Separate an interfering or essential part from an object to place it in more favorable conditions or remove harmful interactions
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:
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.
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.
Example: Extract the cooling function from the aircraft to a ground unit.
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.
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.
Ensure the main system still operates properly with the extraction in place.
Situation (Dow Corning - Xiameter): Dow Corning needed to serve price-sensitive commodity silicone customers without cannibalizing their premium service-inclusive business model.
Application:
Outcome: Captured commodity market segment without eroding premium brand margins. Each entity optimized for its customer segment.
Situation: Cogeneration plants pollute residential areas with smoke, particulates, and CO emissions.
Application:
Outcome: Same utility delivered, harmful byproducts isolated at manageable distance.