triz-taking-out

# TRIZ Taking Out / Extraction (Principle #2) ## Overview Taking Out (also called Extraction or Separation) is the second of Altshuller's 40 Inventive Principles from TRIZ. Unlike full segmentation, Taking Out is selective: extract only the interfering part (to remove harm) or the essential part (to optimize it independently). The principle operates in two directions: 1. **Extract Harm** - Remove the problematic component to a location where it causes no damage 2. **Extract Value** - Separate the useful component to place it where it functions best The key insight: when a system creates both value and harm in the same location, physically separating the source of harm (or moving the valuable function) often resolves contradictions that seem impossible. ## When to Use - A useful function creates harmful byproducts in its current location - Environmental constraints prevent optimal operation of a key component - One part interferes with another's performance - A component needs operating conditions different from the main system - Cost can be reduced by extracting and remotely providing a function - Safety requires separating hazardous elements from people ## The Process ### Step 1: Identify the Interference or Essential Property What is causing harm, or what essential function is constrained by its current location? **Example:** Aircraft cabin air conditioning burns expensive jet fuel when engines run to power it. ### Step 2: Determine Extraction Direction - **Extract Harmful Part:** Move the problem source away from the affected area - **Extract Essential Part:** Move the valuable component to where it operates better **Example:** Extract the cooling function from the aircraft to a ground unit. ### Step 3: Design the Separation Mechanism How will the extracted part maintain necessary connections while operating remotely? **Example:** Ground-based AC unit connects via flexible hose to aircraft cabin during boarding. ### Step 4: Optimize the Extracted Component Now free from constraints, the extracted part can be optimized for its specific function. **Example:** Ground AC unit can use efficient electric power, unlimited water cooling, larger capacity. ### Step 5: Verify Remaining System Functions Correctly Ensure the main system still operates properly with the extraction in place. ## Example Application **Situation (Dow Corning - Xiameter):** Dow Corning needed to serve price-sensitive commodity silicone customers without cannibalizing their premium service-inclusive business model. **Application:** 1. **Interference:** Full-service model's cost structure priced out commodity buyers 2. **Direction:** Extract the "service" component from the product offering 3. **Mechanism:** Create entirely separate business entity (Xiameter) with no-service, low-price model 4. **Optimization:** Xiameter optimized for pure shipping logistics - no technical support, no customization 5. **Verification:** Main Dow Corning brand maintained premium positioning for service-requiring customers **Outcome:** Captured commodity market segment without eroding premium brand margins. Each entity optimized for its customer segment. ## Example Application (Industrial) **Situation:** Cogeneration plants pollute residential areas with smoke, particulates, and CO emissions. **Application:** 1. **Interference:** Heat/power generation produces harmful emissions where people live 2. **Direction:** Extract the pollution-producing facility from residential proximity 3. **Mechanism:** Locate plant at safe distance; transmit power/heat via lines and pipes 4. **Optimization:** Plant can use larger pollution control equipment without space constraints 5. **Verification:** Residents receive energy without exposure; plant operates efficiently **Outcome:** Same utility delivered, harmful byproducts isolated at manageable distance. ## Anti-Patterns - Extracting when integration is the source of value (separating tightly coupled systems that need proximity) - Creating expensive transmission/connection costs that exceed extraction benefits - Extracting without ensuring the remaining system is still complete - Over-extracting until you have many disconnected components that lose synergy - Assuming extraction always means physical separation (can be temporal or functional) - Ignoring maintenance complexity of separated systems ## Related - triz-segmentation (divides entire object vs. taking out specific part) - triz-intermediary (use intermediate carrier instead of extraction) - separation-of-concerns (software principle of isolating functions) - microservices (architectural extraction of service functions) - outsourcing (business extraction of non-core functions)