System and method for assembly of large structures using modular traveling workstations

A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:

• a stationary assembly jig positioned on a floor and operable to fix a mechanical structure in a fixed position for being worked on;
• a plurality of modular traveling workstations movable along the floor independently of one another, each workstation being operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure;
• and
• a docking member on the jig and a cooperative docking member on at least one of the workstations that engages the docking member on the jig to position the workstation in a fixed predetermined position relative to the jig and hold the workstation in said predetermined position throughout work operations by the workstation.

A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:

• at least one stationary assembly jig positioned on a floor and operable to fix a mechanical structure in a fixed position to be worked on;
• and
• a plurality of modular traveling workstations movable along the floor independently of one another, each workstation being operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure;
• wherein one of the workstations comprises a cleaning station comprising two traveling modules operable to engage the assembly jig from opposite sides thereof, said modules including complementary halves of a containment shell that engage each other to enclose the mechanical structure therebetween such that spray cleaning of the mechanical structure can be performed within the containment shell.