Additive parallel load path actuator using fluidic coupling

An actuator system comprising:

• at least two load paths, each of the load paths including at least
• a power source, and
• a fluidic coupling controllable to generate a variable amount of torque transmission;
• an output member common to the two at least two load paths;
• a transmission operatively coupling the at least two MR actuator units to the output member, for the output member to receive torque from the at least two load paths;
• wherein the fluidic couplings are controllable for torque from the power sources to be transmitted solely via the first load path, solely via the second load path, and cumulatively via the first load path and the second load path;
• and
• wherein at least one of the fluidic couplings is a torque converter.

A system for driving an output member of an actuator system, the system comprising:

• a processing unit;
• a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for:
• actuating at least one power source;
• controlling a first fluidic coupling and a second fluidic coupling to transmit torque from the single power source to the output member in:
• a first load path including solely the first fluidic coupling,
• a second load path including solely the first fluidic coupling, and
• a combination of the first load path and the second load path.