What function does a dog bone bracket serve on a car engine?

Answer 1

Dog Bone engine mounts stabilize the engine, but allow it to move in certain directions as needed (i.e. the engine may move up/down slightly but not side to side). All engines require a certain amount of "play"- room to move so the engine doesn't shake the whole car around. Without the dog bone engine mounts, the engine could move in unintended directions and could potentially damage the linkages and other components the engine is hooked to. And what an interesting name!