UGEARS STEM LAB VARIATOR
Calling all automobile enthusiasts! UGears is proud to deliver the Variator as part of the STEM LAB collection. This model serves as an interactive, educational tool to exhibit the inner workings of a CVT, otherwise known as continuous variable transmission. After complete assembly, the Variator allows you to comprehend one of the most essential components needed to allow motors to run smoothly.
When used in real life, CVT utilizes a steel belt that runs between two pulleys. In order to continuously vary gear ratios, CVT simultaneously alters the diameter of the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The drive pulley is responsible for transferring the torque from the engine, while the driven pulley is responsible for transferring torque to the wheels. CVT has become increasingly popular in any vehicle or machine requiring smooth transitions between multiple gears, such as cars, scooters, and conveyors.
FEATURES
The mechanical Variator is a working replica of a belt-driven friction cone CVT. In general, cone CVT alters the gear ratio by moving a belt up and down a conical drum. Power up the Variator by spinning the reducer, which directly rotates the drive cone pulley. The rubber band belt, which runs around both pulleys, will transfer the rotation of the drive pulley to the driven cone pulley, showcasing the simultaneous rotations of both pulleys. You can alter the gears using the transmission fork to observe how the speed varies between the drive and driven pulleys. Because of the iconic skeletal framework of the UGears Variator, you can openly observe the operation of the entire cone CVT mechanism without dirtying your hands with engine oil.
The Variator building kit comes equipped with the following components: key, drive cone pulley, driven cone pulley, reducer, belt, pedal, body, and transmission fork. All 104 parts are made with eco-friendly, high-quality plywood precut with laser precision, allowing you to easily assemble this model without the need for glue, tools, or extra cutting. In just two hours, you will be able to discover the inner workings of the Variator. As an added bonus, this model kit comes equipped with a QR-code that gives you access to a learning guide for the Variator, along with a special AR UGears application that demonstrates how the Variator is used in real life.
Whether or not you are a motor enthusiast, the UGears STEM LAB Variator will inspire you to learn more about the intricate mechanisms that occur under the hood of your car. The hands-on assembly allows you to unconsciously improve your fine motor skills, while the completed build stimulates your mind. With both its aesthetic and fun appeal, the mechanical Variator is a great gift or personal treat for anyone. Grab a Variator today and feel your mental gears move!
Specifications:
Model Size: 6.6 x 5.0 x 4.2 in
Package size: 8.1 x 7.4 x 2.5 in
Number of parts: 104
Level: Easy
Assembly Time: 2 hours
Recommended Age: 8+
Kit weight: 1.11 lbs
Manufacturer: UGears
UGEARS STEM LAB VARIATOR is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Order your favorite products online and pick them up in store the same day!
Puzzle Tournament Details
Date, Time, & Location
Date, Time, & Location
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
1:30-4:30 PM
Winner American Legion
133 W 3rd St, Winner, SD 57580
Tournament Divisions
Tournament Divisions
2 Person Team - 500 Piece Competition
4 Person Team - 1000 Piece Competition
Prizes
Prizes
Prizes of Puzzle Merchandise will be given to the top 3 place finishers for the 500 piece and 1000 piece divisions.
Puzzle Tournament Rules
Competition Start
Competition Start
Puzzling will begin at 1:30 PM sharp for both categories! No puzzling will be allowed before the designated start time.
Puzzles will be secured in a bag until the timer begins. The bag may not be altered or opened before this point or the competitor will be disqualified.
Once the timer begins you may open the puzzle and begin puzzling.
Once puzzle boxes and pieces are opened, piece bags should be kept by the competitors in case a piece(s) was accidentally left inside.
Tools
Tools
Additional lights and sorting trays are allowed during the competition.
All other tools such as puzzle scoops, spatulas, magnifying glasses, and extra print outs are not allowed.
During the Competition
During the Competition
Team members are welcome to bring snacks and beverages of their choice.
Although we encourage a fun afternoon, please refrain from loud conversations, moving or standing in other team's space, and anything else that might impede another teams progress.
Puzzle Completion
Puzzle Completion
As you near completion, a team member must raise their hand to alert a judge.
Once the puzzle is completed, all team members must remove their hands from the table and a judge will verify completion and record the time.
Lost Pieces
Lost Pieces
If a judge finds a piece on the floor during the competition, they will slide a bright piece of paper underneath the piece. This will highlight where it is so it doesn’t accidentally get moved further, but prevents it from being given to the incorrect team.
There is a maximum of 10 second penalty for missing pieces. Penalty is not per piece. If you have a missing piece, judges will note the time of the last assembled piece and the puzzlers will have 10 seconds to locate the missing piece. If the piece(s) is located, the completion time will reflect the time the last piece is assembled. If the piece(s) is not located within that time a 10 second penalty will be assessed.
Photography and Media
Photography and Media
By attending, you consent to the use of your image or likeness in promotional materials and social media related to the event.