{{expert needed|1=Engineering|talk=Definition|date=January 2015}} {{More citations needed|date=February 2024}} {{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image1=EvansFrictionConeHagley01.jpg|image2=Evans friction cone - Hagley Aug 2009.jpg|width=150|caption2=The Evans friction cone, a type of cone ring transmission. Moving the friction ring between the two cones varies the effective gear ratio}}

A '''variator''' is a device that can change its parameters, or can change parameters of other devices.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of VARIATOR |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variator |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref>

Often a variator is a mechanical power transmission device that can change its gear ratio continuously (rather than in steps).<ref>{{Citation |title=Variator: learn how it works {{!}} Ugears STEM-lab series |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2_mnoEDuJE |access-date=2024-02-19 |language=en}}</ref>

==Examples== * Beier variable-ratio gear * Continuously variable transmission * Evans friction cone * NuVinci continuously variable transmission * Variator (variable valve timing) * Variomatic * VANOS

==See also== * Epicyclic gearing

{{Commons category|Variators}}

== References == <references />

Category:Variators Category:Mechanical power control

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