Sounds like your looking for some kind of simulation ?
Im new to blender, so take this wilh a grain of salt… but…
Maybe some kind of cloth or partical simulation ? Heres an example of using the cloth simulation with something other then a cloth Stairs. Right now im using it to make the “skin” of a blimp rip apart for the Weekend Challenge. Im sure if someone played with the gravity setting or did the same with a Partical simulation you could do something. Also another thought, play your animation backwards. Rig up the simulation so it starts with your spiral together, simulate so it floats around and then play your time line backwards to get the effect you want.
So some ideas and food for thought since i dont have a direct answer.
Good luck.