Ingersoll-Rand provided Team Heavy Impact with the challenge of creating a more efficient pneumatic test connector.  Currently, in order to test the model IR280 heavy impact wrench, the operator must thread a coupling into the straight inlet of each tool, quick-connect the airline, test the tool, disconnect the airline, and then unthread the coupling.  The threading of the coupling is the limiting factor and takes a significant amount of time for each tool.  During each shift, the tester may test between 600 and 700 tools.  As you can see, this method could definitely have better productivity.  Another issue concerning this constant threading is wear on the human body and possibly carpal tunnel syndrome.  The new design reduced connection time per tool from 27 seconds to 13 seconds (more than half) and completely eliminates the threading motion (except for the initial installation to the airline).  The new method, shown in the photo above, has the coupler (connected to the red airline) permanently attached to the new connection device (the knurled cylinder).  This new connection device slides over the inlet of the tool (the handle is shown to the right) and into grooves, smoothly snapping into place.  Changes in existing parts include machining 2 L-shaped grooves into the inlet of each tool.  The new connection device would be a one-time cost.