lev-os 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:
- Extract Harm - Remove the problematic component to a location where it causes no damage
- 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:
- Interference: Full-service model's cost structure priced out commodity buyers
- Direction: Extract the "service" component from the product offering
- Mechanism: Create entirely separate business entity (Xiameter) with no-service, low-price model
- Optimization: Xiameter optimized for pure shipping logistics - no technical support, no customization
- 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:
- Interference: Heat/power generation produces harmful emissions where people live
- Direction: Extract the pollution-producing facility from residential proximity
- Mechanism: Locate plant at safe distance; transmit power/heat via lines and pipes
- Optimization: Plant can use larger pollution control equipment without space constraints
- 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)