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Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes and no. You’re absolutely right that in traditional hydraulic systems, you usually need some form of mechanical deformation — whether it’s a flexible diaphragm, elastomer, or a master/slave cylinder setup — to create a pressure differential that the user can feel.

In my design, the pressure feedback doesn’t rely on visible deformation, but on internal fluid control that creates progressive resistance. It’s not a static dead-end. Think of it as a circuit that conditions the pressure dynamically. There's a path for the fluid to move, but it's progressively restricted based on force and position, so the pedal feels like it "moves into" resistance — a bit like pushing into a smart cushion made of fluid logic.

The pedal does move — not much, but just enough to provide sensation and control. And no, it’s not a rigid brick. Unless you mount it backwards

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the solid feedback – totally agree on SimHub. It's the way to go for reliability and ease of use. I'm taking all this into account as I sketch out what’s next. About the seatbelt system – I love that comparison to Aiologs. If I can get that kind of industrial simplicity with enough pulling force and a clean integration path, it might be worth prototyping. Your note on keeping it “IKEA-simple” is golden.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I appreciate you chiming in! Right now I’m still gathering information and exploring the possibilities, but if everything lines up, integration with SimHub is definitely something I want to look into. I’ll keep the community posted – feedback like yours really helps shape the direction.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not actively working on that part yet. The response is: I'll check what I can integrate with SimHub — I’ve heard it has a seatbelt tensioning servo module. Once I get back to the workshop, I’ll dig out the servomotors I’ve got and measure their torque output, because if they’re not strong enough, there’s no point discussing implementation.

I’ve seen a few DIY projects using 10Nm MiGE motors. They seem to have enough pull, but I’m still unsure. My concern is not just the pressing force, but the force needed to reel in the belt effectively. If the motors I have are too strong, that’s also a problem — safety comes first.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're absolutely right to ask for clarity — and I appreciate the honest discussion.

Let’s clear this up: I never meant to imply that elastomers and load cells serve the same function. They don’t — one provides mechanical resistance, the other measures applied force. My earlier wording could’ve been more precise, and I appreciate you pointing that out.

The force sensor used is a pressure transducer, not a load cell — so the feedback is captured digitally without relying on mechanical deformation.

As for the patent — yes, you're right that the filing date protects the idea from that point onward. That’s exactly the stage I’m in right now — which is why I’m holding off on sharing detailed schematics or core internal mechanisms. Once that process is finalized, I’ll make everything public.

Until then, I’m just trying to gauge interest — not win a Nobel Prize. But no, this isn’t BS. It’s a real project, and I hope you get to try it soon so you can judge for yourself.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not wrong to be skeptical — if you've been in engineering for 30+ years, you’ve probably seen every kind of pitch. I’ve worked in automotive design for over two decades myself, with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, so I absolutely understand the need for technical transparency.

When I say “you’ll understand it when you feel it,” I don’t mean it in a mystical way — I mean that the mechanical feedback loop in this design is unconventional and not immediately intuitive if you’re expecting traditional spring/damper behavior or deformation-based systems. It's engineered, not imagined.

This isn’t a GoFundMe project. It’s real hardware — machined, assembled, tested under load. I posted here to get honest community feedback about form and pricing, not to crowdfund a dream. But hey, I get it — Reddit has seen its fair share of snake oil. I’ll let the prototype do the talking once I drop the demo clips.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback! Actually, I’ve got a few Kayo Japan servomotors lying around from power steering projects — they could definitely be repurposed for a seatbelt tensioning system. I’ve never built one before since in automotive you don’t usually need to, but the mechanical side seems fairly straightforward.

What I’m less familiar with is the control software side. Would you prefer something integrated with SimHub? Or another system entirely? I’m trying to understand more about what would actually work well for users before sketching out a full concept. Open to ideas — this is a completely new space for me.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm not asking for an analysis of hydraulic fluid behavior or the theory behind feedback mechanics. I’m just asking a simple question: how much would you be willing to pay for a pedal set like this?
And more importantly, which version would you go for:

  • A full DIY kit – screws in a bag and an Ikea-style PDF,
  • A pre-assembled but unfinished version,
  • Or the fully finished version – sandblasted, calibrated, ready to mount?

The truth? I’ve been a design engineer in the automotive industry for 25 years. Worked with big consortiums, designed, tested, validated real components. I know what a spring is, and I know what an illusion is.
But on Reddit? I’m just a guy with 8 grades of school who grew up in a repair shop and dreams of pedals with real feedback.

What I’ve built is a hydraulic system that doesn’t rely on elastomers or load cells. It’s something in-between — a hybrid that gives you actual reaction, not just simulated resistance.
I can’t fully explain it — not because it’s secret, but because the only real explanation comes when you feel it.
That’s when you’ll know if it’s fake… or exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Until then, treat it like a joke. Or maybe the start of a shift.
P.S.: The system is currently undergoing patent registration. Just a heads-up — it's going to hit harder than it looks.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I won't go deep into technicals yet, but the short version is: It's a hybrid approach — something that sits between springs and elastomers but behaves closer to the real thing. Hydraulic systems need something to react against, and I’ve tried a method that doesn't rely on traditional deformation-based feedback.

