Hexagon's rotating in a larger hexagon

[thorpie]

Hello
The attached diagram shows a group of 6 hexagons rotating inside a larger hexagon. I have never seen such rotation before and didn’t envisage it until I drew it. Just out of curiosity I was hoping someone could advise of any documentation on such rotation. I cannot see any substantial use of the rotation except possibly as a lock. It seems to me that independent force needs to be applied onto each of the six hexagons for rotation to occur. There is also so much sliding of flat surfaces that friction will be fairly substantial.
Thanks for your time

Glenn

 

[mfb]

If friction is small enough, force on one hexagon should allow moving all of them.
An interesting pattern that fits nicely, but I don't see an application either.