhesive  434  includes a fourth thickness defined by a fourth gap distance  454  between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412 , with the fourth gap distance  454  being greater than the third gap distance  452 . The fourth gap distance  454  may also be referred to as a gap between the shoulder portion  426  of the bushing  416  and a surface of a channel region  446  defined by the first flange feature  442  and the floor feature  444 . The fourth gap distance  454  may be referred to as a distance between the bushing  416  and the channel region  446  between the first flange feature  442  and the floor feature  444 , and defining a second radial channel. Accordingly, a radial gap between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412  may be graduated, or increased, in a radially outward direction from the first flange feature  442  to the floor feature  444 . Also, when the radial gap is includes a desired graduated configuration (for example, as shown in  FIG. 9 ), the circumferential groove  460  in the bushing  416  may be removed. In addition to the benefits of alignment between parts and additional adhesive interfaces, the graduated radial gap may provide additional benefits. For example, the adhesive  434 , when disposed between the bushing  416  and the pillow  412 , may undergo certain forces (such as capillary forces) that extract or purge air bubbles from the adhesive  434 . In this manner, the adhesive density of the adhesive  434  increases and a stronger adhesive joint may be achieved. 
     While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  described a bushing-pillow surface interface in which the gap distance increases in a radially outward direction, other embodiments may include different gap distance relationships. For example, in some embodiments, the gap distances decrease in the radially outward direction. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the first gap distance  448  shown in  FIG. 9  is greater than the second gap distance  450 , and the second gap distance  450  is greater than the third gap distance  452 , and so on. Further, in some embodiments, a gap distance varies along a bushing-pillow surface interface. As an example, in some embodiments, the first gap distance  448  varies along an axial direction. In this manner, the first gap distance  448  may increase or decrease along the axial direction. This described variance may be representative of a variance along remaining bushing-pillow surface interfaces. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of the pillow  512 , in accordance with the described embodiments, showing various features of the pillow  512 . As shown, the pillow  512  includes an opening  506  and a flange feature  542 . When the pillow  512  is formed from sheet metal, the flange feature  542  may be formed by, for example, a progressive die stamping operation. However, another metal bending operation may be performed to form the flange feature  542 , such as deep drawing, MIM, die casting, machining (including a material removal process), or the like. Also, although not shown, the pillow  512  may include a second flange feature proximate to the flange feature  542 . Also, while a discrete number of recessed portions, such as the first recessed portion  524  and the second recessed portion  526 , are shown, the pillow  512  may include fewer or additional recessed portion based in part on the number of stator coils. 
     The exterior features of a fan assembly may include additional enhancements. In particular, a pillow and a cover of a fan assembly may include certain mating features designed to improve assembly. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a fan assembly  600 , in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the fan assembly  600  includes a pillow  612  and a cover  602  disposed over the pillow  612 . In embodiments when the cover  602  is metal, the cover  602  may be formed from any means previously described for a pillow. However, in other embodiments, the cover  602  is formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic. Also, the pillow  612  may include a flange feature  614  extending from the pillow  612 . In some embodiments, the flange feature  614  is integrally formed with the pillow  612 . The flange feature  614  includes an opening  616  designed to receive a fastener or other object used to secure the pillow  612  with an additional feature. Also, while a single flange feature is shown in  FIG. 11 , in other embodiments, the pillow  612  includes two or more flange features. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a partial isometric view of the fan assembly show in  FIG. 11  showing additional features of the pillow  612  and the cover  602 . The cover  602  is separated from the pillow  612  to illustrate various features. For example, the cover  602  may include a channel  604  designed to receive a flange portion  618  of the pillow  612 . The cover  602  may further include a chamfered region  606  designed to accommodate the curved profile of the flange portion  618  as shown in  FIG. 12 . Region  606  may also be a radius or other shape instead of the chamfer shape shown. Although only a partial view is shown, it should be understood that the channel  604  and the chamfered region  606  may extend along an outer perimeter of the cover  602  in manner similar to what is shown in  FIG. 12 . Also, the cover  602  may further include a second channel  608  designed to receive the flange feature  614 . Also, the cover  602  may include additional channels similar to the second channel  608  to accommodate any additional flange features of the pillow  612 . 
