MULTI-INPUT, MULTI-OUTPUT ACTUATOR AND ASSEMBLIES USING SAME

An exemplary actuator includes a motor, a transmission, and a support structure. The motor includes two torque sources that apply respective input torques to a rotor, which rotates about a rotation axis in response to a net input torque. The torque sources are arranged such that the input torques are additive, resulting in a vector-summated torque output. The torque sources also generate corresponding reactive torques that are applied to the first stator and the second stator. The transmission couples and constrains the first stator and the second stator such that rotational motion of one stator causes counter rotation of the other stator. Thus, the reactive torques are subtractive resulting a differential torque output. In some applications, the differential torque output is used to actuate a suspension of a vehicle. The actuator is also coupled to the vehicle via the support structure, which also reflects a reaction force or torque to actuate other subsystems (e.g., anti-dive, anti-squat).