Mechanical interlock system for a filter

A method, comprising:

• inserting, in an insertion direction, a filter cartridge into a filter cartridge manifold of an appliance, wherein:
• the filter cartridge comprises:
• a filter body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis;
• an integrated locking head comprising a first component on an outer surface of the integrated locking head;
• and
• a key extending radially outward from the filter body adjacent the first end, wherein during insertion of the filter cartridge into the filter cartridge manifold, the key is structured to pass through a primary keyway of the filter cartridge manifold;
• the filter cartridge manifold comprises the primary keyway and a second component;
• the first component is configured to engage the second component;
• one of the first component and the second component is a pair of channels comprising a first channel and a second channel that are diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge;
• the other of the first component and the second component is a pair of latching mechanisms comprising a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism;
• the first latching mechanism is configured to be received by the first channel;
• and
• the second latching mechanism is configured to be received by the second channel;
• while inserting, engaging the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism;
• and
• while inserting and after engaging the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism, positioning the first latching mechanism in the first channel and positioning the second latching mechanism in the second channel.

A mechanical interlock system, comprising:

• a filter cartridge comprising:
• a filter body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis;
• a fluid inlet and outlet at the first end of the filter body;
• an integrated locking head on the first end of the filter body, wherein the integrated locking head comprises a first component on an outer surface of the integrated locking head, wherein the first component is configured to engage a second component of a filter cartridge manifold;
• and
• a key extending radially outward from the filter body adjacent the first end;
• and
• the filter cartridge manifold comprising a primary keyway and the second component;
• wherein one of the first component and the second component is a pair of channels comprising a first channel and a second channel, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis;
• wherein the other of the first component and the second component is a pair of latching mechanisms comprising a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism, and wherein the first latching mechanism is configured to be received by the first channel and the second latching mechanism is configured to be received by the second channel;
• and
• wherein, during insertion of the filter cartridge into the filter cartridge manifold, the key is structured to pass through the primary keyway of the filter cartridge manifold.