Modular Unfolding Structure

Hi Everybody!

I had an idea about modelling a unfolding structure in grasshopper consisting of single elements of three sticks, connected at the center and attatched to the next element at the ends.

i've uploaded a rhino file of my model

the idea derived from ron resch, who physically built this structure after a Mexican Stool:

http://vimeo.com/36122966  (--> go to 21:40 to see how it works)

in the end I would like to be able to create a surface out of many more modules of it and change its appearance from closed to extended open with a slider or so.

As I am a real beginner, I of course have no Idea where to start as I had even Problems modelling the three stages, also because the center of rotation of the three elements is different in every case sothat it drifts apart with every rotation and I had to adjust the position manually.

Could someone help me with a strategy how to do this and explain it to me?

Thanks a lot! Eva