How would I recreate this optical illusion without individually redrawing each line?

[robotquetron]

I'm trying to recreate this optical illusion, but I just cannot wrap my head around as to how it was created. I've come to the assuming that each line must've been made individually considering that the line spacing isn't visually correct certain sections.

I've gotten as far as to figure out how to separate the circle into the three sections but that's all.

Thank you in advance if you can figure it out!

[Grant H]

I am sure you can get the result fine tuning with the transform tool:

(obv this is far off but a start just to show you)

[Monika Gause]

I doubt that it can be achieved with the transform effect in this fashion.

But the transform effect could help when doing it manually:

you just draw one of those 3 segments and then create the copies using the transform effect.

[Grant H]

also, play around with the blend tool.. (create the correct spine)