The idea was to create a structure that was deploy-able by unfolding and at the same time to imitate the flowers that open and close with the sun (nyctinasty).
This was done by using a ring at the base along which the joints slide to help close the open structure.
Two joints were used to create the structure above. The first kind of joint helps move the rods along the ring. The second joint was to ensure two rods in place to provide the pattern required. These joints were not fixed to allow different patterns along the two rods if needed. The curvatures of the rods help keep these joints in any required position.
The simple mechanism used allows the curved rods to move along the rings not only providing two, but numerous possibilities of creating openings along various points of the ring. The structure can be assembled and disassembled easily depending on the size of the base ring required. It could could also be developed to form the framing of a structure used for shelter. This could either be temporary or permanent.
NOTE: CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ANIMATE
