The normal cause of rib problems is not directly the sideways force, but the fact that the force is concentrated on just one or two ribs
You can do the same sort of damage by mounting a 15mm plank edge on in the ground and just lying across it. after a couple of seconds, it hurts.
The normal problem is that the top edge of the seat curves back under the arm, so that if you move forward at all in the seat, the sideways thrust is catching you entirely with just the edge of the seat, it's like that 15mm edge on the plank.
A rib protector will spread that load over a wider area, but the better solution is to stop you coming into contact with that corner of the seat.
Tillet sell the Rib-Tec device, a couple of ears that extend teh seat, are slightly curved to hold you back in the seat and flexible enough so you never actually come into contact with the corner.
Combined with a good rib protector, it should cure the problem. I've also seen the same idea done with a bent and padded number plate.
Of course, combine that with core training for the body, getting the muscles into shape to resist the sideways movement and bracing for your feet and legs (seen people with bruises on the inside of their knees from gripping the petrol tank/ steering brace)
The forces in karting, anvthing up to 2 G leteral, a bit over 1 G braking and 30G vertical, though the vertical movements are generally small amplitude. (Hit a kerb and all that energy goes somewhere, in a hurry)
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