INTERLOCKED STABLE FILTER ASSEMBLY
A filter element for a filter assembly includes a filter media, a main seal, and a planar side seal. The main seal is coupled to an outer periphery of the filter media and disposed in a main seal plane perpendicular to a first side wall of the filter element. The planar side seal is coupled to and extends outward from the first side wall, and diverges away from the main seal plane.
1 . A filter element for a filter assembly, comprising:
a filter media;
a first side wall bounding a first side of the filter media;
a main seal, sealingly coupled to an outer periphery of at least one of the filter media or first side wall and disposed in a main seal plane perpendicular to the first side wall;
a planar side seal, sealingly coupled to and extending outward from the first side wall, and diverging away from the main seal plane.
2 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the filter element is configured to be positioned in a filter housing, and wherein the side seal is configured to interlock with the filter housing when positioned in the filter housing.
3 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the side seal and first side wall are made of the same material.
4 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the side seal and first side wall are made of different materials.
5 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first side wall is curved, and wherein the side seal matches the curvature of the first side wall.
6 . The filter element of claim 5 , wherein the filter media and first sidewall have a substantially circular cross-section, taken in a plane parallel to the main seal plane, and wherein the side seal diverges away from the main seal plane along a circular curved portion of an outer perimeter of the first side wall.
7 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the planar side seal is coupled to the main seal and is configured as an integral continuous seal with the main seal.
8 . The filter element of claim 1 , wherein the planar side seal includes a first planar side seal integrally coupled at a first end thereof to the main seal and diverging away from the main seal plane, a second planar side seal integrally coupled at a first end thereof to the main seal and diverging away from the main seal plane, and a third curved side seal integrally coupled at opposing ends to each of a second end of the first planar side seal and a second end of the second planar side seal.