     When the flange portion  618  is positioned in the channel  604 , an adhesive may flow in a remaining void or space in the channel  604 . Further, the void or space may include optimal dimensions to enhance an adhesive joint formed by the adhesive. For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates a cross sectional view of the fan assembly  600  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , further showing the pillow  612  adhesively secured with the cover  602 . As shown, an adhesive  620  is disposed in the channel  604  of the cover  602  and extends around the flange portion  618  of the pillow  612 . The adhesive joint formed by the adhesive  620  may exhibit several similar properties previously described for an adhesive joint used to adhesively secure a bushing with a pillow. For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the adhesive  620  extends along multiple axial surfaces of the flange portion  618 , with an axial direction denoted by an arrow  630 . Further, the adhesive  620  may include a first thickness defined by a first gap thickness  622  between a first axial surface of the flange portion  618  and a first surface of the channel  604 . The first gap thickness  622  may be a smaller thickness to assist in aligning the cover  602  with the pillow. Further, the adhesive  620  may include a second thickness defined by a second gap thickness  624  between a radial surface of the flange portion  618  and a second surface of the channel  604 , with the second gap thickness  624  being less than the first gap thickness  622 . Also, the adhesive  620  may include a third thickness defined by a third gap thickness  626  between a second axial surface of the flange portion  618  and a second surface of the channel  604 , with the third gap thickness  626  being less than the second gap thickness  624 . Accordingly, the adhesive  620 , based upon the gap thicknesses, includes a thickness (between surfaces) that may continually increases in a direction. Further, the second gap thickness  624  may be adjusted in accordance with the selected adhesive to ensure sufficient bond strength. Accordingly, the adhesive  620  may include a graduated, or increasing thickness. While  FIG. 13  illustrates a side view, it should be understood that the various features of the pillow  612 , such as the flange portion  618 , extend around the pillow  612  in location other than a flange feature (similar to the flange feature  614 , shown in  FIG. 12 ). Also, the channel  604  may extend around the cover  602  in location corresponding to the flange portion  618 . Also, although not shown, the gap thicknesses may increase in the opposite direction such that the first gap thickness  622  is less than the second gap thickness  624 , which in turn, is less than the third gap thickness  626 . Accordingly, in this described embodiment, the adhesive  620 , based upon the gap thicknesses, includes a thickness that may continually increases in the opposite direction as that shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Also, the gap thicknesses may include a size and a shape to create a desired effect with the adhesive  620 . For example, the space or void defined by the third gap distance  626 , coupled with the space or void between the channel  604  and curved region  628  of the flange portion  618  (or curved region  628  of the pillow  612 ), may combine to control an adhesive meniscus position to provide cosmetic consistency to the fan assembly  600 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the fan assembly  600  may include a first clearance  632  defined in part by a first divergence rate between the first axial surface of the channel  604  (which may include the chamfered region  606 ) and an inner surface of the curved region  628  of the pillow  612 . The first clearance  632  may control certain dimensions (such as a size and a shape) of a first meniscus  642  formed form the adhesive  620  during a liquid (pre-cured) state of the adhesive  620  during assembly. In addition, the fan assembly  600  may include a second clearance  634  defined in part by a second divergence between the second axial surface of the channel  604  and an inner outer the curved region  628  of the pillow  612 . The second clearance  634  may control certain dimensions (such as a size and a shape) of a second meniscus  644  formed form the adhesive  620  during a liquid (pre-cured) state of the adhesive  620  during assembly. In some embodiments, the first clearance  632  (and, in turn, the first divergence rate) is similar to the second clearance  634  (and, in turn, the second divergence rate). In other embodiments, the first clearance  632  is different than the second clearance  634 . In either event, both the first divergence rate and the second divergence rate can be adjusted by adjusting the first clearance  632  and the second clearance  634 , respectively. Adjusting manufacturing parameters of the pillow  612  and/or the cover  602  can in turn adjust the first divergence and the second divergence. By adjusting the first divergence, the first meniscus  642  may be raised or lowered to a desired height in, for example, a z-dimension. Also, by adjusting the second divergence, the second meniscus  644  may be raised or lowered to a desired height in, for example, a z-dimension. Accordingly, by adjusting the menisci, the height of the adhesive  620  in the z-dimension can be controlled to a desired height. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a fan assembly  700  that includes a stator  714  disposed on a pillow  712 . The motor hub is removed for purposes of illustration. The stator  714  may include several stator poles, each of which including stator coils having electrically conductive wires wound about the stator poles. For example, a first stator coil  718  and a second stator coil  720  (adjacent to the first stator coil  718 ) include electrically conductive wires wound around a first stator pole  738  and a second stator pole  740  (adjacent to the first stator pole  738 ), respectively. For purposes of clarity, the wire portions interconnecting the stator coils are not shown. Also, the pillow  712  includes an opening  706  allowing a printed circuit assembly  728  to pass through pillow  712  and electrically connect to another component (for example, a motor control circuit  319 , in  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the printed circuit assembly  728  is a printed circuit board. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the printed circuit assembly  728  is a flexible printed circuit assembly. 