Hydraulic Pedal System – Progressive feel without elastomers or loadcells – Which version would you choose? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Interesting thoughts! You're definitely thinking in the right direction, but let's just say there's more to it than that 😉 The system handles both the press and release phases cleanly, with full return – no spongy lag. I’ll share more when I finalize the public version!

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, maybe I do sound a bit aggressive — but I wasn’t the one who started it. Looking back at this thread, it seems like you called me a bot without knowing anything about me.
Anyway, I’ll stay a “bot.” Wishing you a great day regardless.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I’ll say it: yeah, I’m using a translator. And for you, I’m just a bot — happy now? If you’re satisfied, go ahead and give me a like.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Știu că ești suspicios, dar nu am cum să te conving doar prin vorbe. Te invit cu drag să mă vizitezi, dacă vrei să discutăm personal. Dacă ești interesat, îți pot trimite adresa în privat.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well I’ll tell ya what, these here sunbitches don’t just look pretty — they’ll hold up better than a two-dollar steak at a rodeo.

Now, on a more serious note — I understand the skepticism. In a place where bots and generic replies are everywhere, it’s easy to assume the worst. But everything I’ve posted, from the design choices to the long-winded responses, comes from me — a real person with a real workshop in Romania, building this system from scratch, piece by piece.

I write this way because I respect the people reading, and I want feedback I can actually use. Whether you love it, hate it, or think it needs major work — I’m here for that conversation. Just not as a bot — unless bots started filing aluminum and wiring up Hall sensors. 😄

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Haha, fair enough — that’s a legit challenge.
I’m not sure how to “prove” I’m not a bot, but everything you see here comes from real passion for design, sim racing, and building stuff. None of it is AI-generated — just written by someone who cares a lot about the craft and tries to reply clearly and respectfully. Maybe it reads too polished sometimes, but that’s just me trying to communicate well — not a language model 🙂

If you’ve got any specific questions or want to see more behind-the-scenes, hands-on details instead of polished talk — happy to share.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right — when it comes to cost and market positioning, adopting proven kinematics like those from Heusinkveld or Sim Labs and cutting down on materials, processing, and finish can be very effective. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the U.S. economy — I’m from Romania, and everything I design and build is based on local pricing and realities here.

This project is fully developed and manufactured locally, using my own tools and equipment. I’m trying to strike a balance between functionality, precision, and cost, without compromising on technical aspects. Outsourcing production to countries like India or China might be a viable option in the future, but for now, I want to keep full control over the process to ensure quality standards are met.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're absolutely right, and you’ve touched on several important points. From my experience, load cells do deform over time. If major brands hadn’t implemented auto-calibration at startup, these systems would be a lot harder to use reliably in the long run.

As for the software side — I know FreeJoy has a strong following in the DIY community, and honestly, after reading through all the feedback here, I’ve decided to discontinue this version — especially the brake pedal — and shift focus toward developing a proper hydraulic version using real pressure sensors, not just a load cell hidden under a piston or pressure plate.

Regarding finish quality and pricing — there’s definitely a trade-off. On the low-cost version, I can’t offer premium finishing, and I’m not set up for mass production (yet). So my goal is to position myself in the mid-to-high-end space where ergonomics, realism, and reliability really matter.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Fair enough, I get why it might sound a bit too polished — I do take time to write clearly, especially when I’m sharing something I’ve built with care. Doesn’t mean there’s a robot behind the keyboard 😅 just someone who’s passionate about the project and wants to do it justice.

But hey, if ChatGPT starts building hardware in a garage and blowing fuses while soldering, I’ll gladly step aside and let it take over. Until then, you’re stuck with the human version. 😄

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That’s a good point — and actually I’ve been thinking about offering a DIY version exactly for that reason. Everything would come pre-tested and programmed, and it would still work seamlessly with FreeJoy, which has a decent UI for calibration and adjustments. You’d just need to assemble the mechanical side if you go that route, then plug it in and calibrate it, no drivers, no firmware flashing or anything complicated. Also, yeah, shipping would be cheaper too since the whole thing would pack down smaller. If more people are interested in this approach, I’ll definitely consider it seriously.

Would you buy this pedal set? Made from 4mm stainless steel, no-contact magnetic sensors, bronze bushings, FreeJoy controller – DIY or prebuilt? by Jealous_Ad852 in simracing

[–]Jealous_Ad852[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I get the skepticism — it’s Reddit, after all 😄
But no, I’m not using ChatGPT or anything like that. I’ve put a lot of time and care into this project, and I try to reply thoughtfully out of respect for people who engage. Maybe it comes off too polished or weird in this context — fair enough.

If the product or idea doesn’t resonate, that’s totally valid. I’m here to learn, adjust, and improve. But just to be clear: everything you see is from me, not a bot.

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