The JRi Advantage

5-keys to Superior Shocks

JRi has five-key important hydraulic component disciplines on which we concentrate:

• Reducing breakaway seal friction or stiction.
• Reducing internal gas spring rate and rod force.
• Reducing friction in running and side loaded conditions.
• Increasing dynamic response in higher frequencies.
• Reducing hysteresis.

The JRi approach to shock technology…

From the onset of the hydraulic design platform we set performance goals in five particular areas which JRi defines as highly important ingredients to reach a winning total hydraulic package. This required three specific testing dynamometers to research these areas in great depth. Each component was designed and tested individually.

JRi…we don’t just want be to good or even great.  We want to be the best.

The people and minds working at JRi are racers themselves.  So, by nature, we are competitive.  It’s this mindset that first set an internal goal of 10-20% improvement in performance based on existing standards and comparing test results to existing competitor shock absorbers.

We are proud to report that Data illustrates from each of these individual 10-20% segment gains, resulted in a 30-50% increase in performance when all components were collectively integrated as one assembly.  We are winning.  But we will never stop our relentless pursuit of examining, innovating, researching and continuing to be the best in racing shock technology and performance.  

Bottom line, the JRi formula is to conduct a whole lot of research with high-tech equipment, utilizing the most innovative minds in the game, mixed with science and engineering, feedback from testing at race tracks all over the country and input from real racers, which equals the most advanced performance of any shock on the market. 

Our success is proven on podiums all over the world and relied upon by the United States Military.  

Reduced Stiction *Updated*

With our recent acquisition of a REM Isotropic Finishing machine, JRi has been able to further improve our performance in the shaft/seal friction area.

• A typical production shaft finish using a Ra scale typically measures a 7.90 µin

• A JRi REM finished shaft using the same Ra scale typically measures a 5.52 µin

• The lower JRi measurement results in a 30% gain in overall shaft finish thus increasing seal life and lower Friction/Stiction values.

The JRi low friction, high pressure seal/shaft bearing design reduces stiction, also known as coulomb friction. This reduction results in a more stable tire contact patch loading.  The reduction in the breakaway or stiction is illustrated below. A seal/bearing assembly stores and then releases energy, effecting low speed compression damping values. By decreasing this inherent stored energy the low speed adjusters or mechanisms become much more efficient and offer adjustment in ranges typically masked by the seal bearing assembly. This hydraulic trait lends itself to improved driver/chassis bio feedback.

Have a question about Reduced Stiction?  We have the answer.  (click to send in your question)

Result:  50% improvement

FIGURE 1: STICTION REDUCTION COMPARISON

Reduced Gas Spring Rate/Reduced Dynamic Rod Force

JRi strives to incorporate as much nitrogen gas volume as possible in every design. The increase in volume offers a large reduction in rod force which is an inherent spring rate. This rate is a stored energy source that has to be overcome by the motion of the shock absorber. The reduction of this force allows for lower load transitions in changes of direction of the shock absorber resulting in improved tire load variation and grip. Another large advantage with increased volume is internal hydraulic stability which can change dramatically with temperature variations.

Have a question about Reduced Gas Spring Rate/Dynamic Rod Force?  We have the answer.  (click to send in your question)

Result: 48% improvement

FIGURE 2: REDUCED GAS SPRING RATE/ROD FORCE

Reduced Friction/Side Loading Effects

The JRi designed ‘floating’ seal/bearing head neutralizes side load induced to the shaft by the tightening of the seal/bearing head as well as chassis mounting misalignment. This is especially important with bump stop implementation. Coil-over applications generate much larger side loading effects due to the coil’s tendency deflect and bend. Test results show running (coulomb) friction, and applied side loads of 15 lbs, 32 lbs, and 47 lbs (shown). By design more energy can be dissipated through the fluid and not through the friction of the components.

Have a question about Reduced Friction/Side Loading Effects?  We have the answer.  (click to send in your question)

Result: 35% improvement in both coulomb and side load conditions.

FIGURE 3: REDUCED FRICTION/SIDE LOADING FORCES

Increased Dynamic Performance

JRi’s attention to the design and function of the main piston and shim interaction plays a substantial role in the overall performance of the shock absorber and its relation to the tire. This is achieved by well calculated flow paths and the pressure relieving qualities of the radial shim stacks to create a much more stable hydraulic environment which allows a more consistent response in varying frequencies. This allows the shock to stay more closely in phase with the varying frequencies created by the tire. Figure 4 below shows fluctuating frequency phases. The tighter the pattern, the more consistent the damping is through these phases.

As more teams implement advanced modeling for vehicle dynamics, this attribute benefits the accuracy of the model when using JRi products.

Have a question about Increased Dynamic Performance?  We have the answer.  (click to send in your question)

Result: 30% improvement.

FIGURE 4: INCREASED DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

Reducing Hysteresis

Hysteresis is typically caused by the compressibility within the shock absorber. This will consist of the hydraulic fluid, o-rings and seals, stiffness of mechanical components, shim management and the effects of cavitations. JRi has taken great care and given meticulous attention to avoid compressible design. We have sealed all unintended bleed paths, stiffened stressed components, lessened cavitations and chosen sealing materials which result in a much “stiffer” internal hydraulic system.  By reducing compressible situations, JRi has increased the response to the tire in all conditions.

Have a question about Reducing Hysteresis?  We have the answer.  (click to send in your question)

Result: 30% improvement.

FIGURE 5: REDUCED HYSTERESIS