     One solution to positioning a terminating wire in a location other than between a magnet and a printed circuit assembly is to form several posts on the printed circuit assembly. For example,  FIG. 14  further illustrates the printed circuit assembly  728  having several posts connected (electrically and mechanically) with the printed circuit assembly  728 . The posts may be positioned between at least some of stator coils. For example, a first post  742  (representative of the remaining posts) is positioned between the first stator coil  718  and the second stator coil  720  adjacent to the first stator coil  718 . As shown, the first post  742  is designed to receive a wire portion  722  from the second stator coil  720 , with the wire portion  722  electrically connected with the first post  742 . In this configuration, the stator coils may include a wire (of a stator coil), which not only forms an electrical connection with the printed circuit assembly  728  in a location between stator coils, but also in a location other than between the printed circuit assembly  728  and a motor hub when the motor hub is installed. This allows for a clearance free of connections between the motor hub and the printed circuit assembly  728  and a height of the fan assembly  700  may be reduced. 
     Each post may also be referred to as a boss. Also, each post may be mounted onto the printed circuit assembly  728  by, for example, surface mount technology (“SMT”). Surface mount technology may include an assembly process in which a circuit board (for example, a printed circuit assembly  728 ) passes through a “pick-and-place” machine designed to assemble the posts (such as the first post  742 ) onto the circuit board. Also, in some embodiments, the posts are formed from copper. In other embodiments, the posts formed from brass. Generally, posts may be formed from any electrically conductive material (or materials) known in the art that may electrically connect with the printed circuit assembly  728 . As such, the posts may facilitate electrical conduction from the wires of stator coils to the printed circuit assembly  728 , or vice versa. In any case, the posts may include a metallic plating formed from a material such as tin in order to facilitate the solderability needed for the wire connection (such as the wire portion  722 ) to a first end of a post and the SMT reflow process used to attach a second end of the post to the printed circuit board. Also, in some embodiments, the posts may include an insulated, non-electrically conductive material on an exterior portion (e.g., curved lateral surface) in order to prevent electrical shorting to adjacent stator coils such as the first stator coil  718  or the second stator coil  720 . For example, an exterior portion  746  of the first post  742  is shown in  FIG. 14 . Also, although not shown, each post in  FIG. 14  may include a pre-applied solder material designed to facilitate an electrically connection between the wire portions and the posts. 
     The connection means for connection of a wire portion on the posts may include conductive adhesive, soldering or other methods for achieving electrical connection. Also, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the posts may be elevated in order to facilitate the manufacturing process. For example, the first post  742  is elevated relative to the first stator coil  718  and the second stator coil  720 , allowing for tools, such as a soldering tool, to access the first post  742  without contacting the first stator coil  718  and/or the second stator coil  720 , thereby decreasing the likelihood of damage during manufacturing and increasing the likelihood of improved manufacturing times and throughput. Also, the posts may be positioned between adjacent stator coils and may be centered between the adjacent stator coils. By positioning posts between at least some of the stator coils, the fan assembly  700  uses space previously unoccupied. In this manner, the fan assembly  700  can reduce its height in a dimension (such as a z-dimension) to reduce the overall height of the fan assembly  700 , and in turn, reduce an overall height of an electronic device that includes the fan assembly  700 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a printed circuit assembly  828  having several posts as well as an elongated portion  830  designed to electrically connect with another component. The printed circuit assembly  828  may be used with a fan assembly previously described. However, several components (such as a stator and stator coils) are removed for purposes of illustration. In this regard, the elongated portion  830  may be fitted with a connector (not shown) that terminates one or more electrical connections of the printed circuit assembly  828  such that the connector may electrically couple with another component. Further, the elongated portion  830  may extend through an opening (such as the opening  506  shown in  FIG. 10 ) and the printed circuit assembly  828  may be disposed on a pillow (such as the pillow  512  shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, the printed circuit assembly  828  is a flexible printed circuit assembly. As shown, the printed circuit assembly  828  includes a first post  842 , a second post  844 , and a third post  846 . While the embodiment of the printed circuit assembly  828  shows three posts, any number of posts necessary to connect stator coil wires in a desired manner may be used. For example, a 3-phase DC motor may require three posts, as shown. However, other motors may include more or less posts. Also, the printed circuit assembly  828  also includes extension in locations proximate to the posts. For example, the printed circuit assembly  828  includes a first extension  852  proximate to first post  842 . In this manner, the first post  842 , which includes electrically conductive portions, does not contact any surface below the printed circuit assembly  828  (for example, a pillow) thereby preventing, or at least reducing, the probability of an electrical short. Also, as shown the printed circuit assembly includes a second extension  854  and a third extension  856  to accommodate the second post  844  and the third post  846 , respectively. