Three-Function Combination Valve Series (Part 1): Concept and Functions

Today, I am very pleased to introduce this three-function combination valve – one of Hipsen’s leading products. This brake proportioning valve has established a strong market presence in North America, gaining recognition from numerous professional customers thanks to its consistent quality, reliable performance, and reliable supply. Let’s learn more about this product.

What Is a Three-Function Combination Valve?

A three-function combination valve is an integrated hydraulic brake valve that combines three key functions in one compact assembly:

Metering Valve

Pressure Warning Valve

Proportioning Valve

Although it is often simply called a brake proportioning valve in the aftermarket, the term “three-function combination valve” more accurately describes its integrated design and working functions.

By combining these three functions into a single valve, the component helps manage hydraulic brake pressure distribution while also providing a pressure warning function within the braking system.

What Are the Three Functions?

1. Metering Valve Function

The metering valve controls the initial hydraulic pressure applied to the front and rear brakes during braking.

Its purpose is to help coordinate brake application, particularly in systems where the front and rear brakes require different pressure characteristics.

By controlling the timing and initial pressure increase, the metering function helps the braking system achieve a more balanced response.

2. Pressure Warning Function

The pressure warning function monitors the hydraulic pressure balance within the braking system.

A pressure warning switch is integrated into the valve and can respond when an abnormal pressure condition occurs between the brake circuits.

When a significant pressure imbalance is detected, the switch can activate the vehicle’s brake warning system, alerting the driver to a potential hydraulic brake system problem.

3. Proportioning Valve Function

The proportioning valve regulates rear brake pressure as hydraulic pressure increases.

During hard braking, excessive rear brake pressure can increase the risk of rear-wheel lockup.

The proportioning function limits the rate of pressure increase to the rear brakes after a predetermined point, helping maintain a more appropriate front-to-rear brake pressure balance.

This function is particularly important for maintaining braking stability under different braking conditions.

Why Combine Three Functions in One Valve?

Instead of using separate components for metering, pressure warning, and proportioning functions, a three-function combination valve integrates them into one assembly.

This design provides several practical advantages:

Integrated hydraulic control

More compact brake system design

Simplified installation

Fewer individual components

Coordinated brake pressure management

Integrated pressure warning capability

For automotive brake systems, combining these functions into one properly engineered valve provides a practical way to manage different hydraulic requirements within a single component.

Hipsen Three-Function Combination Valve: Key Advantages

Hipsen’s three-function combination valve is designed with particular attention to material selection, sealing performance, pressure resistance, and functional reliability.

High-Strength Valve Body Materials

Depending on the application, Hipsen offers valve bodies using new brass forging materials or 6061-T6 aluminum.

These materials provide the strength and dimensional stability required for hydraulic brake applications.

The valves can be tested under high hydraulic pressures of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 PSI, depending on the specific design.

New EPDM Rubber Seals

Hipsen uses new EPDM materials for applicable internal rubber seals.

The valve incorporates multiple sealing points for the metering, pressure warning, and proportioning functions.

Each incoming batch of rubber material is supplied with material certification, helping maintain consistent material quality between batches.

Controlled Rubber Storage

Hipsen stores rubber sealing components in a controlled environment at approximately 15°C to 30°C.

This helps maintain the stability of EPDM sealing materials during storage and supports consistent sealing performance over time.

Carefully Selected Internal Materials

Different internal components use materials according to their specific functions.

For example, the pressure warning piston uses brass in applicable designs to support electrical conductivity, while the proportioning piston uses 6061 aluminum alloy for suitable mechanical and dimensional properties.

100% Pressure Warning Function Testing

As a professional proportional valve manufacturer, Hipsen performs 100% online functional testing of the pressure warning switch during production.

This helps ensure that each finished valve can perform its intended warning function rather than relying only on sampling inspection.

Alright, friends, today we mainly explained the concept of a three-function combination valve and its advantages. In the next episode, we’ll discuss popular models and specific functions of three-function combination valves. Bye!