Methods and systems for supporting and positioning mechanical components or tools

A system for supporting one or more mechanical components or tools, comprising:

• at least one cradle that is configured to support the one or more mechanical components or tools;
• and
• a work stand, wherein the work stand includes a wheeled base;
• a vertical support member disposed on the wheeled base;
• where the vertical support member controllably raises and lowers with respect to the wheeled base;
• a support platform supporting the at least one cradle, where the support platform is attached to an upper end of the vertical support member via a support coupling that permits independent rotational movement between the support platform and the upper end of the vertical support member around two orthogonal axes;
• three extendable arms, each extendable arm being pivotally coupled at a lower end to the vertical support member, and pivotally coupled at an upper end to the support platform, wherein each extendable arm independently and controllably extends and retracts;
• a controller coupled to each of the three extendable arms and the vertical support member, wherein the controller independently controls a length of each extendable arm by extending and retracting said extendable arm, such that the controller can position the cradle in a desired orientation;
• and wherein the controller raises and lowers the vertical support member, such that the controller can position the cradle at a desired elevation;
• and
• a user input coupled to the controller and allowing a user to employ the controller to position the cradle in the desired orientation.

A method of positioning a mechanical component or tool, comprising:

• attaching a cradle to a support platform of a work stand;
• wherein:
• the cradle is configured to support one or more mechanical components or tools;
• the support platform is attached to an upper end of a vertical support member of the work stand via a support coupling that permits independent rotational movement between the support platform and the upper end of the vertical support member around two orthogonal axes;
• and wherein the vertical support member is disposed on a moveable base, and controllably raises and lowers with respect to the moveable base to achieve a desired elevation of the support platform and therefore of the cradle;
• the support platform is coupled to the vertical support member by three extendable arms, each extendable arm being pivotally coupled at a lower end to the vertical support member, and pivotally coupled at an upper end to the support platform;
• and wherein each extendable arm independently and controllably extends and retracts to achieve a desired orientation of the support platform and therefore of the cradle;
• placing the mechanical component or tool on the cradle;
• and
• positioning the mechanical component or tool using a controller to extend and retract each extendable arm, and to raise and lower the vertical support member.