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the printed circuit assembly  828  is a ring, annulus, or other shape designed to accommodate various components of a fan assembly. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the printed circuit assembly  828  is a U-shaped arc that includes a first edge  864  and a second edge  866 . The first edge  864  and/or the second edge  866  may be shaped to conform to other structures positioned on, or proximate to, a pillow (or other substrate). For example, as shown  FIG. 15 , the first edge  864  and the second edge  866  combine to generally define a V-shaped configuration, which may assist in aligning the printed circuit assembly  828 , and in turn, with a component having corresponding shape. 
     The bushing may include additional features designed to facilitate connection of wires of a stator coil during an assembly operation of a fan assembly. For example,  FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a stator  914  surrounding a bushing  916 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the bushing  916  is formed from a non-electrically conductive material (or materials) capable of withstanding heat in order to facilitate certain operations, such as soldering. The bushing  916  may include several protruding features having pins formed from an electrically conductive material (or materials), with the pins designed to receive a wire from a wire portion of the stator coils. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the bushing  916  includes a first protruding feature  942  integrally formed with the bushing  916 . In other words, the bushing  916  and the first protruding feature  942  are formed as a single, continuous body from the same material or materials. This may be performed by, for example, an injection molding or a compression molding operation having a mold cavity with a size and a shape of the bushing  916  and one or more protruding features. Accordingly, the first protruding feature  942  is formed from a non-electrically conductive material (or materials). As shown, the first protruding feature  942  includes a first pin  952  designed to receive a wire portion  922  from the first stator coil  918 . In some embodiments, the bushing  916  is formed from a relatively less rigid material such that the first protruding feature  942  is flexible with respect to the stator  914 . Also, the first stator coil  918 , the first protruding feature  942 , and the first pin  952  may be representative of the remaining stator coils, protruding features, and pins, respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the first pin  952  is an electrically conductive feature that extends beyond the first protruding feature  942 , allowing the wire portion  922  to be electrically connect with, for example, a solder material. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the first pin  952  is a pogo-pin having spring-loaded pins designed to receive the wire portion  922 . Also, the first pin  952  extends from a top portion of the first protruding feature  942  and further extending from a bottom portion (not shown) of the first protruding feature  942 . In this manner, the first pin  952  may electrically connect the first stator coil  918  with a printed circuit assembly (not shown). Also, the first pin  952  may be electrically connected to another component at the bottom portion (discussed below). Similar to the posts shown in  FIG. 15 , the protruding features shown in  FIG. 16  are positioned between at least some of the stator coils. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of the stator  914  and bushing  916 , both of which are shown in  FIG. 16 . However, the stator coils in  FIG. 16  are removed for purposes of illustration and clarity.  FIG. 16  illustrates the bushing  916  having a first protruding feature  942 , a second protruding feature  944 , and third protruding feature  946 , each of which are centered between adjacent stator poles. The stator coils wound around the stator poles are removed for purposes of clarity and illustration. Also, the first pin  952  of the first protruding feature  942  is designed to be elevated with respect to the stator coils (not shown) in order to facilitate a wire connection operation between the first pin  952  and a wire portion of a stator coil. It will be appreciated that the first pin  952  is representative of the remaining pins. Also, protruding features of the bushing  916  may include one or more channel features that provide functional enhancements similar to those of the channel  428  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the second protruding feature  944  includes a channel  948 . The channel  948  may be designed to receive a flange feature (not shown) as well as an adhesive to adhesively secure the bushing  916  with the flange feature. Also, the channel  948  may be designed to form a gap region with graduated gap distances in a manner previously described. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a bottom view of the bushing  916 , showing the pins of the protruding features having an arch-shaped, cantilevered bend. The cantilevered bend as well as the flexibility of the protruding features act as a spring to create the “pogo action” of the pogo pin, in those embodiments in which the pins are pogo pins. For example, the first pin  952  is designed to provide a preloading force to ensure electrical contact to a pad (not shown) on a surface or region of another component (for example, a circuit board or a connector of the keyboard  212  shown in  FIG. 3 ) adjacent to the fan of an electronic device  200  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The pins may also include a connector integrated with the bushing  916 . For example, the first protruding feature  942  includes a first connector  954  formed with the bushing  916 . The first connector  954  is designed to receive the first pin  952 , and may be representative of the remaining connectors shown in  FIG. 18 . Also, the pins extending from the bottom portion of bushing  916  indicate a location in which the pins may exit a pillow of a fan assembly in order to make an electrical connection with a contact pad (or pads) located externally with respect to the fan assembly. This allows the stator coils having wires connected with the pins to be electrically connected to another component or components, such as a motor control circuit  319  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Also, in this manner, the stator coils need not be electrically connected to a component via a printed circuit assembly (such as the printed circuit assembly  828 , shown in  FIG. 16 ). Further, the bushing  916  may be formed from a non-electrically conductive material (or materials). In this manner, the protruding features may form electrically insulating features for at least a portion of their respective pins. 
     To further illustrate,  FIG. 19  illustrates a bottom view of pillow  912  (or base) engaged with the bushing  916 , with the pillow  912  having openings allowing the pins of a bushing  916  to extend through the pillow  912  in order to electrically connect the stator coils (not shown) with a component, such as a contact pad or another printed circuit assembly. As shown, the first pin  952  (disposed in the first protruding feature  942 , shown in  FIG. 18 ) extends through a first opening  964  of the pillow  912 . When the bushing  916  and the protruding feature are formed from non-electrically conductive materials, the bushing  916  and the protruding feature define an insulating sleeve around the first pin  952  to avoid electrical shorting to the pillow  912  when an electrical current flows through the first pin  952 . It will be appreciated that the first pin  952  and its features are representative of the remaining pins. 
     Although several means or locations for wire terminations are disclosed, other means may be available. For example, in some embodiments, individual male or female connectors are located between the stator coils, and the electrical connection of the fan assembly can be made through terminals of these connectors. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart  1000  showing method for reducing a dimension of a motor of a fan assembly of an electronic device. In step  1002 , several coils of the fan assembly are positioned within a recessed portion of a pillow. In some embodiments, the coils are stator coils of the fan assembly. In some embodiments, the coils include a first stator coil and a second stator coil, with first stator coil having a wire portion capable of electrically connecting with a circuit assembly in a location between the first stator coil and the second stator coil. For example, a bushing may include several protruding features, each of which may include a pin or other feature. Alternatively, a circuit assembly may include several protrusions, each of which is designed to receive a wire portion of the first stator coil and/or the second stator coil. 
     In step  1004 , the wire is terminated on a protrusion positioned between the first stator coil and the second stator coil. In some embodiments, the first stator coil is electrically connected to a motor control circuit via the protrusion and a printed circuit. In some embodiments, the protrusion is centered between adjacent stator coils. In some embodiments, the protrusion is electrically conductive. In other embodiments, the protrusion is an assembly including a non-electrically conductive portion (e.g., nonconductive sleeve positioned on outer surface of the protrusion) that is part of a non-electrically conductive stator bushing and an electrically connecting portion. In this embodiment, the protrusion (or protrusions) may include a pin configured to receive and terminate the wire of the stator coil. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150709
Publication Date: 20220308
Grant Date: 20220308
Priority Date: 20140709
Inventors: AIELLO, ANTHONY JOSEPH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02K15/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K5/225", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D25/0613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D29/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K5/225", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K3/521", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D25/0613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K3/46", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20136", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K2203/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D29/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K3/521", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F6/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K2203/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D17/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K15/0056", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D25/0613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K3/521", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D17/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D29/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K2203/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F6/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K5/225", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K3/46", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20136", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04D29/40", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55067250