Filter leak path prevention via interference pin

Abstract

A replacement filter element having a removable pin attached to the filter element is described. The removable pin is attached to the filter element via a first interference fit. When the replacement filter element is installed into a filtration system having a drain valve with an internal draft, the removable pin seals onto the drain valve and forms a second interference fit between the drain valve and the pin. The pin seals an opening in the drain valve. The second interference fit is stronger than the first interference. Accordingly, when the replacement filter element is removed from the filter housing (e.g., during a service event of the replacement filter element), the pin detaches from the replacement filter element and remains positioned within the drain valve thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the housing when the filter element is removed. The pin permanently plugs the drain valve once installed.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A replacement filter element, comprising:
 a filter media;   a bottom endcap comprising a first surface facing and abutting the filter media and a second surface opposite the first surface;   a removable pin removably coupled to the bottom endcap via a first interference fit, the removable pin extending from the second surface of the bottom endcap in a direction away from the filter media, the removable pin sized and shaped to be received in an open passageway of a drain valve of a filtration system when the replacement filter element is installed in the filtration system, the removable pin forming a second interference fit with the drain valve when the replacement filter element is installed in the filtration system such that the removable pin will stay in the drain valve when the replacement filter element is removed from the filtration system.   
     
     
         17 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , wherein the second interference fit is stronger than the first interference fit. 
     
     
         18 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , further comprising a cylindrical extension extending from the bottom endcap. 
     
     
         19 . The replacement filter element of  claim 18 , wherein the cylindrical extension includes a cylindrical wall that defines a central opening. 
     
     
         20 . The replacement filter element of  claim 19 , wherein the removable pin is positioned within the central opening. 
     
     
         21 . The replacement filter element of  claim 19 , wherein the cylindrical wall at least partially circumscribes the removable pin. 
     
     
         22 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , wherein the second surface of the bottom endcap defines a recess, wherein the removable pin is positioned at least partially within the recess of the bottom endcap. 
     
     
         23 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , wherein the removable pin forms a seal with the drain valve that prevents fluid from draining through the drain valve. 
     
     
         24 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , wherein the removable pin permanently plugs the drain valve once the replacement filter element is installed in the filtration system. 
     
     
         25 . The replacement filter element of  claim 16 , wherein the removable pin detaches from the endcap when the replacement filter element is removed from the filtration system. 
     
     
         26 . The replacement filter element of  claim 18 , wherein the removable pin and the cylindrical extension are axially aligned relative to each other. 
     
     
         27 . The replacement filter element of  claim 18 , wherein the cylindrical extension fits around the drain valve and centers the removable pin with respect to the open passageway of the drain valve.