Modular and reconfigurable support system

A modular support system that comprises:

• a number of support modules in which a support module in the number of support modules comprises:
• a support structure;
• a positioning assembly that comprises:
• a linear system that comprises:
• a scissor lift;
• a first moveable base associated with the scissor lift;
• a second moveable base associated with the scissor lift;
• and
• an actuation system configured to move the first moveable base and the second moveable base to move a work platform associated with the scissor lift in a direction substantially parallel to a Z-axis in which the work platform is associated with a portion of the support structure;
• and
• a rotational system configured to position the portion of the support structure with respect to a number of rotational axes;
• a retention system associated with the support structure and configured to retain a portion of an object and move the portion of the object towards a platform such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform;
• an attachment system configured for use in attaching a tool to the support structure, such that the tool is configured to perform a number of operations on at least one of:
• the object and a wing box, such that the number of operations comprises at least one of:
• drilling, tacking, fastening, riveting, countersinking, nut-driving, painting, reworking, tagging, marking, inspecting, imaging, and videoing;
• and
• a base, in which the number of support modules is configured to move along the base.

A method for supporting an object, the method comprising:

• retaining a portion of the object using a retention system associated with a support structure;
• attaching, to the support structure using an attachment system, a tool for performing a number of operations on at least one of:
• the object and a wing box, the number of operations comprising at least one of:
• drilling, tacking, fastening, riveting, countersinking, nut-driving, painting, reworking, tagging, marking, inspecting, imaging, and videoing;
• positioning the support structure with respect to a number of linear axes such that the portion of the object is positioned relative to a platform using a positioning assembly;
• moving, using an actuation system, a first moveable base associated with a scissor lift;
• moving a second moveable base moving a work platform associated with the scissor lift in a direction substantially parallel to a Z-axis in which the work platform is associated with a portion of the support structure;
• and
• positioning, using a rotational system, the portion of the support structure respective to a number of rotational axes;
• and
• moving the object towards the platform using the retention system such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform.