A filter interconnect, comprising: a filter manifold having ingress and egress fluid ports (110, 112), a sump having an inner cavity receiving a mating filter cartridge, an upwardly-extending alignment channel proximate the sump inner cavity, and a resilient blocking mechanism at least partially extending within the alignment channel when in a biased position and comprising a first correlated magnetic structure disposed therein, the blocking mechanism movable in a first direction to a retracted position in response to a magnetic repulsion force generated when a complementary or paired second correlated magnetic structure is positioned within close proximity to the first magnetic structure; and said mating filter cartridge, comprising: a housing having a body, a top surface, an axial length, and an internal cavity; and an annular collar circumferentially located about the housing top surface and having an outer wall, the annular collar including securing lugs or threads extending radially outwards from the annular collar outer wall; and said complementary or paired second correlated magnetic structure located on or within the annular collar and having a radially outwardly-facing surface that extends at least no further than an outward most radial extension of the securing lugs or threads; wherein upon movement of the mating filter cartridge in a second direction to an alignment position within the filter manifold sump, the first and second correlated magnetic structures (142, 154) are within close proximity to one another such that the magnetic repulsion force is generated, the magnetic repulsion force causing the blocking mechanism to move to the retracted position and allowing the securing lugs or threads to continue moving in the second direction to complete attachment of the filter cartridge to the filter manifold. a filter manifold having ingress and egress fluid ports (110, 112), a sump having an inner cavity receiving a mating filter cartridge, an upwardly-extending alignment channel proximate the sump inner cavity, and a resilient blocking mechanism at least partially extending within the alignment channel when in a biased position and comprising a first correlated magnetic structure disposed therein, the blocking mechanism movable in a first direction to a retracted position in response to a magnetic repulsion force generated when a complementary or paired second correlated magnetic structure is positioned within close proximity to the first magnetic structure; and said mating filter cartridge, comprising: a housing having a body, a top surface, an axial length, and an internal cavity; and an annular collar circumferentially located about the housing top surface and having an outer wall, the annular collar including securing lugs or threads extending radially outwards from the annular collar outer wall; and said complementary or paired second correlated magnetic structure located on or within the annular collar and having a radially outwardly-facing surface that extends at least no further than an outward most radial extension of the securing lugs or threads; wherein upon movement of the mating filter cartridge in a second direction to an alignment position within the filter manifold sump, the first and second correlated magnetic structures (142, 154) are within close proximity to one another such that the magnetic repulsion force is generated, the magnetic repulsion force causing the blocking mechanism to move to the retracted position and allowing the securing lugs or threads to continue moving in the second direction to complete attachment of the filter cartridge to the filter manifold. a housing having a body, a top surface, an axial length, and an internal cavity; and an annular collar circumferentially located about the housing top surface and having an outer wall, the annular collar including securing lugs or threads extending radially outwards from the annular collar outer wall; and said complementary or paired second correlated magnetic structure located on or within the annular collar and having a radially outwardly-facing surface that extends at least no further than an outward most radial extension of the securing lugs or threads; wherein upon movement of the mating filter cartridge in a second direction to an alignment position within the filter manifold sump, the first and second correlated magnetic structures (142, 154) are within close proximity to one another such that the magnetic repulsion force is generated, the magnetic repulsion force causing the blocking mechanism to move to the retracted position and allowing the securing lugs or threads to continue moving in the second direction to complete attachment of the filter cartridge to the filter manifold.