Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was set to be the best smartphone of 2016, until it started exploding at random parts of the world. There were more than a 100 cases reported from around the globe, and the tension quickly escalated to the company that discontinued the smartphone.
The company suffered huge losses, the market shares went down and customers lost a certain amount of trust in this Korean giant. However, Samsung was quick to apologize, get back on track and investigate the reasons behind the smartphone explosions.
Today, Samsung has come out with a detailed explanation of the whole case and why the phones got exploded. The main reason behind the explosions, and what everyone had in mind, is a faulty battery structure.
“For the last several months, together with independent industry expert organizations, we conducted a thorough investigation to find cause to the Galaxy Note 7 incidents. Today, more than ever, we are committed to earning the trust of our customers through innovation that redefines what is possible in safety, and as a gateway to unlimited possibilities and incredible new experiences,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.
What was wrong with the battery?
To find the cause of the Galaxy Note 7 incidents, Samsung examined every aspect of the phone, including hardware, software and related processes over the past several months. Samsung’s investigation, as well as the investigations completed by three independent industry organizations, concluded that the batteries were the cause of the Galaxy Note 7 incidents.
In both the recalls, the batteries had some or the other issue, though not identical. However, both the times, a short circuit was caused by damage to the separator that allows the positive and negative electrodes to meet within the jellyroll.
In the first recall, the negative electrode was deflected in the upper-right corner of the battery, and the tip of this electrode was incorrectly located. These design flaws led to explosions the very first time the smartphone was released.
The second time, when the company replaced the batteries, the insulation tape fell short and caused direct contact between the positive and the negative electrodes. Moreover, a number of batteries were missing the insulation tape altogether, causing short circuits instantly.
Considering the quality checks expected from such a big company, these small issues seem very irrelevant. Such things shouldn’t have happened if they had good measures in place to assess every part of the phone.
Samsung put up a descriptive infographic detailing what went wrong with the Note 7 Battery!
What is Samsung’s plan of action?
Based on the root cause analyses, Samsung has implemented a broad range of internal quality and safety processes to further enhance product safety including additional protocols such as the multi-layer safety measures and 8-Point Battery Safety Check.
Samsung also formed a Battery Advisory Group of external advisers, academic and research experts to ensure it maintains a clear and objective perspective on battery safety and innovation.
More than a detailed check on the battery, the company must have extensive checks on other specific components as well, that are prone to short circuits. It seems like they were a little loose on the battery side and have strengthened that. What could have made Samsung go right to the top, caused a huge disaster for the company and you learn through your mistakes only.
Hopefully, 2017 will see a top-notch quality Note flagship that will rebuild the trust with its fans and customers. The S and Note series are one of the highest selling flagships and this year Samsung will have to take drastic steps to have their customers gain their trust.
Source: Samsung
